New to Ti's with a 96 active package
 

Hi, I have been driving BMW 2002s for ever and my current 1973 2002 since 1987. I have been looking at 318ti's for a long time and finally got one that needed a lot of little things, a 1996 318ti built 6/96. AS96884, Hellrot. 5sp, Active package with ASC+t.
163,000 miles. No need for pictures as it has clear coat peeling and rust on rear wheel arches.

I dont' know anything about the car except the early warranty info/print out I got from my local dealer, which turns out to be where the car was purchased (Voss BMW, Dayton Ohio). This indicates it is a Sport, but I don't believe it as I also got the options list (based on vin) from the dealer which indicates active package, no LSD and it did not have the sport interrior.

So far I have done everything myself except installing the Bosal Muffler.

• Oil and Filter
• brake pads, and fluid flush; front pads were metal to metal!
• camshaft sensor
• Front struts, originals were wet noodles. Rears were already changed.
• tie rod end and adjusted Toe-in.
• thermostat (was leaking) and radiator hoses
• fixed drivers side window regulator (clips) and door panel.
• Rear Speakers
• Checked air filter and put in new cabin filters
• repaired heating in side mirrors (what an amazing tip)
  I found a 95 in local yard and got
• Sport seats in decent condition after I spent hours cleaning and contitioning.
• drivers side brake duct and ambient temp sensor
• floor mats, side skirt clips. sunroof emergency wrench.

I have driven it a 1,000 miles so far and no oil usage or leaks have been found. Transmission and drive train are relatively smooth and tight. The clutch seems like it could be slipping if I really pop it.

The new Bosal Muffler has quite a rasp in during acceleration that I don't like. Someone cut out the cat and welded in a pipe, so that could contribute.

It did have a drip from a hose from the power steering pump hat I tightned the clamp on and seems stopped for now.

I want to drive it on a 1500 mile trip this weekend, but am paranoid about the plastic cooling system connectors everyone mentions here.

I am finding the Bilstein touring struts and shocks a little jolty compared to the bilstein heavy duties I have in my 2002.
Still pretty excited about it as a modern addition to my 1973 2002 driver.

Anyway, that's my introduction.
Thanks for all the help.
Ray
1973 BMW 2002 (Salt free months daily driver)
1996 BMW 318ti (daily driver)
2000 Toyota Avalon (teen 1)
2007 Honday Oddysey (wife)
2008 Hundai Santa Fe (teen 2)

I'm pretty sure the missing cat is what's causing the rasp, or at least a large part of it, I'm assuming the CEL is on too. most aftermarket cats won't filter the exhaust as well as the OEM cat so they'll also set a CEL. your best bet unless you want to spend about a grand on an OEM car is to try to find someone who will sell you their used cat, it's technically illegal but it's better than the alternatives.

Welcome! I got a Bosal muffler for my Bimmer. I think it's nice, although it really isn't loud or raspy.

Maybe just buy the cooling system parts and take them with you just in case. At least you won't be stranded for parts somewhere

thanks for the responses
 

Love the Mclaren!
Re: the Bosal rasp, would using bolts instead of spring bolts make a difference in how it sounds?

Also,good reminder to buy the plastic cooling parts to keep in the car.

THANKs, Ray Daley

Ray,

Welcome to the .org! I hope you enjoy your time here as much as the rest of us do...

The exhaust rasp is mostly due to missing the cat (and possibly the resonator as well, which you didn't mention)... No matter how well they are bolted in the exhaust system, there is going to be rasp... I have had 2 custom exhausts made for my 6 cyl swapped ti, one with a resonator and one without. The system without a resonator has a factory Cat and generic muffler and it sounds terrible. The other system has a racing style free-flow cat and resonator, along with a Magnaflow muffler and it is substantially quieter and has a much more enjoyable exhaust note...

As for the plastic cooling fittings, I would suggest that you replace them as soon as reasonable, and not wait for them to break... As with most modern-ish BMW's, the cooling system is their Achilles heel. While it is fine to keep spare parts on hand, having to replace parts on the side of the road is not your most ideal situation :)


Oh, and we insist on pics of your '02 as well... ;)