M-package same as Sport?

[318pilot]

Hi all.

I have been lurking here for some time and doing research. I still need alot of questions answered so I dont get a model that Im not interested in.

First, is the M-package the same as the sport? If yes, what are the differences between the two packages? How cam on tell if its an M-package vs. sport?

How rare are the two?

More questions to come...

[1996 328ti]

Not to confuse you, in 1995 there was a 'Sport' and a 'Club Sport'. Main difference was cosmetics. When people refer to the M-package they are referring it to a the sport. M-technic body trim, sport seats, slightly better suspension and wheels. Rare? There are probably more Base models than anything else. I see very few if any sports on the street. We have a poll here and the majority have sports but that is no indication in how many arae out there. Personally I wouldn't get anything other than a Sport.

[318pilot]

Humm...Well, Im really looking at OBDII, 97-99 to be exact.

So when you refer to the M-technic body trim you get: sport seats, slightly better suspension and wheels.

So, the Sport is always has the M-technic body trim?

Or does the model like up look like this:
Base
Sport - better suspention
M-technic - even better suspention?

Like I said, I havent been able to figure out the trim levels yet. Thanks for the help.

Do you have any pictures of a Base vs. Sport in OBDII land?

[1996 328ti]

This was an attempt of getting all informationin one place.
http://www.318ti.org/companion/models/318ti.html
Hopefully I will get it together during next winter.

Yes, the Sport always has the M-technic trim. It is the wider side mouldings from the M3. M3 luxury front bumper and black rear valence.

The models range
Base steel wheels
Active cruise and computer standard 16" 10 spoke wheels
Sport sport seats, upgraded suspension 16" 5 spoke wheels.

I'll search for pictures since this question comes up a lot.

[318pilot]

Great! Thats the info I was looking for.

Never saw that companion page during my lurking. Thanks.

I will page through that and see what answers my questions.

[1996 328ti]

Here are a couple of sport models.

[318pilot]

Is there a big difference between Avus Blue and Alaskan Blue? I cant seem to tell the difference.

Another thing, did the Sport Package cars come with leather as an option?

[1996 328ti]

Avus Blue is a deeper blue than Alaska. A much richer blue.
Leather was an option, probably in any model.

[318pilot]

Avus Blue is a deeper blue than Alaska. A much richer blue.
Leather was an option, probably in any model.

Ok...I just found a very nice car. '98 Avus Blue, M-sport in a manual w/ 101k. Just what I have been looking for. However, it has the CA package. That was just the super large sunroof right? Anything else come with this option? The dealerships is asking $8500 - is it priced right?

Also, I wasnt looking for the CA package, does this type of roof leak or have any more troubles than a standard moon roof?

[1996 328ti]

I did not have a problem with my California Roof, not to say that there are no problems. Just that they are not problematic. The CA was an expensive option. Nothing came with it. In 98 it had the popup screen which made the cabin noise quieter. April 98 had vented rotors.

[96cali]

Ok...I just found a very nice car. '98 Avus Blue, M-sport in a manual w/ 101k. Just what I have been looking for. However, it has the CA package. That was just the super large sunroof right? Anything else come with this option? The dealerships is asking $8500 - is it priced right?

Also, I wasnt looking for the CA package, does this type of roof leak or have any more troubles than a standard moon roof?

Get it- you will not regret it! Msport manuals with cali roof are super rare. Look for any puddling directly below where the A pillar joins the roof. The gasket tends to shrink in the corners but is a $5 DIY repair by injecting silicone. Mine has not been problematic but it does make dealers squirm when they work on them. $8500 is a good price as long as it is not abused.

[318pilot]

Do you guys know of a 3rd party that I could hire to look of the car? One of my friends used a company but he is in Tahiti right now (lucky son..). The car is a bit far away from me and I dont really know the area.

[318pilot]

Oh boy, what a day. Traveled to Dallas today to look and hopefully get the car. What a dissapointment. I took it out for a test drive to look into things. While I was in a parking lot testing the lights, blinkers, etc. there was a loud boom and steam and coolant starting spraying everywere.

I dont know what exactly happened, radiator/hose/cracked block, but I didnt care at that point. Told the dealer to just take me back to the airport and got a ticket home. Watch out for this car it most likely a POS...Here (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=189170496&dealer_id=781134&car_year=1998&model=318TI&bkms=1128203058678&make2=sel_one〈=&isp=y&start_year=1981&engine=&certified=&fuel=&search_type=used&distance=0&make=BMW&color=&min_price=&drive=&max_mileage=&address=30306&advanced=y&end_year=2006&doors=&transmission=Manual&max_price=&cardist=742)

The search continues...

[96cali]

While I was in a parking lot testing the lights, blinkers, etc. there was a loud boom and steam and coolant starting spraying everywere.

I dont know what exactly happened, radiator/hose/cracked block, but I didnt care at that point.

Gotta love the description:

"Awsome car ! Strong 4 cylinder gas freindly engine.... Totally serviced at our dealership including a brand new clutch. Many extras. MUST SEE. Praise the LORD."

Guess you found out what the extras were- surprise! BOOM!

If the engine is toast that'd be a good candidate for a swap.

[PettitWC]

man that sucks!!!!

[IndianaTravis]

Just wanted to say, I'm coming back to the ti fold, and I was looking at this thread and saw a picture of my old car! That was my Avus Blue '98 sport on the first page. I miss that car.

I think I'm about to buy a 82,000 mile '96 active for $6100. Silver and looks terrific. If it isn't as advertised when I get there this afternoon, I'm probably buying Needle's white '95 in connecticut.

On-topic related question: are the active wheels 16" or 15"? I thought they were 15".

[1996 328ti]

On-topic related question: are the active wheels 16" or 15"? I thought they were 15".I believe they are 15" 5-spokes.

[IndianaTravis]

yep. Just got a one owner '96 active with 86k on it for $6100. Looks to be in VERY good condition minus two minor (I hope) issues.

I'm happy to be back, you'll all be sick of me within weeks, I'm a question machine!

[318pilot]

If anyone cares, I was able to find a very nice Ti. Thanks for all the help.

Quick specs:
1998 318ti - Red on black leather and red cloth
M-Sport package
California roof
46,xxx miles.

a great find.

[1996 328ti]

If anyone cares, I was able to find a very nice Ti. Thanks for all the help.

Quick specs:
1998 318ti - Red on black leather and red cloth
M-Sport package
California roof
46,xxx miles.

a great find.We care. ;)
That is a good find.
I loved my California Roof.
That poor car has never been driven. Only 46K!

[L84THSKY]

The Lord works in mysterious ways:eek:

Gotta love the description:
Many extras. MUST SEE. Praise the LORD."

[318pilot]

The Lord works in mysterious ways:eek:

LOL. Ya, praise Jesus I didnt buy that car. After that experience, I have ruled out buying a used car off a dealers lot ever again.

[robcarync]

hahaha that sucks about the radiator hoses exploding....but kind of funny if you ask me :) at least you didnt buy that car!

and congrats on the EXCELLENT find! you will love it!