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Digby_Willard · Guest

My basic question is whether I can put a head from a 1983 320i on a 1984 318i.

I think they both use the M10 motor, but am not sure if there are some differences in the head or other parts.

Digby Willard · Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2001 6:06 pm Post subject: Will 320i head work on 318?

This is a follow-up to my own question for the benefit of someone else with the same question.

From roughly 1980 until 1983, BMW put a 1.8 liter engine in the 320i, but did not change the badging to reflect this. This 1.8 liter engine is identical to the engine used in the 318i marketed in the U.S. beginning in 1984.

Just for info, I purchased the cylinder head assembly from a 320i in question, and it appears to be exactly the same as the head on my 1984 318i. Now I have a head to tinker with and do a valve job, maybe port & polish, add a reground cam, etc. Not bad for a $64.00 eBay purchase, including shipping.