Purchasing Used BMW 318ti

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

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#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..

#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.

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..