BMW Newbie needs info!

[Hoofty]

After wanting a BMW for a long time I finally purchased one. A 1996 318TI, with a bad engine. A local salvage yard has a engine, I will be hopefully installing soon. I literally know nothing about BMW's I am need of a good BMW resources. Please help! My questions are:
1) Are all 1996 1.9L engines the same?
2) Before I install the replacement engine with 126K on it. What should I do to the engine before stuffing it into the car?
3) What are the common problems with the 318's.

[96cali]

First of all you should consider installing a 6 cylinder 2.8 M52 engine (affordable) or a 3.2 M3 S53 engine. Practically speaking the M52 will be fun but not crazy in MN winters. You would of course lose traction control. Not sure wat the yard is charging you but 1.9 M44 engines go pretty cheap.

[Bluebimma]

+1 for Cali. Theres also the option of OBDI conversion+m50 for an even cheaper price.

[campaiar]

Originally Posted by Hoofty

1) Are all 1996 1.9L engines the same?

Anything 96-99 will be a direct swap for you. State laws may restrict you from installing an engine from another year, so check on that first.

Originally Posted by Hoofty

2) Before I install the replacement engine with 126K on it. What should I do to the engine before stuffing it into the car?

Lots of sfuff. Gaskets, waterpump, front & rear seals, cabin air filters, any damaged vaccum hoses, STARTER (can't stress that one enough). It will be easier to access everything before it goes into the car. Do some research here.

You may also want to check into the local laws on rebuilding cars, especially if its a Salvage. I know here in Ohio, I have to retain all documented records for the parts I used in my swap in order to pass a "rebuilt" inspection in order to drive the finished vehicle legally. Check with your state.

As for 6 cyl swaps, lets say I'm an fan.