98 318ti - Is this a good deal?

[LobsterMagnet]

Hi

I'm new to this forum (and BMW's) and am considering this car as a daily driver: Is this a good deal, and also, are BMW's extremely expensive to fix like I've heard they are?

What should I be sure to check when I go to look at this car?

Thanks.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...000&cardist=61

[CirrusSR22]

It depends on who fixes the car. For example, I could buy a new alternator online and install it myself for much cheaper than a dealer would do on a Chevrolet (for example). I think the key to cheap BMW ownership is

#1. Being a smart internet shopper. Parts online vs. parts from the dealer counter can vary massively. For example I bought a brand new Behr radiator online for $128. A popular online BMW dealer parts depatment wanted $300 and my local dealer wanted $450.

#2. Internet forums are a god-send. www.318ti.org and www.bimmerforums.com is really all you need. It seems every poject out there has a DIY write-up.

#3. Maybe you already do, but doing your own maintenance and repair is the best way to save money. Maintenance is often easier on BMWs vs. other cars.

I'm not sure on current 318ti prices so hopefully some else can chime in. The mileage is nice and low though.

318tis are quite reliable and there aren't any notorious big problems. There are few minor things that all E36 BMWs suffered from. The window regulators are no good (< $100 DIY project), and the headliner fabric falls down.

[elchicano]

Yea these cars don't break down to easily. I'm a college student and i could afford this car and maintaining it so i think you could too.

[LobsterMagnet]

I am a broke college student, do it yourself-er, and definately am savvy in finding cheap car parts on the net.


Thanks for the replies. I LOVE Hondas, but this car has everything I'm looking for in an Accord, gets better gas mileage, and satisfies my thirst for strange 90's styling. I'm pretty much sold on it, just needed someone to validate.

Look forward to posting/lurking.

[LobsterMagnet]

also, elchicano-

Are those headlights custom, or are they an e-bay thing? I really like the angel eyes, and would definately want some if I do get a BMW.

Thanks

[elchicano]

Originally Posted by LobsterMagnet

I am a broke college student, do it yourself-er, and definately am savvy in finding cheap car parts on the net.


Thanks for the replies. I LOVE Hondas, but this car has everything I'm looking for in an Accord, gets better gas mileage, and satisfies my thirst for strange 90's styling. I'm pretty much sold on it, just needed someone to validate.

Look forward to posting/lurking.

As a college student whose broke most of the time too i can tell you that you would love this car. Of course the parts for this car may be more expensive it well worth it. anyway theres less of these cars then hondas so people will give yuo more props with the work you do to it.

[elchicano]

they are the single unit headlights form ebay, not everyone likes them here but i like them and think they are cool.

[LobsterMagnet]

Cool, they look sweet.... when I search for 318ti halos on ebay, I don't get anything. Are all headlights/tail lights for 318 (i, ti, ect.) interchangable?

Thanks again.

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by LobsterMagnet

Cool, they look sweet.... when I search for 318ti halos on ebay, I don't get anything. Are all headlights/tail lights for 318 (i, ti, ect.) interchangable?

Thanks again.

Yes. It's not until you get to corner lights that you need to be concerned. They take sedan lights. Also, one piece lights will need to be sedan assemblies. Tail lights are ti specific. Sides are specific to the year.

Edit: Don't expect it to have a tilt steering wheel. None of the US models do,

[teetime4one]

welcome to the forum.
you are looking to buy a ti with 58,xxx miles. good find.
my car has 135,xxx and has never left me stranded...sounds good you say?
there is a MHTi member with 226,xxx and his car still runs strong.
very hard car to kill...unless you fail to do regular maintenance.

[thesk8nmidget]

agreed! this car will last you a long long time!

my car is also for sale and i am letting her go for a lot less and its the same colors and has the headlights you like and also a few other things if you wanna look at my signature we could work out a deal. feel free to shot me a pm

[elchicano]

Yea just go to ebay put in e36 BMW and go to the lights section and it should be under headlights. you will need to get 4 door single unit headlights. But yea josh's car is sweet if you have a chance you should take a look at it.

[LobsterMagnet]

Thanks for the warm welcome and all of the replies!

Judging from the pictures I'd probably love Josh's car (especially the black seats and rims) but Texas is a long way from Detroit .

I found the headlights just fine (thanks for the advice) and I'm wondering, would I be able to add a center armrest to a ti very easily (like from an M3 or something with a higher trim level)?

Thanks.

[tiFreak]

Originally Posted by LobsterMagnet

I found the headlights just fine (thanks for the advice) and I'm wondering, would I be able to add a center armrest to a ti very easily (like from an M3 or something with a higher trim level)?

yes, there are companies that make armrests for the ti, "Leatherz" is one of them I think

[LobsterMagnet]

Okay thanks, I'll check 'em out.

Although I suppose I need a ti to put it in first