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BMW 318ti

174 messages,  Last post on Nov 08, 2009 at 9:42 PM

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Messages Page 17 of 18

#160 of 174 Re: HELP - 318TI SHOPPING SUGGESTIONS [belgso] by roadburner

Mar 16, 2009 (9:45 pm)

Replying to: belgso (Mar 14, 2009 6:01 pm)
The ti has proven to be a very durable car. I have a 1995 with 114K and I've had very few problems with it. My running costs average $50/month, and that number includes a set of sticky track rubber every 25,000 miles or so.
I doubt the car you are looking at has power seats, they were never an option on the ti.
The key to the successful purchase of any high mileage BMW is to have it thoroughly checked out by a QUALIFIED BMW technician. I'd also want to take a look at the vehicle service history. Was the oil changed regularly? Was the DOT 4 brake fluid changed every two years? Coolant every three(using only BMW Coolant)? How about the transmission and final drive? Do you have a good BMW indie shop lined up to handle any repairs and maintenance? The drivetrain should easily go over 200K miles with regular maintenance.
You can buy a Carfax report, but be aware that the results aren't always conclusive; I've seen some cars with a clean Carfax that have sustained major damage.

#161 of 174 Re: re: buying a used ti [wrenseybold] by sabrina20

Oct 12, 2010 (4:58 pm)

Replying to: wrenseybold (Mar 21, 2000 8:02 pm)
Well, looking for quality it takes a lot of effort.

#162 of 174 The right part number by kenneth813

Dec 21, 2010 (11:24 pm)

I am going to replace a radiator by myself and order the parts online. After searching a few different web sites, it shows different brand name and different size but all fit into my car, how can it possible with different size? I am wondering where I can find the right part for my car? Thanks.

#163 of 174 Purchasing 318ti by carver2

Nov 05, 2006 (7:32 am)

I am interested in purchasing a 1995 318ti. Seller is asking $7,000 but Edmunds and Kelley both list price for this year and model at $4,000. Any ideas why seller would be asking so much? Also, any mechanical problems with this year and model I should be aware of before buying?
 
thanks.

#164 of 174 Re: Purchasing 318ti [carver2] by div2

Nov 06, 2006 (10:58 am)

Replying to: carver2 (Nov 05, 2006 7:32 am)
Seller is asking $7,000 but Edmunds and Kelley both list price for this year and model at $4,000. Any ideas why seller would be asking so much?
 
Perhaps mileage? Condition? Full service history? Edmunds and KBB values are estimates- nothing more. In the end, that ti is simply worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it.
 
Also, any mechanical problems with this year and model I should be aware of before buying?
 
I'm the original owner of a 1995 318ti Club Sport(one of 300 built). At 11 years and 105,000 miles my ti has needed the following non-scheduled maintenance:
O2 sensor(recall)
both fuel sending units(warranty)
alarm module(warranty)
2 sets of front brake pads
1 set of rear brake pads
1 set of brake rotors
2 serpentine belts(replaced as a precaution)
2 idler pulleys
1 timing chain tensioner(replaced as a precaution)
3 sets of W or Z rated tires
1 battery(replaced at ten years, one month)
4 sets of wiper blades
5 exterior bulbs
The car has seen more than a few drivers schools and autocrosses and is driven in every kind of weather except ice and snow. It's a rare drive when I don't wind it to the redline at least three or more times. No other car I've owned comes close to the reliability of my Club Sport. In fact, I wouldn't sell my ti for less than $10,000. And if nobody is willing to pay that price, so what? I'll just drive it another 11 years...

#165 of 174 Re: Purchasing 318ti [carver2] by mrbimmer

Nov 06, 2006 (6:51 pm)

Replying to: carver2 (Nov 05, 2006 7:32 am)
I have to agree with the other blogger who previously answered your question. I have a 1997 318ti premium package model. I wouldn't even take $8,000. My only caution would be to make sure you know who's selling it. Around 120,000 miles most ti's might need a clutch, but within 40,000 miles. But that really is it. The exhaust is stainless steel, i use that as an example as to the quality of the car. I am not sure, maybe you could get a re-map, because i have heard that from either 1996 or 1997 onward the engines use a different ECU that drastically improves performance. However I am not totally sure. I've seen well taken maintained TI's run past 238,000 miles, so I think in any case it is a safe bet as long as you know its history. TI's are excellent cars that would make you question why people didn't buy them, they get 30+ mpg, are RWD, sound good, drive good, and aren't fast enough to get you in trouble with the law.

#166 of 174 Re: Purchasing 318ti [mrbimmer] by div2

Nov 08, 2006 (7:14 am)

Replying to: mrbimmer (Nov 06, 2006 6:51 pm)
I am not sure, maybe you could get a re-map, because i have heard that from either 1996 or 1997 onward the engines use a different ECU that drastically improves performance.
 
In 1996 BMW switched from the 1.8 liter M42 engine to the 1.9 M44. At the same time OBD II was implemented. While a dead stock M44 has a very slight edge in power, a Conforti chipped M42 will have a 10-15 hp advantage. In any event, the only way to make significant power is to either build a stroker engine(see: Metric Mechanic) or fit a Downing Atlanta supercharger..

#167 of 174 thinking about it..... by stanchak

Mar 14, 2009 (3:10 pm)

I am in need of a car, I have found a 318ti, not in the best shape as far as interior. I have a friend who is a mechanic and has told me that these cars have major oil leaking problems past 70,000 miles. This car has 174,000 miles year model 1995. Is this common and should I stay away?

#168 of 174 Re: thinking about it..... [stanchak] by roadburner

Mar 16, 2009 (9:34 pm)

Replying to: stanchak (Mar 14, 2009 3:10 pm)
Your friend doesn't know very much-if anything-about BMWs. I have a 1995 318ti that I have owned since new. At 115,000 miles it doesn't leak a drop of oil. I also belong to the two largest ti digests and there has been absolutely no mention of "major oil leaking problems"- period. That said, if the car's interior is in poor shape then the odds are very good that the mechanicals have also been neglected. If you are seriously interested in the car you need to have it thoroughly inspected by a good BMW tech. Taking it to Billy Bob's Auto Repair and Tanning Salon isn't going to cut it. Finally, be aware that you should set aside $50-$75 per month to cover maintenance and repair costs. If you aren't willing or able to do that you should probably look elsewhere.

#169 of 174 Re: thinking about it..... [roadburner] by hpmctorque

Sep 20, 2009 (7:39 pm)

Replying to: roadburner (Mar 16, 2009 9:34 pm)
You seem very knowledgeable about the 318ti. What annual mileage are you basing the $50-$75 per month that you suggest putting aside for for maintenance and repair? Also is this range based on the owner perpfromaning all maintenance and repair work? If not, that range seems quite low. I base this on a couple of older cars I own, including a very well maintained '87 E30 6-cylinder with 124,000 miles. I understand the 318ti is a 4-cylinder, and it's newer, and that you may be basing your estimated maintenance and repair figures on doing your own work.

Messages Page 17 of 18

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