hi there !

[racer_chick]

Ok...i am thinking about buying a ti... i have loved these little cars for about 3 years now so i think im ready to take the plunge but i have some questions and im hoping some one might be able to help me...

is there an easy way to tell if it has a sport package?
how do you get it checked out by a BMW cert. tech?
is it ok to buy one with high mileage (i.e. 130,000 +) or is that something to look out for?

and is there any year that is a good year to get? i was thinking about staying above 96 because i had heard they had a different engine or something...

so anyway -- thank you for your time and i look forward to becoming one of you soon (hopefully with your help !)

- rc

[CirrusSR22]

The sport package ti's will have the "M Tech" front & rear bumpers (same as an M3), as well as the "M Tech" side moldings.

This is NOT a sport. If the sideskirts are grey like this, it's definitely not a sport, although newer 318ti's have painted skirts, sport or not.
http://www.edmunds.com/media/generations/bmw.3series/96.bmw.318ti.500.jpg

This IS a sport.
http://www.rushcorp.com/cars/car_jpegs_from_now_on/8050.jpg

The MTech side moldings are sort of tall and flat, whereas the normal side moldings are very skinny and stick out more.


Also, the sports have wheels like this.
http://zoouz.free.fr/Wheels/TMP_wheel/bmw_wheel_018.jpg

I personally would not have a problem buying a +130,000 mile car. But that's pretty close to the limit for me.

[robcarync]

96 + has the m44 engine... 1.9 liter...it has the same HP, but 4 more ft lbs of torque...

the 95 has the m42 engine...1.8 liter... (thats what i have)...i used to wish i had the m44, but i kinda like the m42 now

personally, i dont think there is really a big enough benefit from the newer engine...i wouldnt really make it a deciding factor...but newer car is generally better

[racer_chick]

thank you both for your help !!!

:)

[Tyler]

It doesn't make a difference which one you choose all the models are nice,just different options on each one.

[AlaskaBlue]

The 130,000+ miles wouldn't seem to be a problem with the 318ti. I have close to 150,000 and it is near perfect. No unusual oil burning, power loss, or anything wrong. There are many others with 318tis with many more miles than mine and are still going strong.

[AlaskaBlue]

and is there any year that is a good year to get? i was thinking about staying above 96 because i had heard they had a different engine or something...



If you are planning on moding you're car alot I would suggest a 95 because it does not have OBD-II and it is easier to get more power out of it. If you don't plan on moding your car much or not at all I would suggest whatever one you like the best. My family used to have a 1997 318i and I actaully like the 1995 ti much better. The ti was quicker and the 318i did not seem to have any noticable power advantage.

[robcarync]

yeah, i like my 95 ti...m42 engine (easy to fog the airbox, 4 inch hole pre-cut :) ), OBD I...i love it tons...

my friend has a 318i with the m44 engine...not a big fan of it honestly...

but a 95 car is kinda old...so you may want to look for something newer...but its really up to you...an older car does have some advantages

[racer_chick]

thanks guys !!!!

I am thinking about taking it to the track...but i want to learn how to race it stock first...mod will come later... :)

I am looking around for the perfect one and as soon as i find it, i will let you know !!
thank you all again for all your help !

[myblueTI]

racer chick where do you live?
we can help you find one
:2gun:

[racer_chick]

im in south jersey --- down by cherry hill - but work up by princeton...and am willing to drive for the right ti....:)

the issue i am having is that i currently am paying for the vehicle i drive now and im wondering if i should sell it or keep it...

[cali-ti]

this guy has what appears to be a nice one in philly, shouldn't be too far away from you (if you like the cali top):

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=5906

[racer_chick]

i know its silly -- but the only thing i cant do is have a green ti....
long story -- just no green....plus..can i race a ti with a cali top?

[cali-ti]

lol ... ok :p what kind of racing are you looking to get into? are you going full race or will this be a street/track car? you can race anything you WANT to, whether or not it makes sense is another story ;)

[1996 328ti]

i know its silly -- but the only thing i cant do is have a green ti....
long story -- just no green....plus..can i race a ti with a cali top?What do you mean by race and with who?
Some organizations consider the california roof a convertible. I could not drive my 98 open air roof ti at some BMW CCA driving schools unless I had a roll bar. I think all racing is going to require a roll bar period and most racing allow convertibles.

[racer_chick]

What do you mean by race and with who?
Some organizations consider the california roof a convertible. I could not drive my 98 open air roof ti at some BMW CCA driving schools unless I had a roll bar. I think all racing is going to require a roll bar period and most racing allow convertibles.

well i would start by going to any driving schools i can -- and then hopefully take it on a track or some autocross...

[1996 328ti]

well i would start by going to any driving schools i can -- and then hopefully take it on a track or some autocross...I don't think Solo 2 type autocrosses will care about the open air roof. Driving schools may. The NJ BMW CCA would not allow my car in their driving schools but my chapter, NCC would. It is up to the group running the event.

