318ti.org forum - New Owner

Hi, I am the proud new owner of a '96 318ti. Some details: arctic silver, black cloth, 5 speed, not sure of package name (active package?) but it has cruise, sunroof, OBC. 116,600 miles, new tires, brakes, cosmetically challenged but fine mechanically. I am the 3rd owner, previous owner kept all receipts for oil changes, new O2 sensors, hoses, belts, etc. Bought it for the daughter for when she's home from college, and when she's not home I'll be driving it instead of my daily driver.

Oh, yeah, that car, my other BMW, is a 2000 2.3 Z3. steel grey with black leather and 5-speed, around 62,000 miles. The similarities between the 2 cars are obvious, including instrument layout, heater controls, stalks for turn signals, cruise, and wipers. Plus the cars drive in a similar fashion - I feel very comfortable behind the wheel, handling is predictable. Of course they share the same basic heritage and underpinnings.

I'm surprised by the pep of the M-44, it really scoots! And I really like the shifting, the Z3 has always been notchy and felt like the synchros were never broken in.

I've got a few things to do - shift knob, shift bushings, possibly a handbrake cable, minor stuff. I've already replaced the microfilters and adjusted the handbrake. Easy to work on, fun to drive. What else can a fella ask for?

I'll be lurking around, asking questions when I can't figure something out. It's great to be here, looking forward to a long friendship.

Ernie Peters
1996 318ti
2000 Z3 2.3