» Site Navigation | | » Recent Threads | | | | | | | | 10-26-2007, 08:24 PM | #1 | Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Eugene Oregon Posts: 6,182 | common problems im looking at a 1998 318ti and it has 167,000 miles on it i have a few concerns because that seems to be the area where yo start to come across problems and things go wrong i am new to bmws so i was coming here to see if you guys could help me by letting me know what usually goes wrong with these and abut what mileage average it happens. the engine has never had work just the basic tune ups and oil changes thanks in advance josh! | | | 10-27-2007, 05:11 AM | #2 | Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: maritimes Posts: 1,433 | the best advice anyone here can give you... take it to a certified BMW tech. no matter how much anyone explains the common problems, you will never spot them all... spend the extra $50-$100, it is worth its weight in gold. __________________ 11/97 Base 328Ti | | | 10-27-2007, 05:40 AM | #3 | Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: nj Posts: 316 | any type of mounts are prob shot, fuel filter water pump clutch. it all depends on how the person took care of it. maybe he put regular gas in or never got a oil change you never know, but a car that it ten years old needs anything you would think of | | | 11-25-2007, 11:00 PM | #4 | Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Shelton, CT Posts: 154 | I got mine with 200k. Lucky I got from a really BMW fan and runs like a champ. So far the only thing is some minor chips in the hood. Rgith now looking to get it paint but dont know where. Anyway after 100k this is what he put: water pump, radiator, all the filters, head gaskets, ball joints, exahust and CAt checked I changed the ingnition ( completely) I replace the rear exahust. (mufler) The oil has to be replace no matter what he says (I just non syntetic high mileage). I also clean the fuel, injectors system...and still looking what else can do. OF course I put some 17'' hehe | | | 11-25-2007, 11:04 PM | #5 | Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New York Posts: 70 | What about timing belts? Those should be done around 90K I belive... speaking of them has any one had them replace and how much does it cost? | | | 11-26-2007, 02:01 AM | #6 | Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Halethorpe, MD Posts: 1,028 | I second the advice to take it to a mechanic. I will say that mine is 10 years old and the only thing I've had to replace is the thermostat, brakes, and ball joints. I have just over 100k on it. You never have to change the timing belts because it doesn't have any. We have timing chains. AFAIK, there is no recommended interval for the change on the chains. | | | 11-26-2007, 02:03 AM | #7 | Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New York Posts: 70 | Quote: Originally Posted by bullmand I second the advice to take it to a mechanic. I will say that mine is 10 years old and the only thing I've had to replace is the thermostat, brakes, and ball joints. I have just over 100k on it. You never have to change the timing belts because it doesn't have any. We have timing chains. AFAIK, there is no recommended interval for the change on the chains. | Oh wow I thought they did way with that...phew I was dreading the replacement. | | | 11-26-2007, 05:51 AM | #8 | Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: state college, pa Posts: 3,431 | Quote: Originally Posted by bobbob1015 Oh wow I thought they did way with that...phew I was dreading the replacement. | I think only the Japanese are building interference engines these days. Anyhow, jump on the regional forums and ask for a reputable mechanic in your area to look over any car you're going to buy. I'd consider myself experienced with cars, but I still have this done if I'm spending over a certain amount. __________________ I scream, you scream, we all scream for ZOMBIES. | | | 11-27-2007, 05:15 AM | #9 | Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Shelton, CT Posts: 154 | You also have to check the rust!!! | | | 11-27-2007, 05:16 AM | #10 | Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Shelton, CT Posts: 154 | How can I know if I need to change the ball joints? Do I need to change the control arm bushing as well? When I need to replace the shocks? | | | 01-03-2008, 10:43 PM | #11 | Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: CT. Posts: 29 | i would be surprised if the windows work lol | | | 01-03-2008, 10:53 PM | #12 | Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Eugene Oregon Posts: 6,182 | old thread lol' i bought a different one. __________________ -Josh Sold-1995 318ti, Club Sport, Hellrot Sold-1996 318ti, Active Model, Boston Green Current- 1995 318ti, sport model, schwartz | | | | Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | | Thread Tools | | Display Modes | Linear Mode | Posting Rules | You may not post new threads You may not post replies You may not post attachments You may not edit your posts HTML code is Off | | | |