I'm buing a Ti Good idea?

[s_max]

Hey whats up fellas i found a 96 318ti m3 pakage (sport I guess) the car has gone through 4 owners it has 153000 miles it is very clean and to my knowledge has two problems: the steering wheel makes a squeeking noise when you turn the wheel I am shure its just the steering wheel, drivers side panel has begun to come off at the top, (all that, I could hopefully fix in a day if they are the easy fixes I hope) on it would this be a good car for 5250 or should I keep looking or try to talk him down. The dealer gets new tires does I/M and gets it tuned up in the 5250 price. Total would be around 6000 off the lot.
Check it out and let me know what you think.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?rdpage=thumb&car_id=197861957&dealer_id=1373279&car_year=1996&search_type=both&make=BMW&distance=25&model=318TI&address=84109&certified=&advanced=&max_price=&bkms=1142668708250&min_price=&end_year=2007&start_year=1981&isp=y&lang=en&cardist=8
P.S. Check out the Free CARFax report as well
I can only spend $6,000

[snwbrdrbum10]

first off, they're all RWD not FWD as the add stats. for 6,000 sounds kinda high, esp with 4 prior owners, but then again, could be a great car, really depends. but i got my 98 with 78,000 for 7,500.

[SDKmann]

Buying a ti is a terrible idea, tis suck. Just kidding. Price is way too high though. I got my 96 ti with 115000 on it for $4000 and it only had two previous owners. The door pannels arent too expensive to replace, my passenger side panel is coming off and a BMW parts place in cali said it would be about $250 for a new one. Before you buy it take it to a dealership and have them check out the steering wheel noise and make sure its not something more serious.

[snwbrdrbum10]

was that a pun? TI - terrible idea

[s_max]

Well I can talk the guy down to 5000 so 5700 out the door

[SDKmann]

Make sure that is going to be a good car, have it inspected. I am finding alot of problems on my ti but I didnt have it checked because I bought it from the master mechanic at the dealership, big mistake.

[s_max]

Alright what problems are you having I need to know so I can ask the previous owner if he has done some of these things

[BigDaddySmooth]

You probably are looking at about $300 to repair the squeak which is most likely caused by the "clock spring" going bad...just like mine did awhile ago. Prepare for your window regular to foul up...if it already has not done so. Before you buy it, try to find out what has already been replaced and at what interval. Good luck.

[michaelhofastcar]

I worry about the clutch for a 153K miles car. Need to find out if and when was the clutch replaced.

[SDKmann]

My problems are probably in my car and not problems with the model. Some of my problems include a broken door panel, a squeeking sound from the front of my car on cold days, a broken seat back, and a half broken trip computer. Some parts on my computer work but other functions dont. Im also getting 18.8 mpg and I dont think it is a computer mess up. Finally I think I have another engine problem. It starts when I turn left and it is a small reving sound that goes along with the engine. I hope this helps and dont let my problems keep you from getting a ti.

[s_max]

Just about to buy the car is 4600 good and the total would be around 5300
tell me what you think.

[SDKmann]

Im not sure I would do it because of what I paid for mine but I think that 5300 would be about the right price. If you could get it down to 5000 total cost then I would go for it.

[Mothman]

I would check the under the front wheels, the car may have been in a accident, It was just my observation but the front bumber and the side planes are two different colors, which means that it was either replaced because of a new front bumber or accident. I would open the hood and check for new screws on the headlights and other places that a right side impact may have happen. Just food for thought!

Mothman

[Mothman]

Oh and I would make the dealer drop the price to 4800 out the door. Remember he pays DMV taxes every month that USED car is on his lot. Something that alot of people never use as a tool to drop down the price.

[s_max]

Wow I will just have to wait for a better deal thanks for the info I will update if there is anything new.
If anyone has any info about a good deal it would be mutch appriciated I will drive as far as california and texas or the occational kentuky (Friend on a mission there) Help me out people!!

[SDKmann]

If I see anything Ill make sure to tell you, but I might be the one looking for a good deal on a ti soon! I think my baby is dying.

