 » Site Navigation | | | | » Recent Threads | | | |  |  |  |  04-10-2006, 09:41 AM | #1 | | Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Kauai, Hawaii Posts: 41 |  She'll have fun, fun, fun until her mommy takes the 318ti away!
Howzit gang?
I live on the island of Kauai and three days ago my neighbor took her daughters ti away and sold it to me for 2 grand becuase she was so mad at her she just wanted it gone. I just happened to be driving home from work when the mom was cleaning the car to take it to a local dealer to sell. Right place right time, I guess!
Now I'm the proud owner of a dark blue 96 318ti with gray leather, California soft top, ac, and killer tunes. I've been driving around all weekend and love the car! It runs perfect and handles great. The only problem I've had so far is that high school boys keep checking me out! Until I get close enough for them to see it's just me.
We don't have a BMW dealer on the island and i'm not even sure I've seen another ti here. This car came from Oahu. I'm hoping you folks can offer up some good advise on tire and wheel selection, dropping the steering wheel an inch or so (what's up with no tilt?), and removing old window tint. I also am getting an ABS and a pad low light. When I replace the front pads, will the lights go out? I'd appreciate any info.
I'll post pic real soon! I'm stoked to be a part of the group!
Aloha |  |  | | 04-10-2006, 12:51 PM | #2 | | Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 9,356 |
Whatta steal.  California top needs to be treated on occasion. Not sure how often. The treatment is the same as a convertible. It's somekind of sealer. Most likely you need front brake pads and will need the pad sensor replaced. There is a chance that it's only the sensor but doubt it. US cars did not have tilt. It was an option in the UK and probably other parts of the world. There is a retrofit, probably not worth it. The seats adjust in many positions so you should be able to get comfortable driving it. To remove tint you would use a mixture of ammonia and water. They probably sell the stuff premixed. You need to be careful with the rear window because of the defroster. I would just pay a tint shop to do it. Welcome to our little group. __________________ ...steven
BMW CCA #146825
1996 BMW 328ti • 2003 MINI Cooper S • 2016 M235i
www.bmwcca.org
| | | | | 04-10-2006, 02:15 PM | #3 | | aka Stabby Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mead, CO Posts: 5,336 |
the ti never had tilt as far as i know (anywhere in the world). we have a KB article on retrofitting it from other e36 models. i just got all the parts myself, but haven't installed yet. the info in the article (thanks clex2!) is very good.
EDIT: KB = knowledgebase __________________ 1996 318ti, California package, 267k miles
current mods: bilstein sports, bavauto springs, e30 m3 LCABs, solid metal ball joints, bavauto RSMs w/reinforcements, e30 3.73 LSD & halfshafts, supersprint cat-back exhaust, turner rear sway bar reinforcements, IE poly subframe & RTABs + camber/toe kits, powdercoated e36 32x front calipers, sport mirrors, H&R 28mmF/19mmR sway bars, x-brace, auto solutions SSK w/poly bushing upgrade, BMW CD43 head unit, DICE HD Radio w/iPod integration and "stealth" HD antenna, staggered style 68s, orange electronic TPMS, leather arm rest, JT Designs metal undertray
acquired and awaiting install: heated seat kit, cali top switch relo, lumbar support kit, park distance control kit, heated washer nozzle kit, m-coupe rear subframe, trailing arms, differential, and halfshafts, m-coupe front/rear brakes with master cylinder, under hood light kit, mud flaps, rear sun blind, auto-dimming rear view mirror, tilt steering wheel retrofit, apexcone 5000K HIDs with 55W ballasts
2002 X5 4.4 Sport Package, 53.5k miles
Current Mods: e46 m3 steering wheel | | | | | 04-10-2006, 02:27 PM | #4 | | Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 228 |
Quote: | Originally Posted by bobvilas dropping the steering wheel an inch or so (what's up with no tilt?) | I agree with what's been said. The middle lever of the seat adjusters will raise your seat quite high. My wife has to pop herself up 3 inches instead of dropping the steering wheel down. | | | | | 04-10-2006, 02:30 PM | #5 | | Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Saint Paul, MN Posts: 3,244 |
Nice! Welcome to the group! __________________
My Former Rides
1999 318ti Alpine White, Cali Roof, Dinan goodies
1996 318ti Hellrot California Edition
| | | | | 04-11-2006, 06:11 PM | #6 | | Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Kauai, Hawaii Posts: 41 |
Thanks for all the good feedback! I was wondering if the front brake pad sensor gets replaced and reset on the computer? I would have to take the car off island to get to a dealer. I'm wondering too if I need to order one when I order the pads. Also, whats your recommend on ordering parts? BMW dealer or what? | | | | | 04-11-2006, 06:51 PM | #7 | | Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 9,356 |
Quote: | Originally Posted by bobvilas Thanks for all the good feedback! I was wondering if the front brake pad sensor gets replaced and reset on the computer? I would have to take the car off island to get to a dealer. I'm wondering too if I need to order one when I order the pads. Also, whats your recommend on ordering parts? BMW dealer or what? | It's no big deal to replace the pads without changing the sensor but you will get tired of seeing the light on. Most likely you need both. Replacing pads are very easy. __________________ ...steven
BMW CCA #146825
1996 BMW 328ti • 2003 MINI Cooper S • 2016 M235i
www.bmwcca.org
| | | | | 04-11-2006, 08:27 PM | #8 | | Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Westfield, IN Posts: 1,335 |
If i was u i would order the pads and see if u can get the sensor wit it!! __________________ Greg
M42 Club member 186
WTB: HELLROT RED CLUB SPORT
95 ti sold but staying in the family.  | | | | | 04-11-2006, 08:32 PM | #9 | | Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Montclair, VA Posts: 338 |
wow 2 grand.. niceeeee i would say switch the pads, and i think there is a way to trip that wire to turn off.. you should know when you need new brakes from the sound anyway  __________________
[SIZE="1"]Current: Cooler, Intake, Headers, Valves, MAF, Exhaust, HIDS (white/blue), 17" ASA tuner with low-pros, tint, dvd/audio, I stand strong; Life's a slinky. | | | | | 04-11-2006, 08:40 PM | #10 | | Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Milwaukee Posts: 236 |
If you are a 'car person' who checks pad depth regularly, you can replace the pads without replacing the sensor. Then just cut the sensor lead, splice the two wires together, and put some water proof insulation on the lead. Make it as short as possible.
Just don't rely on the sensor light coming on to warn you, though! | | | | |
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