ti Issues

[davidk]

My daughter is interested in the 318ti, but we have just started looking. I would like to know if the ball joints are a weakness and will cause trouble if not replaced, and about what mileage this occurs. I realize it will be different for most cars, but this is one thing I have gleaned from lurking around this board for the past couple of weeks. What other issues are there to look out for on a vehicle with 90 - 100k miles. Thanks.

David

[ChrisS]

Hi, I hope I can shed some light on this:

As with any car at 90-100k miles, suspension-wise it's ball joints, tie rod ends, rear shock mounts, bushings, sway bar links, potentially wheel bearings. A rough life could mean subframe bushings (a rather large job).

Exhaust replacement/repair is probably imminent depending on environment (salty roads etc). Brakes should be checked; cooling system... did they replace antifreeze regularly and thermostat, water pump etc? If not, then you'll probably have to do it eventually.

Regular maintenance, and a full service history is a must when I'm looking at cars. Fewest previous owners is best. Go for low mileage if possible, but higher mileage and service history might not be so bad.

It's a tricky mileage to judge because many wear parts are at the end of their service lives and either need replacing or will within the time range your daughter is considering owning. It would be great to find one that has just had its suspension parts replaced. I just sold a 1991 318is and I had just replaced most of the suspension mounting bits.

Good luck, and I hope you find the right one!

[Bzuefishx]

My '98 is approaching 50,000 miles. Bought it used with approx. 32,000 miles. Everything's in pretty good shape, but have spent some dough getting caught up with the maintenance schedule. Only non-maintenance issues so far have been leaking gaskets (front main & valve cover - not cheap at $350+), pesky lock problems, and some corrosion - replaced a heat shield and will eventually need to replace some high pressure hoses (northern car, shipped down from Chicago area).

I am very fortunate to have an honest, hard working, thoughtful repair shop to take the car to, which makes a big difference. If I had to rely on the local dealers to take care of the car, I would have gotten rid of it by now (if you are in the Tampa Bay area I HIGHLY reccomend Cars & Concepts).

Good luck - let us know how things turn out.

[robcarync]

dealers rip you off...

the local bmw dealer quoted me nearly 600 to replace a starter....local repiar shop did it for 450

so words of advice...ask around and see if anyone knows of a good local shop that will work on bmws