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Purchasing Used BMW 318ti

12 messages,  Last post on Nov 08, 2009 at 8:42 PM

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#1 of 12 Purchasing 318ti by carver2 Nov 05, 2006 (6:32 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 9:58 am) mrbimmer (Nov 06, 2006 5:51 pm) div2 (Nov 08, 2006 6:14 am)
#2 of 12 Re: Purchasing 318ti [carver2] by div2 Nov 06, 2006 (9:58 am)
Replying to: carver2 (Nov 05, 2006 6:32 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 12 Re: Purchasing 318ti [carver2] by mrbimmer Nov 06, 2006 (5:51 pm)
Replying to: carver2 (Nov 05, 2006 6:32 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 6:14 am)
#4 of 12 Re: Purchasing 318ti [mrbimmer] by div2 Nov 08, 2006 (6:14 am)
Replying to: mrbimmer (Nov 06, 2006 5:51 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..
#5 of 12 thinking about it..... by stanchak Mar 14, 2009 (2:10 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? Replies to this message: roadburner (Mar 16, 2009 8:34 pm) hpmctorque (Sep 20, 2009 6:39 pm) roadburner (Sep 25, 2009 8:12 pm)
#6 of 12 Re: thinking about it..... [stanchak] by roadburner Mar 16, 2009 (8:34 pm)
Replying to: stanchak (Mar 14, 2009 2:10 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. Replies to this message: hpmctorque (Sep 20, 2009 6:39 pm) roadburner (Sep 25, 2009 8:12 pm)
#7 of 12 Re: thinking about it..... [roadburner] by hpmctorque Sep 20, 2009 (6:39 pm)
Replying to: roadburner (Mar 16, 2009 8:34 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. Replies to this message: roadburner (Sep 25, 2009 8:12 pm)
#8 of 12 Re: thinking about it..... [hpmctorque] by roadburner Sep 25, 2009 (8:12 pm)
Replying to: hpmctorque (Sep 20, 2009 6:39 pm) What annual mileage are you basing the $50-$75 per month that you suggest putting aside for for maintenance and repair?   My annual mileage works out to 9000 miles. My last look at the spreadsheet showed that maintenance and repair costs averaged $33/month- but that number will go up again as I recently bought a new set of track tires.   Also is this range based on the owner performing all maintenance and repair work?   No; I perform the Oil Service and Inspection I maintenance as well as replacing belts, bulbs, etc., but for everything else I use my dealer or my indie BMW tech.
#9 of 12 Purchasing a 1998 318Ti for my daughter by topbiz1 Nov 02, 2009 (6:44 am)
I am purchasing a 1998 318Ti M model w/auto for my daughter for $4800- SUPER clean-No oil leaking at 108,000. Any thoughts? I had heard a rumor about head gaskets being an issue. Replies to this message: roadburner (Nov 02, 2009 5:02 pm)
#10 of 12 Re: Purchasing a 1998 318Ti for my daughter [topbiz1] by roadburner Nov 02, 2009 (5:02 pm)
Replying to: topbiz1 (Nov 02, 2009 6:44 am) Nice car! I've had my 1995 ti since new:     Head gaskets are NOT an issue on the M44 motor unless the car was repeatedly overheated. As always, the key to the successful purchase of any older 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 dealer or indie shop lined up to handle any repairs and maintenance? The drivetrain should easily go over 200K miles with regular maintenance.

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