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Purchasing Used BMW 318ti

4 messages,  Last post on Nov 08, 2006 at 7:14 AM

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#1 of 4 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. Replies to this message: div2 (Nov 06, 2006 10:58 am) mrbimmer (Nov 06, 2006 6:51 pm) div2 (Nov 08, 2006 7:14 am)
#2 of 4 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...
#3 of 4 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. Replies to this message: div2 (Nov 08, 2006 7:14 am)
#4 of 4 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..

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