3-Series (E36)Chat relating to the BMW 3-Series from 1992-1999. Autodoodad
Specific models include: BMW 316i, BMW 318i, BMW 318iS/ti, BMW 320, BMW 323, BMW 320, BMW 324, BMW 325, BMW 328.
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I bought my 96' 318i last year, the car has been good to me. It's my first bimmer that i've ever owned. And to tell you the truth i had no idea i was buying a "lower version" BMW. Anyhow..........My problem is this. The ONLY thing that annoys me is the engine/exhaust noise when accelerating.
it's a mixture of raspy, scratchy and a hint of rattle. . I've stuck my head out the window as i accelerate and i know it's not the muffler or the engine. It's somewhere between the stock header and muffler. Maybe the catalytic converter? Then i peeked under the car and saw that there is 3 chambers. Resonator, Cat, ???
If this is the source of the problem. Could i just eliminate that and have a custom straight pipe made from the header to the muffler?
to tell you the truth i don't know what i want to do. I want a more "free flowing" exhaust. I came over from Import scene so this whole German engineering is very different. I need some tech advice.
Not necessaraly remove the cats. I know that would prevent me to pass emissions. Maybe upgrade them....... I honestly don't know.
Could be the CAT?.....if its bad the combs inside prolly broke apart and is rattling inside the catchamber etc. trying jacking the car up and bang on the cat to listen for broken/loose particle. or maybe you need a valve job.....whatever you do I wouldn't recommend taking the cat out for a straight pipe unless you like it even louder raspy noise...people might mistake you for a CIVIC driving behind them....heheheheehheheehehehehe.....
how much does a valve job for a 318i run? or how easy would it be to do? Like i mentioned before i was into the import scene for a while, then after i turbo charged my Integra i got tired and sold it. So all this is new to me.
Valve Job, Hmmmm not sure how much? Since your is a 4cyclinder it shouldn't to be too much BUT it is a BMW might cost you hmmmmmmmmmmmm 2 arms and one leg...hhehehehehe I dunno.......somebody help this kat out....................sorry I don't know might but change oil..
I'll swing by the dealership tomorrow to pick up a Manual and do some homework. Thanks for all the replies. I'll keep you guys posted on what i find out.
Are there any other 318 owner out there with this problem? it seems that this is some kind of situation with 318's. Cause i also notice it on 318's around town too? Am i right?
Heat shield is a good bet, like Furious said. I had a loose one on my old montero that rattled like a bitch. If it is the heat shield, you can just get it welded back in place for super cheap.
it could be the fact that is a 4 cyl. I'm pretty sure I know the sound you speak of, and it sounds like that because its a 4. An intake will help, or even debaffling the stock airbox.
__________________ <span style='color:gray'><span style='font-family:Courier'>1995 e36 3 Series RIP
1999 e46 3 Series BURN IN HELL
2000 MR-S Roadster= Current</span></span>
Originally posted by SinSeven@Apr 23 2004, 05:55 PM Are there any other 318 owner out there with this problem? it seems that this is some kind of situation with 318's. Cause i also notice it on 318's around town too? Am i right?
Yes I have been moticing that on my car as well. I cant hear it with windows closed, but as soon as they roll down it sounds horrible. Another weird thing is that since the 318 stock exhaust isnt the greatest, if you stand behind the car and have somebody rev it a bit, it sounds like its farting. Thats the closest word I can use to describe it.
But back on topic, my brothers Lexus gs400 was making that same rattling noise as well and he took to dealership and they took out the heat plate and its fine now. Charged about 125 for that though
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. I've stuck my head out the window as i accelerate and i know it's not the muffler or the engine. It's somewhere between the stock header and muffler. Maybe the catalytic converter? Then i peeked under the car and saw that there is 3 chambers. Resonator, Cat, ??? 
I honestly don't know. 
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