Yup, thinking about picking up a ti
 

So I posted a question over at Bimmerforums and a member suggested I check this forum out. Looks pretty cool here. Hopefully you folks can give me some insight on these cars.

Seems like the E36 crowd either likes them (not loves) or hates them. Also seems like most people hate the motor, especially the m44. I'm deciding between a '96+ 318 (so the m44 motor) and a Saab 9-3. I already know what I do and don't like about the Saab but finding good info on the 318 has been difficult.

What do you guys think about the car in general? Did the exterior & interior age well? Does it have all the regular BMW creature comforts? Is the M44 really *that* bad? Where do you guys find performance parts for it?

The interior wears like any other E36. Headliners sag, door panels get loose. Window regulators break. Don't need to remind you it's a 20 year old car. :)

M44 is not that bad. Personally after driving a 1.9L Z3 automatic, I found it pretty anemic. As long as you keep the revs up and it's a stick, it's a fun car to drive.

I think any ti or any used car, will require some money to bring it up to spec.

I think you'll get a lot of biased answers here, but personally I LOVE these little cars. I've had one for over 12 years now, and the exterior paint is still shiny (park mostly outside, in the sun). Interior is great, no cracking/discoloration, and luckily no headliner sagging yet (only driver, noone uses the back seats). Door panels and windows glass did need work but both can be permanently fixed.

My brother had a SAAB turbo, and I would recommend the 318ti over it any day. I'm gonna drive mine for as long as the frame allows it. :biggrin:

We're all going to be slightly biased here, but they're fun cars. I think the exterior styling ages better than other E36s because the "short-ass" is kind of in right now. Also, hatches are becoming more rare in general. I'm on my 2nd one. I saw another one for sale recently and I'm considering selling my 85k mile example to get it.

I've had two previously - a '95 and a '96, sold the '95 both to buy an '06 325ci and the '96 to buy an '09 Volvo C30. Both the 325 and the C30 were good cars, but they weren't a 318ti. Sold the C30 four years ago and bought a '99 318ti and haven't looked back. While it's not a quick as the 325, it's still plenty fast for me. Can't beat a ti for exclusivity and character. My '99 will be in my garage for a long time.

I think I was the one who sent you here...

Welcome!