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Kevin Keller's BMW 318is
NEIRAD enilno editionNo matter how many different BMW models that exist today, it is safe to say that BMW’s origins go back to the iconic 3-series. Senior Kevin Keller’s 1994 318is is part of the third generation of the BMW 3-series. This generation, dubbed the E36, ran from 1992-1998. BMW typically offers two engine options in nearly all their models, in 1994 the 318is was equipped with the lower output of the options, a 1.8 liter inline four cylinder engine. This small engine had an output of 138 horsepower and 130 ft-lbs of torque. This may not sound like much, but with a curb weight of just under 3000lbs, the 318is proved to get up and go pretty quickly. BMW also offered an inline six cylinder engine for the 3-series back in the 90’s. From 1992-1995 the higher model 325i came with a 2.5 liter inline six cylinder which had an output of 189 horsepower and 181ft-lbs of torque. From 1996-1998, BMW increased the displacement of the 6 cylinder to 2.8 liters for a gain of only one horsepower, but 19 additional ft-lbs of torque. This increased engine size gave the model the name 328i.
At first glance BMW model names may seem confusing, however the system is remarkably efficient. The 3 indicates the series, and the two additional digits indicate the size of the engine, in Kevin’s case, 1.8 liters. The “is” at the end is BMW’s reference for a coupe. The four door sedans are left with just the ‘I’ at the end to indicate fuel injection.
Kevin’s father bought the jet black 318is back in the fall of 2009, in anticipation of Kevin getting his drivers license. Kevin’s father fell in love with the car as soon as he drove it, and despite the 190,000 miles on the odometer, he hoped to pass on his affection for the car to Kevin as well. There was only one problem: the car is a stick shift. Luckily BMW forges one of the most delightful manual transmissions on the market, slick, precise and assuring, so the learning curve was reduced. After about two months practicing, Kevin was able to drive the five-speed 318is like a pro and realize the full potential of BMW’s flagship sports sedan. “I like the fact that it’s standard- that you can feel the raw power of the car. It’s fun to zip around town in!” Keller said. Since Kevin’s inheritance of the 318is, he has upgraded the stereo system, added 35 watt 6000k HID headlights, and put 35% titanium tint on the windows.
Titanium window tint is different than the standard smoked color that most people opt for. Titanium tint is 50% more reflective on the outside than the smoked, and because of the mirror like look from the exterior, it is more effective in blocking light entering the car. It allows an owner to get a lighter tint (higher percentage of light transmittance) and retain the same qualities of making it difficult to look into the interior of the car, but significantly less difficult to see out (especially at night) that is a consequence of dark smoke tints.
