Hello Every1

[3.2TI]

I signed up a while back as I have owned 2 318Ti's in my past. I am currently looking to buy my 3rd. Both of my Ti's have been M-tech 5 speed RED. I am looking to get into the same model but since RED is almost imposible to find in good shape or manual I have decided to go with Grey or White.

At the current moment I own a 2008 VW R32 slightly moded but clean. It is in the market at the moment, this is my dream car but I am facing a reality check and responsibilities are calling. So now that I am here in the forums I wanted to ask a few questions from a newb point of view. Even though I owned 2 TI's I was very young and this was back in 1996.

Can you guys tell me which rear diff model is standard as well as the recommended diff for performance. Also would like to know the alternative engines that fit the car if I wanted to go with a bigger motor or can a turbo be put in and have good results? All these things coming from a person that has lived and breather VW for the past 10 years so maybe these things are silly here. I just want to get more power out of my future TI that I can use as a daily.

This is my car btw

[BMW_Hatchback]

welcome to the site, feel free to roam around the swap section, you will find some decent swaps with any of the 6 cylinder motors from the 325, 328, m3, ect... it can get tricky though. I believe 5 speed manuals were 3.45 open standard, LSD option for some years. Auto is 4.44 I think. People leans towards the 3.73 LSD from the E30 325, which are matched with E30 axles as well. Browse around, you can learn all of this from just a few threads alone

[tiFreak]

mid model year in '96 was when BMW stopped having the LSD available on non-M cars

search for a thread by "xxxJohnBoyxxx", he has one of the few successful turbo projects out there, but if you're not up to the fabrication you can buy a DASC

[3.2TI]

Good evening,


I wanted to re-introduce myself, a while back I posted my first thread about possibly buying a 318ti. It has been some time since but finally the day came and I am the proud new owner of 96Cli's 99' M-Tech California Alpine White 318TI soon to be 3.2Ti. He arrived a short 24 hours after pickup in Ohio and made it's way down to my front door in Miami, Florida. My house is literally 20 minutes from the Homestead Speedway so I am at the end of the world. As my new dream was unloaded from the truck I was eager to take him for a spin and test out the new toy. It was a great feeling to hear the engine and feel the response. The car is in extremely good shape and was well maintained considering the time. I will be detailing it tomorrow and registering it so I can go show it off.


First I would like to thank 96Cali for all the time we went back and forth with my uncertainty about the whole purchase. After many sleepless nights I was able to meet deadlines and close the deal so I was very happy that it all turned out as it did. As you guys can see I am coming off a 260HP AWD beast that performed like part of my body, I depended on the car's performance under the most extreme conditions but have turned my desire towards the TI that has been part of my life 3 times, that is right, this is my 3rd TI but my first to become a project.

While I was waiting for the car I took the liberty of doing some homework and have actually purchased an m50 motor, tranny, wire harness and ecu from the same car at a great price. This will be the first step to get the TI where you guys are at.


This might be enough blabber to get myself acquainted with some of you. XXXJohnboyXXX is a great guy and will be more than likely helping out in this project if I am able to get him down here.


3.2TI

[tiFreak]

congrats, you've got a real good base for a project

[3.2TI]

Thanks, I am itching to get this started. I was told next week and it will take a couple days =D. Maybe you guys can point me out to some local South Floridians here, if any.

[roadrash]

Originally Posted by 3.2TI

Maybe you guys can point me out to some local South Floridians here, if any.

There are several very active members from FL. Check in the regional sub-forum for your area.

[airborneSGT]

Welcome! I am from South, FL myself also. Joined the service out of Boca and then worked for the Army down in Miami before being stationed in NC again. I get back down to FL often and might take my Ti down one last time before its get sent to Germany with me!

[3.2TI]

Thanks, I have not met any TI owners here although I have seen 2 or 3 in the past few years lingering around. I am an e36 lover so I am probably oldschool. So if anyone is near the area hit me up and maybe we can share some input.

[Marv17]

welcome. always exciting to see a new member with their project roam around here. gives me new ideas all the time.
your swap will be a fun project and you'll see new available power with the M50.
keep us updated.

[96cali]

Originally Posted by 3.2TI

First I would like to thank 96Cali for all the time we went back and forth with my uncertainty about the whole purchase.

... I took the liberty of doing some homework and have actually purchased an m50 motor, tranny, wire harness and ecu from the same car at a great price. This will be the first step to get the TI where you guys are at.

No problem Raul on the communication! Glad it arrived unscathed- the driver would not let it travel with a cover btw. Kind of bittersweet for me to see her swapped but sounds like you'll do it right. I know you went through a lot selling your VW to get here, I'm sure the 318ti.org crowd will welcome another member!

FWIW guys, Raul was really in love with the car which is why I turned down several offers to match his price while he was getting funds together. I think he'll e a great member. Don't be afraid to bust his b@lls though about calling the M50 a 3.2L though or I will lose all respect for this site.

Think he told it was an M3 motor over the phone though, must be an S52.

[3.2TI]

Originally Posted by 96cali

No problem Raul on the communication! Glad it arrived unscathed- the driver would not let it travel with a cover btw. Kind of bittersweet for me to see her swapped but sounds like you'll do it right. I know you went through a lot selling your VW to get here, I'm sure the 318ti.org crowd will welcome another member!

FWIW guys, Raul was really in love with the car which is why I turned down several offers to match his price while he was getting funds together. I think he'll e a great member. Don't be afraid to bust his b@lls though about calling the M50 a 3.2L though or I will lose all respect for this site.

Think he told it was an M3 motor over the phone though, must be an S52.

Thanks Phil, it was a long time planning the whole thing but couldn't be happier. I have got the car that I was looking for 3 years and in great shape. I do hope to become a regular here and get to meet some nice people.

I apreciate that Phil accepted my offer and respected it till the very end, it made me work very hard and glad it paid off.

Yes I am a newb and didn't know a thing about engines but hope this changes soon.


BTW: Car will be going to be operated on Monday, hehe. Hope that he will be back by Thursday or Friday. I will tell you how the S52 (AKA M50) turns out.