Buyers Guide - What to look for.

[1996 328ti]

This is not meant to scare anyone off who is interested in purchasing a 318ti but to help them make an informed decision. Most problems are easily repairable. The models pertain to the US.

1995 M42 1.8L engine




Clubsport
Base
Active
Sport
1996 - 1998 M44 1.9L engine

Base
Active
Sport
1999 M44 1.9L

Sport
Known problems

Window regulators
Peeling tape on B pillars (1995-1997)
Headliner coming loose
This first message will be edited as time goes on.

[96cali]

Brilliant! Don't forget ball joints, control arms, rear shock mounts all at certain milage (?).


Thanks Steve!

[1996 328ti]

Brilliant! Don't forget ball joints, control arms, rear shock mounts all at certain milage (?).


Thanks Steve!Well those are things to check in any car. I suppose we can include it but I'd rather be ti specific. If someone has a url for what to look for in E36s, I'd include that.

[angel318ti]

I have owned a 318ti (96) for a little more than 3 years now. I can honestly say that this car is one of the best that I have ever owned. I have spent more time and money customizing than doing repairs to keep it running. Very low maintenanace and very practical. The only repair that I have had to make were my radiator(Thermostat froze shut and cracked the radiator) and the rear shock bushings. A very reliable car and worth every cent!

[not2fast]

So what 5 things should I look for when I am looking at a 318ti?

The headliner is a no brainer. I will test the windows. When do the bushing and ball joints go out?

[96ti]

look for cracked thermostat housing. That thing is plastic and may be cracked at a certain mileage. but that thing is very easy to repair. Only cost me around $50 for parts; I did it myself. If you are not a kind of DIY person, it may cost you a coupe hundreds.

[aceyx]

96; did it actually crack on you or was this preventative maintenance?

[madfronter]

So far I've replaced my camshaft speed sensor, both oxygen sensors, controll arms and balljoints, halfshafts, rear wheel bearings, clutch, I'm about to change the ignition wires and the tensioner pulleys for the AC, waterpump and alternator. I think that's all I've done so far.

[wazzu70]

One thing to include in this post is the difference between the base, active, and sport models. Things like if all came with LSD, leather ect. For a noob to these cars this is the post I would look in to find that kind of information.

[Zane-O]

Hey,

I agree, I really want to know what the difference is between the various models. I've done searches on this forum, and still haven't found it.

I was about to make a separate post, but did a last search, and found this one...


So, I'll wait and see if this gets answered.

Edit: Hmm... I did just find this which gives an answer: http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3626&highlight=difference+models


Thanks,



Zane-O

[ALAINEPJ]

What milage for shock mounts? I have had my 96 sport since 2001 and at ~150k I replaced motor mounts, and window regulator, and at 180k was the first time I needed rear shocks. Maint has been pricey at times - but worth it!

[andyman7931]

What milage for shock mounts? I have had my 96 sport since 2001 and at ~150k I replaced motor mounts, and window regulator, and at 180k was the first time I needed rear shocks. Maint has been pricey at times - but worth it!

I replace shock mounts whenever I replace shocks since they're cheap and you're in there anyway. I've seen rear mounts fail (even new ones) so if they break you'll replace them sooner anyway

[ALAINEPJ]

I replace shock mounts whenever I replace shocks since they're cheap and you're in there anyway. I've seen rear mounts fail (even new ones) so if they break you'll replace them sooner anyway


Thanks!! :smile:

[SporTi]

So are the B-pillars on the door supposed to be taped out black? I've seen them both ways. Mine are body color. If black, can I get the "tape" or should I simply get a can of trim paint?

[Etienne]

It was mentioned before, but I think the window regulator, though apparently a general E36 issue, would be worth giving prospective buyers a heads up about -- perhaps just to let them know it isn't that big of a deal to fix so they don't get upset.

I'm not sure if its worth mentioning, as its probably just normal wear, but the rear hatch struts tend to have some issues (at least on the 2 cars I have owned).

What about the steering column..? Something with a coil in the steering column making noise when you turn the wheel all the way (i.e. parking). This is an easy thing to check in a test drive.

Airbag sensor thing under the passenger seat?

