Interested in a BMW 318ti
 

Hi people,

My name is Liav and I was referred here by a couple of guys from my current car club NeonCanada (NeonCanada.com) as I now drive a 2000 Chrysler (Dodge) Neon.

I was VERY interested in finding out more about the 318ti. I love those lil cars, they look so good.

I am mostly interested in the convertible or the sunroof/moonroof models.

Please feel free to tell me what I should expect from these little cars and include things like:

What year is the best to get, why I should keep considering these cars (apart from being a good looking car and the fact that it's a BMW).

Any Comments are welcome,

Thank You,

Liav L.

Well, the Ti's were only over here in North America from model years 95-99.
There is no convertible version; the Ti is a hatchback only. There is an interesting feature on some models known as the California roof. Its a large canvas cover which folds all most all the way back.
From April 98 they came with vented front brakes.
From what Ive heard, the automatics are just too slow: get a manual. With only 138 bhp, its not going to be very fast either way.

Despite the lack of acceleration, the car handles fantastically. The ride is awesome.

There are enormous amounts of upgrades and modifications available. Many of them from the 'higher' 3 series.

I would do a search for this topic. That's how I found tons of info because all this has been gone through pretty thouroughly before.

I'd go 96 or later (bigger engine). Definitely get a manual. Try to find one with service records.

I hear the 99s are the best. Are all 318ti hatchbacks?

yes they are

The 1999 ti came only as a Sport and had a 3-spoke steering wheel. Other than that, nothing makes them better. In the US anyway.

The engine was not different on the 1999, as compared to the 1996-1998?

what are some MAJOR differences?

Are there sunroofs available in all models?

I am referring to the cute Ti's with the flat back ends.

There are no major differences. Sunroofs have always been available as an option.

US
1995
The only year for the limited edition Club Sport which was produced in only Bright Red or Jet Black. Limited slip differential optional on all 95 ti models. The 10x10 watt amplifier with 10 speakers was an option on the sport and active. Standard was 4 x 5.5 watt amplifier with 6 speakers. Engine is a 1.8L.

1996
The Sport model now comes equipped with M-technic trim and fog lights as the Club Sport did a year ago. BMW released the California Package sporting the open air roof. Engine is now the M44 1.9L.

1997
Like all E36 BMWs, the kidney grills where changed to the ‘outies’ and the side marker lights did not have the black trim around them anymore.

1998
The Open-air roof or California Roof had a screen deflector instead of the previous windshield trim deflector. Rear seat headrests. In April 1998 the front solid rotors where changed to vented rotors.

1999
Only the Sport model was offered in the US. Three spoke steering wheel.

Canada was a little different than the US.

Canada
Active adds to base:
A/C, 10 spoke alloy wheels, cruise control, heated mirrors/washer jets, rear window washer-wiper, sunroof, fog lights

Sport adds to base:
M-Technic sports suspension, LSD, sport 10 spoke alloy wheels, cruise control, heated mirrors/washer jets, rear window washer-wiper, 10 way manual sport seats, cloth+leather upholstery, sunroof

Independent options:
CD changer, heated seats, limited slip differential, metallic paint, premium sound.

The largest differences are that A/C was available only on the Active...

1997

Active adds to base:
Alloy wheels, cruise control, fog lights, premium sound, and the ability to choose the following (at added price): front centre armrest, fully painted bumpers, heated seats, leather upholstery (full), on board computer

Sport adds to base:
16" wheels with 225/50ZR16 tires, fog lights, fully painted bumpers, M-Technic sports suspension, sport seats, and the ability to choose the following (at added price): cruise control, front centre armrest, heated seats, on-board computer

Independent options:
A/C, cruise control (for sport only), sunroof, front centre armrest (for active and sport only), fully painted bumpers (for active only), heated seats (active and sport only), leather (active only), metallic paint, on-board computer (active and sport only), premium sound (base adn sport only)

I forgot to add that ASC+T was an option for all 318ti in Canada in 1997. It was not standard nor did it come with any packages.

So in Canada, the Active is the highest end, from what I understand. What would you tell the dealer you want, the 1998 318 TI Active? or what?

Hello? Can anyone answer?