Thinking about a 318ti '95

[ATF]

As the subject says, I'm thinking about getting a 1995 318ti.
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...2&aff=national
http://www.ramseycorp.com/used_vehic...1bedb0c2ab03b8
Those are two links for the same car.

From what I've read so far, I'm going to have to check a lot of stuff.
The car has ~115k miles on it, and from the free CarFax report, it says it was in an accident, and had fram damage on the left front. Then was fixed.

From the pictures, it looks like the head liner did come loose. Also this would be my first time purchasing a car, so I don't really have any mechanic friends to come with me to check out the car.
I read http://www.samarins.com/check/simplecheck.html to get an understanding of what to look for, and what to do before even considering to make the final purchase.

I guess the questions I have now, where can I bring the car to get it fully checked out and would the dealership let me bring it to a mechanic of my choice (and how much would this diagnostic cost)? What is a Window Regulator? What's peeling tape on a B Pillar and can I check this myself?

I'm sure i'll have more questions because I'm always extra cautious, especially when making a big purchase, so please bear with me

Thanks -Nick

[ATF]

I also came across this one.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...ref=srl#vdptop

[kirbykirbykirby3]

Wow! Nice Deal on the 2nd one!

Im buying a ti too =) heres my link for the one ima buy!

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...2555&cardist=0

Maybe we can exchange tips? Catch me on AIM/Yim/Msn =D

[adempster1]

Originally Posted by kirbykirbykirby3

Wow! Nice Deal on the 2nd one!

Im buying a ti too =) heres my link for the one ima buy!

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...2555&cardist=0

Maybe we can exchange tips? Catch me on AIM/Yim/Msn =D

In my opinion the price is too high even with the low miles.

[m3outtanowhere]

Ill sell you mine for 6,500. Its a clubsport. I NEED THE MONEY!

[ATF]

Originally Posted by m3outtanowhere

Ill sell you mine for 6,500. Its a clubsport. I NEED THE MONEY!

Trust me, If I had 6,500 I'd pick it up from someone who wouldn't take advantage of my lack of knowledge on used 318ti's. But unfortunately being a college student doesn't leave much leftover in my pocket. I like the 318ti because it looks awesome and it's not pricey.

I'll let you know if my parents let me increase my budget.

[SDKmann]

Just keep looking, they are rare but they do turn up for sale a lot. The car you posted is nice but it is auto and it has steelies. If your into cars even a little bit then buy a manual, I got stuck with a auto and hate it everyday. Also look for a car with good alloys, unless the car is super cheap then I wouldnt buy it with steelies.

[Rhys]

I bought my 1995 318ti for £4000 (not sure on exchange rates into $) it had 47K on the clock, auto, leather seats etc. looking at them pics there isn't a headlamp washer on those and the switchable auto box only has 2 settings. mine has (S)ports (E)conomy and (M)anual. The stering wheel is a three spoke one as well. Not sure what difference there is between euro models and US models.

link to interior pic.

[pnosker]

I test drove that one, it's in really bad condition. ABS light on, bad job with fixing the accident stuff, engine compartment is screwed up, trim is missing, rear drum brakes are shot, and it has no power. I recommend against it. I thought about it before I got mine.

(Talking about Ramseycorp's)

[Rhys]

Originally Posted by pnosker

rear drum brakes are shot, and it has no power. I recommend against it. I thought about it before I got mine.

(Talking about Ramseycorp's)

Can't be a ti then. Must be a 316i compact. the ti had rear discs. The engine is the same size but it's 8 valve instead of 16 valve. No wonder it had no power.. Must have had some 318ti badges put on - bit like putting ///M3 badges on a 316i coupé - just not done IMHO.

Unless it is a 318ti on the log book and it's never been serviced lol.

[pnosker]

The 316i wasn't sold in the USA. There are drum brakes on the ti family, for the parking brake. That's what was shot.

[pgh95ti]

I like black "steelies" without wheel covers for my winter tires.

[Rhys]

Originally Posted by pnosker

The 316i wasn't sold in the USA. There are drum brakes on the ti family, for the parking brake. That's what was shot.

fair enough - looks like it's just us over here that gets the 316i then - this has rear drum brakes hence the confusion.
Just out of interest do you get the diesel version?
Pity about one thing tho' - we don't get the bigger 328ti over here, shame realy - I think it's just available in LHD.

[pnosker]

We only got the 1.8/1.9l version in the USA. We didn't get the 328ti either . I wish the diesel was available, I bet the gas mileage is even better than the great mileage the 1.8/1.9l gets (and maybe even the 1.6l too).

[campaiar]

You mean 323ti right? I think that's the biggest engine BMW put in a ti right?