The E36 318ti is an interesting example of BMWs marketing.  Originally introduced in the US in 1995 as BMWs "entry level" automobile, this car had a sticker price of $19,999.   Nicely equipped it easily reached the mid $20Ks.  As the only hatchback (aka compact) in the BMW line, it looked bizarre to most.  It was a sedan from the front doors forward, but a hatchback from the doors rearward.  It was 6 inches shorter than a normal E36 car.  It's only engine available was a 138hp, 1.8L DOHC motor (known to BMW enthusiasts as the M42 motor).

In 1996, the motor changed to a 1.9L DOHC (the M44) with the same horsepower rating.  Various options came and went and by December 1998, the last 318ti was built.  The ti was now dead for the moment as talks of an E46 (the new body style) compact are rumored.

With only 138hp, the rear wheel drive platform of the BMW can't be enjoyed to it's fullest.  Many enthusiasts use different intakes, new chips even turbochargers to extract more horsepower from the small 4 cylinder engine.   It's handling is it's best attribute as it's an E36 chassis on the front, but retains the trailing arm suspension of the E30 in the back.  Where the ti couldn't compete with it's horsepower gifted brethern such as the E36 M3 or E39 540i, it's handling is it's best virtue.

Enter UUC Motorwerks' Project 332ti.  Take a 1995 stock 318ti and install the 3.2L, 240hp engine from the big brother M3.  Install capable suspension, brakes, and other features to give the ti the scoot needed to outpower a normal M3.  Sounds like fun, doesn't it?

UUC Motorwerks specializes in short shift kits for BMWs so why not build a car to show off it's products?  Take it to the driver schools, autocrosses, and the occasional drag race.  With the help of very knowledgable people and gracious sponsors, the project begins.

This project was documented and covered in the August 1999 Bimmer magazine, the magazine about BMW.  Then Editor-in-Chief Jim Resnick along with The Roundel's Mike Miller photograph and document the transformation from a stock 318ti to it's 332ti state.  The project would not have been possible without the help from the following companies and individuals:

 
a/d/s/ Mobile Electronics
Nakamichi
The Sound Concept
Koenig USA
Brett Anderson, Koala Motorsport		 Pirelli Tire
IFG Wheels
H&R Special Springs
B&B TriFlow Exhausts
Tinteks Solar Protection
Graphtek Designs		 Performance Service & Parts
Bonneville Motorwerks
Zionsville Autosport
South Motors BMW
 

Begin the tour of the transformation...

© Copyright 1999 UUC Motorwerks.  All Rights Reserved.