318 ti 125000 2500 Questions
 

Hello everyone, I'm a server and and sommelier. I know my wine inside out but if there was anything else I would want to know more about it would be Car's music and chics. Cars is why I write today. I was never allowed to buy a cool car foer my father made me buy reliable cars. Now I came accross a 318ti with 125,000 for 2,500. no rust and interior looks near mint. The door panels are loose on the bottom the clock works but not the other features like avg miles. steering wheel is bendy like you can twist it and the shifter button is loose aswell as handle (automatic) The engine looks like new really it looks like things were newly added. I see belts not chains in the engine. Not sure if that is different. THe right tire plastis covering is loose part of bumper which skids only somtimes when mking a turn. Over all the steering is straight the traction is tight and the engine sounds smooth slight ticking though but once warmed up goes away. I'm willing to drop moey into it because I never had a car I cared about until now. No carfax done yet but soon. Heaerig what I got what do you think I should do about the issues and about potential issues. Thanks for your help Jtone

Ps. Where can I find a break down of the engin so I can learn to work on it myself and start with simple things like oil cahnges and then move to more complex things

First off welcome to the world of cars there are plenty of guys here that know these cars inside and out and are willing to help just about any one. second off your car you have in your sites sounds ok....Pictures would help us help you with your decision but if you are unable to get pictures check out these things.


leaks - from under the motor (residue on the motor or oil marks where it is normally parked)

Tires - check the tread on them if you stick a penny in them the tread should cover the top of Abe's head.

belts - do they have cracks in them / fraying

windows - do they go up and down easily?

heater - does the heater work?

I'm sure the other guys will chip in some but thats just enough to get you started


"THe right tire plastis covering is loose part of bumper which skids only somtimes when mking a turn" I don't really understand what your saying here.

Anyone near Orlando that can help this guy out and view the car?

Jtone- can you post pics or a link to an ad?

The Bentley manuals for e36 and Z3 are what you need to be your own mechanic. Good luck!

First off sorry for the multiple post
 

I saw some posts from 96 and I didn't kow how often people viewed this also wasn't sure how posting worked. Ayway won't happen again. No leakage found tire brand new not a scratch on rims Amazing ! The plastic piece im talking about is where you place your hand in front of the tire into the car ad there is a casing like a rear flap to protect from mud it seem loose and shaky. It also seems to be conected to the frot fenders lower half ear the fog lights. Hope that help. Ive bee searching and bentley seems like the best option I'll try that. Pictures will be up tomarrow. Thanks for you help. Jtone