Buying-model info 1999 318ti

[KUBI]

Hi,

I plan to buy a 1999 Ti next week,

From what i've learned in different posts, 1999 should have the sport package suspension by default. Also, the 3 spoke steering and cloth/leather seats.

The one I am getting has full black leather seats, regular steering and shifter (leather). No onboard computer. Original 5 spoke 16' alloy wheels. Cruise control.

It is in very good shape inside and out. (100k miles).

I have not seen the body color for a 318 before, it looked gray inside a garagr but blueish when outside... what is it? Also, am I right about the model specs? I checked the VIN but did not get much more info.

Thanks !

[roadrash]

I could be wrong, but I think all the '99's were silver. Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong there.

This car has the M3-style mirrors which weren't standard on anything other than a Club Sport. Also, the front bumper is definitely not the Sport bumper. I think it's safe to assume that the car has been painted, now you just need to figure out if it was for purely cosmetic reasons or if it was in an accident.

EDIT - just noticed that you're in Montreal... I know even less about the options available in Canada than I do about those available in the US. (as if that's possible. LOL) But, yeah... you should still find out if the car was in an accident.

[GoTiGo]

Originally Posted by roadrash

I could be wrong, but I think all the '99's were silver

You're wrong, not all 99's are silver. When I was looking at ti's back in the

Summer of 2008, I went to look at a 99' model that was Fern Green

[roadrash]

Yep... now that I've actually researched it a little, it looks like I was way off on the color:
http://www.carsdirect.com/1999/bmw/318/colors

Either way, the color of the car in the photo doesn't seem to be a standard BMW color for that year. Then again, I may be wrong there too. [blush]

[KUBI]

I knew about the mirrors, The owner changed them. He also has the originals and they are the same color, which is a good sign. Maybe it'a a difference in Canada.

For the front bumper I don't know, had all the checks done for accident reports and mileage, everything clean. I owned a 1974 2002tii and it had a different front bumper here due to regulations...but I doubt that in 1999. !?

Thanks for your help, will keep investigating.

[KUBI]

Or, maybe... when someone says 1999 = Sport package, does it mean 1999 model year as sold or 1999 manufactured date? This car was built in November 2008.

1998 i mean, wishful thinking!

[campaiar]

I believe its model year 1999 that were all sports.

Again, that's for the states. CND might be different.

[performanceisland]

1999 is all sport package but in the usa, not canada. canada got the regular downgraded model i believe. they were made in silver, black, blue, white, green, at least, im sure other colors too.

how about a supercharged one instead?

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=27415

[KUBI]

OK then, I think the best way will be to go to a dealer. Anyway it's in great shape and has almost not been driven in winter. Only thing not working is the abs which I'll have to check. Thanks all for your input ! Hopefully will be a member WITH Ti wheels soon !

A word for my old Suzuki... beat the thing up to 360 000 kilometers and can't go through it.

[tiFreak]

all US-spec ti's had sideskirts starting in 97, yours just has painted rocker panels, I'm thinking Canadian-spec ti's are going to be considerably different as far as option packages from the ones here

[KUBI]

You're right, called the owner, he changed the mirrors and had the sides painted to match color. They were black. I would not have done this but hey, they're a good match. First mod I'll make will be the shocks. Will see that later in other threads !

[KUBI]

Hi, I got the color code, it is FJORDGRAU METALLIC (310)
Strange color, like water it changes as the sky changes.
Will get it next friday...

Also, I verified options at www.bmw-options-vin-decoder.com
May be useful to others !

Here is the result

Order options
No. Description
240 LEATHER STEERING WHEEL
243 AIRBAG FOR FRONT PASSENGER
260 SIDE AIRBAG DRIVER/FRT PASSENGER
315 REAR WINDSCREEN WIPER
441 SMOKERS PACKAGE
473 ARMREST, FRONT
498 HEADRESTS IN REAR, MECHANIC. ADJUSTABLE
520 FOGLIGHTS
530 AIR CONDITIONING
540 CRUISE CONTROL
676 HIFI LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM
692 CD CHANGER I-BUS PREPARATION
756 INDIVIDUAL LT/ALY WHEELS ROUND SPOKE
818 MAIN BATTERY SWITCH
838 CANADIAN VERSION
896 DAYTIME LIGHTS FUNCTION
925 SHIPPING PROTECTION PACKAGE

Any idea what is the HIFI Loudspeaker syst. The radio looked standard. 10 speakers I guess.

And main battery switch ?
Most of those options are standard anyway I guess...
838 Canadian version must be just a faster version

[roadrash]

Originally Posted by KUBI

Also, I verified options at www.bmw-options-vin-decoder.com
May be useful to others !

Did you actually pay for the info? I hope not, we have a thread here where one of our most helpful members will look up your VIN in the system where he works and give the same info as that site.

[KUBI]

Oups, I did pay ten bucks for that... Thanks for the info...was closing the deal so wanted to be sure - about the paint mostly - before...

Cant wait to get it ti !!!

It' bad to have to pay for that I agree...

[KUBI]

Heres a good reference for color codes

http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au..._codes_bmw.htm