Good buy?

[pixiepower13]

Hi all! I have just recently discoverd the hidden treasure that is the 318ti. I am in need of a new car and want to buy one, but not knowing as much as most of you all do, I'd thought I would ask the experts wiether or not this would be a good purchase for me. Here is the scenario:
I am a college student, with limited funds. I found a 95' 318ti selling for under $5,000, with 120k miles on it, in great condition. Seller says that she has had it for 7+ years with no problems...the car was only in 1 accident and was repaired beautifully. What I want to know is if I buy this car, am I going to be looking at a lot of repair work from the natural wear & tear of the older mileage car and what am I likely to have to replace (and the cost)? What will the up keep cost? Will I have to use synthetic oil for the higher milage engine? Basically, is this a good buy? Let me know what you can for the car is likely to sell fast. Thank you so much!

~pixiepower13

[bmw///m3///]

a 95 318ti has the same engine, heres alot to know about the m42 engine faults///

www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/318isfaults.html

[bluebastion]

You should ask if she's replaced any of these (others may add as they wish, I'm just putting down what comes to mind as "she should have already done this"):
1)Replaced Bushings and control arms
2)Replaced Water Pump
3)May have replaced radiator
4)Ask if she's had any window problems (very common in our cars.) and if she has where or how did she get them fixed (seems like most people who've had closure with this problem had to take it to the dealer).
............. anything else anyone?

[pixiepower13]

Thank you! That web site is JUST what I was looking for! I printed the list and am gonna go & test that bad boy out. Thank you again!

[pixiepower13]

Thank you very much for the heads up...just recently, I had to replace the water pump on my current car...$300 later I was driving away broke. Thank you!

[96cali]

Rear shock mounts and can position sensor are common, but not too $$ eo fix if needed.

[durnadupa]

When I got my 318ti it had a little over 120,000 and it ran great. Only thing that I needed to replace was the belts, the window regulator, and a control arm. I think that even with that amount of mileage that car would be great. Good luck with that.