New to BMW - Simple questions about the 318ti
 

Hi Everyone! I'm new to the site and I hope you can help me with some questions i have. I have been looking at the site for a few days now and I have found a 318ti i really like, but after viewing a lot of threads and pictures i have some questions.

First the Trim Package. I've seen posts about the Stock, Active, and Sport. What characteristics would separate the 3? does the Sport have the M symbol on the door trim or is that added by people buying m3 trims?

The vehicle i'm interested in buying is a 95ti. It doesn't have the m3 symbol and i don't know how to tell the trim packages from one another. does it really matter between the trim levels if i plan on getting a suspension package anyways? is there more power or different engines between the stock and the sport?

i hope you can answer some of my questions and look forward to being part of this great BMW 318ti forum.

Mike

Found in the sticky right at the top of this forum

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthrea...ference+models

hope it helps!

Welcome to the board. As for the engine. You are stuck with a M42 with the 1995. You can go with boost (turbo or Supercharger) or swap it for a 6 cylinder for more power.

thanks for the link Familytruckster... It seems people are still unclear as to what trim they have even in that post. all i got out of it is if you have the ///m its a sport. if not its an active.

so the one i'm looking at is an active. no biggie since i plan on getting a better suspension package and i can always get the ///m door trim and mirrors if i wanted to. the other options on the sport are not things i like anyways... i'm not into leather either.

Johnboy ... I think i'll stick with what's in there for now. Thanks for the info though.

It could be a base.
Actives included on board computer, alarm and cruise control standard.

Hmmm I guess I have a lot of questions for this guy.

I know it does have a sunroof, but that could be an option.

Wouldn't all the 318s have an onboard computer? ECU?

What do u mean by onboard computer?

Most had a sunroof unless it was special ordered.
The ti had a BC or baby computer.
All it did was MPG, temp and average speed. This is also had miles to empty.
There is an extra stalk on the steering column labeled BC from what I remember.

1996, these would be standard options on the Sport?

i'm going to look at one in about an hour so im trying to get my facts straight.

No. Trust me.

I bought a 1998 California Sport in 97 brand new.
I ordered the computer, cruise and alarm all as options.

They are standard in the active.

You are also "stuck" with OBD 1.

Actually I think M42 and OBD1 are better than M44 and OBD2

You can chip your M42 engine for additional horsepower (some say 20 or so). I may soon try that out.
Also, be aware that some late 1995 M42 engines use the M44 oil filter form 1996+. These have a plastic cover instead of the metal one.

Good luck with your ti... this is a great group of people who are always willing to help out.

on mine there's no extra stalk, you just push straight in on the turn signal stalk to cycle through the different functions

Well I bought a TI yesterday from a member of the sire... needs alittle work, but itgot a good foundation to start with.

The vehile tag says its a sport, but does not have tilt steering, an alarm, and I didn't see where I can access the extra functions on the cluster.

Ill try the turn signal thing once I get back in it.

I'm just really happy to have such a great car after looking for the past few weeks.

Now to dip into the archives.

no ti's came with tilt steering

Oh that's right. I hadn't had that car since 2000.

Cruise uses an extra stalk.

thanks for the link Familytruckster!