Originally Posted by
2V8s
thats intersting you starte with a 214si. I guess the "bubble" shape from '95?
I have a 214Si16v, a '94 so one of the last of the "wedge" shape. I have had it 16 years and it has never had HGF. However, I decided when the clutch started slipping at 110k miles (175,000km) rather than take the easy option to change clutch, for some stupid reason I bought a 1.6 k-series to swap in as I fancied a bit more power. But this has beena nightmare because the engine I bought I trusted to be good but was not! so currently rebuilding the head, and have my perfectly OK 1.4 engine sitting on the floor in the garage!
I wish i'd gone straight to the 1.8 like you did as they are all the same visually (except the vvc) but the 1.8s are more expensive, say around 300-400 to buy (more than a whole car most of the time!) whereas I got the 1.6 with gearbox etc for £80. Oh well, at least I am learning and can now comfortably say I know how to do a cambelt change, head gasket change, and strip and rebuild a 16v cylinder head!
Anyway, I digress.
Welcome and good luck with your search. There are a few other German owners on here who I'm sure will say Hi in due course!