I just bought a 1998 BMW 318ti with 89k. Purchased it on eBay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2465495088 and just returned to Ohio from Texas...1,000 miles.

Perhaps I'm bold to put my new BMW through such a rigorous test right away, but it passed with flying colors. The car performed remarkably. I'm absolutely in love and very pleased with my purchase.

What steps should I take from here for maintenance, not really knowing the maintenance history? Ideally, I'd like to know what I should do "now" and what I should consider doing in say the next 10k.

My maintenance indicator (at least that's what I believe it is) shows all four greens lit, but not the orange or yellow. Is an oxygen sensor a must at 100,000 miles? Should I expect that in 10k? If so, what might it cost? Is it anything that can (or shouldn't) be installed by me?

If I choose to change my own oil, I guess I'll need the special tool that I've seen advertised on eBay. I'm not new to vehicle maintenance, just BMW maintenance. Any advice, specific or general?

Thanks in advance,
Proud 318ti (with California top!) Owner

Not fo follow up my own post, but I thought it might be helpful to say that I got around 34mpg averaging 70, and for awhile in Texas averaging 80, I got only around 29mpg.

For obvious aerodynamic reasons, found that the mileage would drop noticably if the california top was open.

Thanks!

Great looking car!

I think you can get the oil filter wrench at WalMart. Pickup a new filter at your local dealer and take it to WalMart to try out the "socket" oil filter wrenches they have there. I'm betting one will fit.

I just got my '98 (Active Pkg) in Texas (Houston) about two weeks ago and drove back home some 1,300 miles, but then I bought it from the original owner and had service records. Ask your dealer if they'll print out a DCS Vehicle History Report for you. It will show all warranty work including the free services done in the first 50k miles and, if they forget to block it out, the last owner's name. You might be able to contact the old owner for service information. I assume you didn't get any books with it?

-Phil

~30 mpg is normal with this car. I bought mine almost 2 years ago with 89k on it. Been great since! Enjoy yours!

Okay...

Just ordered a filter tool, a filter, some Amsoil 7500 synthetic 5W30, and educated myself on how to reset the service indicator.

Now...oxygen sensors...are they critical to replace at 100,000? I read a bit about replacing them; sounds tricky but not impossible. What do the parts actually cost? What might a BMW dealer charge to do the replacement?

Thanks!

I have a 96 318ti that I bougt back in January. I get around 22mpg which is defineatly low. What should I try to replace to fix this? Thanks



Nick

yeah i checked mine today and it says im getting 19mpg! i used to get about 25-30 when i bought it about a year ago...any ideas as to what can cause decreased fuel efficenciy

Clogged air filter, fuel filter, fuel injectors, old spark plug wires, old spark plugs can all worsen your gas mileage. Adding heavy rims onto your car will worsen your gas mileage also.

O2 sensors are very important. They tell the DME how much fuel to mix with the air. Run a bottle of Redline fuel cleaner through then change both o2 sensors. 1 before the cat and 1 behind. Very easy to do.

i changed my o2 sensor at 89k miles...the check engine light came on...it was easy to do...i was able to do it myself...i purchased an 02 sensor (2 if you replace both) from www.bavauto.com and the o2 sensor wrench tool....it was really easy to do.

After I drive at triple digits for about 15 minutes one nice cool morning my CE light went off. The heat must have cleaned the 02 sensor.

that shouild be the answer to any car problem...drive faster until it fixes itself!

Agree with Rob...definitely use the tool to do this job (<$20 I think?). It is possible to do it without the tool, but if you try to replace these things using "normal" wrenches, you'll wish you'd taken it to someone who had the tool...
If you are a BMW CCA member, check with your local chapter to see if they have this tool in their loaner toolbox.

i got my tool for 19 bucks at bavauto...definently worht it...even if i never have to use it again...made it so much easier

O2 sensors are pretty easy to do, oil changes are also very simple. I would recommend changing the fuel filter, when you change the fuel filter have new hose clamps ready cause the old ones are a pain to get back on.

I have run a few tests and my 98 likes premium. On my trip back to school last night I averaged 39.5 MPG according to the onboard computer (220 mile trip, average speed 55MPH).

The wires should be good for 100+K miles according to my dealer. But I would replace spark plugs.

Air filter, coolant flush, and basic visual inspection.
Other than that you should be Good