hey guys, been a while

[BeansNJ]

it's been a few weeks since I've posted.

so, I got a job at an Auto Zone in my town here in NJ. it's pretty fun, watching people run in asking to get help with check engine lights and dealing with customers over the phone with either the thickest Polish or Hatian accents I've ever heard

anyway, something about this post WAS ACTUALLY BMW related! (hah)

So, I'm saving my cash, saving, saving! now, I'm coming closer to wondering what year and model I want of the 318ti

SO ANXIOUS! SO MANY QUESTIONS!! HERE WE GO,


I want to most definitely do an engine swap..THATS ALL I KNOW!!

which engine should I go for? (money isn't nessecarily an issue)

also, the difference between the sport and normal 318 models are what.. black leather seats?

I've been looking at the Vaders anyway, so if the sports package is just that.. nevermind

alright guys, sorry for the disorganization of the post! let me know your amazing expert advice!!

[Platanos]

I would swap an S52 from a 96-99 M3. 318ti are configured into 4 packages; base, active, sport, and clubsport (1995 only). Doing a search will inform you of the differences which include suspension, exterior styling (M tech bumpers, mirrors, moldings...), interior (leather, cloth, two tone), and a few other bits.


If you plan on heavy modifications, just go with a base package as you will be changing everything up anyway. Good luck and keep us posted on what you get!!

I may have a lead on an S52 engine and trans or a little over a grand but I have no idea what the condition is.... I'm gonna investigate

[BeansNJ]

good point!! I didn't even think of the logic behind getting the stock model since most of everything's not staying on anyway!

another question I have issss, a gut I know dissuaded me HEAVILY about getting the 318 he was telling me how expensive the parts would be for a BMW blah blah blah and all that stuff.. I mean, I already assume it'd be expensive just from the make!! but I just hope the parts aren't all crazy hard to get and expensive as well
(I want a nice lowered suspension firstly, before it stays stock until the engine swap happens.. then shortly after, maybe nice full exhaust system?) <- how much extra would a suspension and exhaust set up be just because it's a Bimmer?

alright, I'll be doing plenty of searches on the S52 engine man, thanks for the info bro, I appreciate that extremely!!

I almost started losing hope in the Bimmer!! :'(


my buddy's Talon (AWD-T) is mighty tempting!! haha but I'll go for a nice 318 any day!!

also.. do the 318's have heated seats? lol

[cooljess76]

There's really not much to figure out here. If you get a '95 318ti, go with an M50 or S50 since they're OBDI. If you get a '96 or newer 318ti, go with an M52 or S52 since they're OBDII. Also, don't worry about the model or year of the ti, just find one that has been well maintained and go from there. If you're dead set on a particular year, model and color, you're gonna spend the rest of your life searching. These things have been out of production for 12 years, they weren't very popular in the US to begin with and many of them have been molested or junked. The only thing to consider is how well it was taken care of and if it has a manual or automatic transmission, but if you're doing an engine swap anyway, it's only a little more work to swap the tranny as long as you buy a complete donor car vs. buying the swap parts individually. Also FWIW, don't expect the right one to pop up in your own backyard, nice 318ti's are hard to come by and you'll have more luck if you're willing to travel. Best wishes and welcome to the forum.

[slow_ti]

welcome. this is a great place for info. i plan on doing a s52, and i think that is the perfect engine for these ti's. best of luck dude!

[tiFreak]

Originally Posted by BeansNJ

my buddy's Talon (AWD-T) is mighty tempting!! haha but I'll go for a nice 318 any day!!

if you want something that you can mod without it being really expensive stay away from DSMs

[BeansNJ]

Originally Posted by cooljess76

There's really not much to figure out here. If you get a '95 318ti, go with an M50 or S50 since they're OBDI. If you get a '96 or newer 318ti, go with an M52 or S52 since they're OBDII. Also, don't worry about the model or year of the ti, just find one that has been well maintained and go from there. If you're dead set on a particular year, model and color, you're gonna spend the rest of your life searching. These things have been out of production for 12 years, they weren't very popular in the US to begin with and many of them have been molested or junked. The only thing to consider is how well it was taken care of and if it has a manual or automatic transmission, but if you're doing an engine swap anyway, it's only a little more work to swap the tranny as long as you buy a complete donor car vs. buying the swap parts individually. Also FWIW, don't expect the right one to pop up in your own backyard, nice 318ti's are hard to come by and you'll have more luck if you're willing to travel. Best wishes and welcome to the forum.

I HEAR YOU ON ALL OF THAT MAN!! thanks so much boss!

yeah, I'm most definitely looking around, their actually a little more rare than I thought! lol but hey, it's by far worth it just having to look for it!! ..the moment I drive that thing home!!