318ti or is

[cjm1219]

I think I pretty much know the answer but thought I would seek advice.

I have been trying to find a good 318ti for about a month and a half now. I have looked at a few junkers and 1 nice one but couldn't make a deal on it and it sold minutes after I walked away

Not many new decent looking ones have come on the market here in Texas and I am starting to look at 318is as there seems to be more available.

Am I going to be kicking myself if I give up on finding a TI and go for and IS? I love the uniqueness of the TI and like the "utility" of a hatchback.

I believe they would drive and preform very similar, but am getting annoyed waiting for the right one to come along.

Am I going to regret going for a normal looking car rather than a sorta funky one?

[xxxJohnBoyxxx]

Wait for it...

[teetime4one]

lol
stick it out for the "funky one"

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by xxxJohnBoyxxx

Wait for it...

Agree.
There can't be that many more 318i/s around that it makes a difference.

[Ragnorak]

Depends on what you're looking for. I bought the ti for the utility of the hatch, but I already have 2 E36 M3s. The only thing I don't particularly like about the ti so far is the availability of parts. It's a strange fusion of an E36 and an E30 in a lot of ways. Finding junker E36 parts are a lot easier than finding 318ti-specific parts. Same goes for the M44.

[cjm1219]

Originally Posted by Ragnorak

Depends on what you're looking for. I bought the ti for the utility of the hatch, but I already have 2 E36 M3s. The only thing I don't particularly like about the ti so far is the availability of parts. It's a strange fusion of an E36 and an E30 in a lot of ways. Finding junker E36 parts are a lot easier than finding 318ti-specific parts. Same goes for the M44.

I am just looking for a inexpensive(under $5k) car to use for commuting 70 miles daily. Something that gets good mileage(30mpg+), manual, fun and preferably RWD. BMW 318 fits my bill pretty good and their aren't many other cars that do.

I really like the looks of the ti and the way they drive. Just finding a decent one that might be difficult. I don't need to be in a hurry to get one, just getting tired of driving my truck everyday.

[Uber E30]

I would stay away from the any 92-94 e36. The reason being is that the subframe mounts tend to rip on these cars and its a really expensive repair. If you do decide on a 318is then make sure its <94.

That said, I have an e36 coupe and a 318Ti. I love the utility of the Ti, the ease of parking(13.8 ft vs 14.5ft), general ascetics of a hatch, and the rear suspension feel(but i am bias coming from an e30 background).

Have you considered an e30?


Also no idea where you are in texas, but this could be a steal:
http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/2888551344.html

[cjm1219]

Originally Posted by Uber E30

I would stay away from the any 92-94 e36. The reason being is that the subframe mounts tend to rip on these cars and its a really expensive repair. If you do decide on a 318is then make sure its <94.

That said, I have an e36 coupe and a 318Ti. I love the utility of the Ti, the ease of parking(13.8 ft vs 14.5ft), general ascetics of a hatch, and the rear suspension feel(but i am bias coming from an e30 background).

Have you considered an e30?


Also no idea where you are in texas, but this could be a steal:
http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/2888551344.html

I just saw that add in Austin this afternoon. I am in the San Antonio area. I have sent an email and will go check out. The things wrong with it don't sound too major.

I haven't really checked out an e30.

[Uber E30]

Originally Posted by cjm1219

I just saw that add in Austin this afternoon. I am in the San Antonio area. I have sent an email and will go check out. The things wrong with it don't sound too major.

I haven't really checked out an e30.

318s are ok on gas but if you want to hurt your wallet less every week I would pick up an 325e. You can use 87 in there and they should get somewhere around 35-38mpg highway. Of course they arent as fun as the high reving dohc 318s.

(not mine just for reference)

[Ragnorak]

Originally Posted by cjm1219

I am just looking for a inexpensive(under $5k) car to use for commuting 70 miles daily. Something that gets good mileage(30mpg+), manual, fun and preferably RWD. BMW 318 fits my bill pretty good and their aren't many other cars that do.

I really like the looks of the ti and the way they drive. Just finding a decent one that might be difficult. I don't need to be in a hurry to get one, just getting tired of driving my truck everyday.

I picked up my hatch for stupid cheap, but it needed some mechanical work. All in all, I'm in the car for under a third of your budget so you should easily be able to find what you need. If you're mechanically inclined, these cars are really easy to work on. The intake manifold vacuum routing is a bit ridiculous, but every car has its thing.

[cjm1219]

Update.

Waited a month and picked up a nice Clubsport.

Glad I waited.

[Coop540iT]

Congratulations! One of my best friends lives in New Braunfels. There are some nice driving roads in that area, especially in and around Gurene. In fact I think they were featured in Roundel not long ago! Enjoy

[cjm1219]

Originally Posted by Coop540iT

Congratulations! One of my best friends lives in New Braunfels. There are some nice driving roads in that area, especially in and around Gurene. In fact I think they were featured in Roundel not long ago! Enjoy

You don't happen to have link or any information on the featured roads? I am actually very new to the area and haven't gotten to explore much.

I will probably run into your friend at some point....it's a pretty small town I am finding out.

[Coop540iT]

Originally Posted by cjm1219

You don't happen to have link or any information on the featured roads? I am actually very new to the area and haven't gotten to explore much.

I will probably run into your friend at some point....it's a pretty small town I am finding out.

Sorry for the delayed reply....

The article appeared in the May 2011 issue (page 73) of BMW CCA'a club magazine Roundel. If you are a BMW CCA member you can access the issue on their website.

The article mentioned starting the drive from Gurene Hall back towards New Braunfels, then Highway 46 towards Bergheim to get to Rebecca Creek Rd. Then they went East on Farm to Market Rd 306, then River Road back to Gurene.

Let me know how you make out!

[cjm1219]

I just drove River Road a few days ago. lots of 15-20 mph marked corners. Perfect for the TI. Very nice evening drive with the roof open and windows down...fireflies bouncing off the windshield