There were three 318ti model packages in 96. Standard, Active and Sport. Standard is the base model, the Sport and the Active added desirable options as a bundled package. I don't believe yours is a Sport, but, perhaps an Active or Standard. I ask as the Active came standard with an alarm package while it may have been an option on a Standard.
If it's an Active, there would be an alarm siren on the passenger side.
Does your ti happen to have Cruise Control, leather steering wheel and an alarm? If it does, it's likely an Active package.
Cheers!