[LN318TI]

remember you get what you pay for. My 98 was 10,500 but it was in great shape and had only 73,000 miles on it. So just keep your eyes peeled. I say go for it if you think it'll be a good car. But also be careful ttyl

[LN318TI]

found one in Santa Ana Cal.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=198968580&dealer_id=5433219&car_year=1996&model=318TI&bkms=1144606702882&lang=en&isp=y&start_year=1994&certified=&search_type=both&distance=0&make=BMW&min_price=&address=44141&advanced=&end_year=1999&max_price=&cardist=2035

[LN318TI]

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=197935973&dealer_id=27533402&car_year=1998&model=318TI&bkms=1144606702882&lang=en&isp=y&start_year=1994&certified=&search_type=both&distance=0&make=BMW&min_price=&address=44141&advanced=&end_year=1999&max_price=&cardist=2031

[SDKmann]

I wouldnt get the first one because its and auto. I wouldnt get the second one because of the ricer shift knob, pedals and type R floor mats. It has been driven by a ricer so it has probably been abused. Who puts Type R mats in a BMW? What a retard.

[s_max]

I am not a fan of the auto but I do like the silver one.
I have been searching for cars at Craigslist.com cars.com ebay.com autotrader.com and have been driving by the local dealers for weeks i am getting frustrated. I dont have mutch money and the good deals go to fast.
and I live in salt lake city so good luck finding a deal here. i am only willing to drive 500 or so miles.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1997-BMW-E36-318ti-with-Mtech-Package_W0QQitemZ4629199159QQcategoryZ6007QQssPageNameZWD7VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
should I rebuild this one? what am I thinking about I am just getting desperate. let me know.

[s_max]

nice "motto" SDKmann I am livin it man

[halobeamin]

check the THERMOSTAT AND DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW

only problems i have !!!

[jflip2002]

Its a little pricey. I got mine with 145k or so, and am the third owner, I paid $4000 for mine. It ran great until I blew a head gasket about 5 months later. So do have it inspected if you go about purchasing it. I would do it all over again though, I love my ti.

[halobeamin]

yeah they should be fine.. they're typically great cars with little problems

i think extensive problems are more from poor maintenance, so have the car checked before you get it, and take care of it

[s_max]

Ok just found a 1998 Ti 70,000 miles light blue great condition tell me how much it is worth cause I got it for 5,000 ebay special. with warranty for 60 days 2500 miles so if I dont like it i get my money back. the car has a clean title and also with carfax buy back garrante

[s_max]

its and automatic

[s_max]

if anyone has carfax can they get me a check on this vin and email me
WBACG8321WKC83851
maximus_skater@hotmail.com
THanks

[michaelhofastcar]

A 1998 TI with 70K miles is definitely worth much more than $5K. This is a good deal. Make sure the car condition is reasonable, maybe involved in accident and need to verify the mileage. Rare to find such low miles.

[SDKmann]

Sorry my carfax ran out but if its really in good condition its a amazing deal. Go to KBB.com to chack the price, they usually get the prices right. Make sure you get it inspected right away, especially since you got it for such a great price. Get a magnet and run it over the body to check for filler. Congrats on your new car, post pics when you can.

[s_max]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4627330494&ssPageName=ADME:B:EF:US:1
this is it

[SDKmann]

It looks VERY good. Its in much better condition the I thought it would be. Good find. Id still get it checked out right away. I would even get it checked twice at two different places just to make sure since the price was so good.

[Mojoe]

I ran a Carfax report on the ebay car above, Vin# WBACG8321WKC83851, and it came back with the following:

" It was repurchased by the manufacturer after repeated repairs. It was reported by a Connecticut DMV or state agency as a Manufacturer Buyback or LEMON."

" ALERT! A manufacturer buyback was reported by a DMV or state agency for this 1998 BMW 318TI AUTOMATIC (WBACG8321WKC83851). This vehicle does NOT qualify for the CARFAX Buyback Guarantee."

[bmvw]

I have to say TI's are suddenly in demand here in calif, probably due to gas hitting $3 this week & prices seem to be going up. There are some Ti's over $10,000 on autotrader.com. The dealer says BMW is finally bringing back the 4-cyl, though it is something called the 1-Series and not the new style Ti's that were available in Europe.

[1996 328ti]

The dealer says BMW is finally bringing back the 4-cyl, though it is something called the 1-Series and not the new style Ti's that were available in Europe.There is no way BMW NA will bring in a 4 banger. We won't see a 1 Series for sometime. New style ti? There is no E90 Compact, only an E36 and E46 Compact.

[gneus]

I guess that you guys haven't checked the new 1-series yet. I was in Europe 5 monts ago and I saw many of these new beatys :biggrin: .....It is amazing little car....it is the side of Ti though, but new shapes.......mmmmmm.....nice.....I saw a lot of 116's and 120's

[halobeamin]

i'm just gonna meow at this thread if it's cool with everyone...

:mrhappy:

[gneus]

The new 1 series is called E87, but actually anyone can go to the web and check it out