[crow13pro]

As mentioned, the window regulators are an issue to watch (replaced 2X_). I have a '99 sport ti and love it. Regular maintainance is a must. The fog lamps tend to crack inexplicably at times (an E36 problem in general)...use BAV protectors. I had the passenger air bag seat sensor go out under warranty; and one of the engine mounts come loose under warranty. Front ball joints will need to be replaced. Brakes are outstanding. Handling is great; manual transmission is fun and adds more "pep" to the car. The practicality of the hatchback was a real selling point for me. The sport model interior is an upgrade; larger wheels and tires; stiffer suspension; "M" front and rear fascias with side mouldings; "M" 3-spoke steering wheel. One other thing, my radio had to be replaced, the toggle for the CD/radio selector became inoperative....so check that out. Check for valve cover gasket leaks.

[3DGE]

Damn the headliner, how do i get it sticking back on the cealing?

[sanantonioch]

I want to know which model years came with an LSD.

Thanks.

[sanantonioch]

I want to know which model years came with an LSD.

Thanks.

Still looking to find out what years came with an LSD in them. Looking at buying a 99 sport (has the M front and rear bumbers, side moldings, and 3 spoke steering wheel). Please help.

Thanks.

[BleMW]

I have owned a 318ti (96) for a little more than 3 years now. I can honestly say that this car is one of the best that I have ever owned. I have spent more time and money customizing than doing repairs to keep it running. Very low maintenanace and very practical. The only repair that I have had to make were my radiator(Thermostat froze shut and cracked the radiator) and the rear shock bushings. A very reliable car and worth every cent!

i agree - waterpump was my problem for a while (and thermostat)

i've rebuilt my tranny and had a waterpump problem for a while (besides that pesky window problem)

but i'ts very low maintenance!! love it love it love it

[JakeNotCliff]

Is there any preventative maintenance that can be done to prolong the life of the original window regulators, assuming they're still alright?

[1996 328ti]

Is there any preventative maintenance that can be done to prolong the life of the original window regulators, assuming they're still alright?I used to replace the white bushings every couple years. Also when it's very cold, I lower the window slowly but giving the button short taps.

[JakeNotCliff]

Sounds good to me. After all, it's a problem with the grease drying out and creating too much friction/resistance, correct?

[1996 328ti]

Sounds good to me. After all, it's a problem with the grease drying out and creating too much friction/resistance, correct?
Possibly. It's also a poor design.

[bmvw]

How many have had the ignition keylock issue (not sure if 318ti-specific or not)

[redhottaudrey]

Hey Guys, So I found a 97 318ti with 134000 miles. It's in good cosmetic condition & i'm taking it to my mechanic tomorrow to check under the hood although it looks clean. There's a few minor problems like the passenger window regulator, small oil leak & headliner falling. So the dealership is asking only $4500... i'm thinking good deal, right? Will I end up replacing everything soon or will this car possibly last me through grad school (2yrs)? Any advise or comments would be appreciated. Thanks!

[thesk8nmidget]

as long as the inspection clears you will be fine.

easily 2 years.

just keep up on maintenance.

and your problems are all pretty easy fixes

[redhottaudrey]

Thanks. And it did check out fine. It does have an oil leak which should stop after i fix the oil filter housing (common prob?). Then I get to do the headliner, breaks, speakers (anyone selling the rear set?), install CD changer, window regulator.. what else... This should be fun. So boys, be lookin out for me, I'll probably have a bunch of questions for ya... Peace Easy

[thesk8nmidget]

make a new thread about your car and post some pictures and we are always willing to help any way possible

[roadrash]

Then I get to do the headliner, brakes, speakers
Fixed... because I know Steven twitches every time someone makes that mistake. LOL

[8thcivic]

im looking for a 318ti and found one but it says it has 209k and a whining sound coming from engine. guy says its idler pulley. but whats the worst case scenario? engine was also rebuilt due to overheating before.

[jordanmc]

How many have had the ignition keylock issue (not sure if 318ti-specific or not)

that is how i found this forum
I came home late one night, pulled the key out of my car and the engine kept running.
http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=8540&page=4
check out billkirk's reply, its what saved my rear end