[nick_hegel]

i know its silly -- but the only thing i cant do is have a green ti....
long story -- just no green....plus..can i race a ti with a cali top? I kinda want to know the story!! lol

[jflip2002]

Well a 318ti is going to be faster than a 318i. Its the same engine, and a smaller/lighter car.

The 130k miles shouldn't be a problem if its been taken care of.oi have about 148k on mine, and its totally perfect. I would recommend getting a ti with the m package on it already though. It looks 100x better, and it will save you the hassle of looking for a new body kit. And the clean 5 spoke wheels are much nicer IMO.

My general rule is if I'm buying a used car, I'm buying a manual. They seem more reliable, and less prone to fail than an automatic transmission.

[gregorypwilkins]

95 is def the easiest model for mods bc of the obd 1, high miles can pose a problem if the car wasnt serviced like a normal bmw owner. not all bmw owners take pride in their cars like we do, be careful what you buy. its very possible to drive a ti to 250 thousand depending on its past care. if i was you i would take all the advice from ppl on this forum and not a dealer. Not all dealers care as much as you think. good luck and i am sure you will love your ti

[robcarync]

I want to know the story too!

[racer_chick]

hahahaha -- first let me say thank you for all your advice --
i am still looking and hopefully will find something soon --

the story is simple -- girl falls in love, helps boy buy BWM ti, never gets to drive it, finds out boy is lying about everything, girl dumps boy but misses her dog (he took one, i kept one) and the GREEN ti...so i cant do green -- he will totally take that as a ego boost -- and we cant have that, can we? :)

[roadrash]

Hey racer_chick... post a "wish list" of what you're looking for in a 318ti. I've been shopping for a couple of months and may have retained some info on a car you'd like. In fact, depending on what you want, I do know of one car in NJ, and maybe a couple of others.

Oh, and one comment on your "story"... your first mistake was falling in love with a "boy." You'll have better luck with men than with boys. :D

[racer_chick]

Oh, and one comment on your "story"... your first mistake was falling in love with a "boy." You'll have better luck with men than with boys. :D

thanks road...where were you with that advice 5 years ago?? :)
and for the record -- he came off being a "man" so i thought he was....i was wrong...but...i now know better !!! :)

[myblueTI]

Oh, and one comment on your "story"... your first mistake was falling in love with a "boy." You'll have better luck with men than with boys. :D

plenty of men on this forum (and all of them already own a TI) :evil_lau:

[roadrash]

Hey r_c, I've been right here the whole time, all you had to do was ask! But look on the bright side, I've learned a lot more than "5 years worth" in the past 5 years, so you'll get much better advice now. :)

I'll gather up a few links to cars I've found in your area... shall I post that info here, or would you prefer it sent directly to ya?

And as for YOU, myblueTI... I have no doubt that there are a lot of men here, but I also have no doubt that NOT all of them have a 318ti... because I'm still shopping for mine! Once I own a 318ti, maybe then your statement will be true. heh heh :)

[racer_chick]

thanks roadrash -- :) you can send them to me at racer_chick@mac.com --

and please do it fast...im now thinking of getting a subaru... :?: yes..you read it right ..as this will have a warranty and be new -- (i.e. no abuse from someone who didnt know how to take care of their car) but i still want a ti at heart....

so help -- anyone have any good reasons why i shouldnt buy the new car and still try and find a ti?

[racer_chick]

plenty of men on this forum (and all of them already own a TI) :evil_lau:


LOL -- good point -- shame i didnt find this forum years ago.. :)

[cali-ti]

im now thinking of getting a subaru
which model?

[racer_chick]

which model?

im thinking of the impreza RS (either the sedan or the wagon to haul my puppy around in style...) -- would love a WRX but we shall see what the numbers come out like --

sad thing is that the car i currently drive is getting old and while i have been looking for ti -- ( with the help of roadrash... :biggrin: ) im not finding any that i can purchase within the next 3 weeks --

so im getting stressed and desprate...

why do you ask...? do you own a subaru

[L84THSKY]

Not all previous owners abuse their cars.
I picked up my 1998 GREEN :eek: Ti from a 45 year old woman. She babied the car, and only put 31,000 miles on it when I bought it last August. :tongue:
(i.e. no abuse from someone who didnt know how to take care of their car) but i still want a ti at heart....

[racer_chick]

Not all previous owners abuse their cars.
I picked up my 1998 GREEN :eek: Ti from a 45 year old woman. She babied the car, and only put 31,000 miles on it when I bought it last August. :tongue:

true ...but i hate to say that was luck on your part....
its still hard to find a good ti --

[cvacc411]

I don't see whats so hard about it.

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=5832

I still have family in NJ and may be able to deliver. Inspection till 08/06.