New Owner and issues

[Popeye]

Having owned a BMW (in europe) wanted another for ages. Finally the finances alowed it and i got myself a 1996 318Ti (not really sure if it is a Base/Active or Sports) with 155000 KMs. It does have cruise but no OBC (just a clock). I did check the car to the best of my ability but my ability seems to have let me down.

In the first week i have had to change the front main seal, Gasket below the Oil filter, 2 'O' rings, thermostat unit and of course just to be on the safe side Plugs, Oil change and Air filter. The Engine light just came on and the code points to a "Cam Positioning sensor". My research shows me that 2 gaskets need changing when changing the 'Cam Positioning sensor'. On line i have found this part named as the 'Cam Speed sensor', not sure if this is the same part.

I feel that the water pump might be the next to go as it is 'squeaking' and the "CAT" seems to be dodgy.

However, i do like the ride and am hoping NOT to 'cut my loses' at this moment in time even though i am way over budget.

[tiFreak]

Originally Posted by Popeye

It does have cruise but no OBC (just a clock).

I'm pretty sure it's a base

[b.u.ti-ful]

Hopefully you will be able to get on top of your list and enjoy the car.

Here is a site that will tell you exactly what model you have.

http://www.bmw-z1.com/VIN/VINdecode-e.cgi

[dave45056]

Does that site REALLY tell you that? I put my vin in and it just tells me the body style, engine, transmission, production date, oil capacities, etc. Did not mention Club Sport, Sport, Active, or Base

[b.u.ti-ful]

Oh yeah, you are correct.

But, this list should help you determine your package:

http://www.rohrer-design.com/318ti/img006.jpg

[Popeye]

So i have completed one year of the ownership and have had to replace the following:

1. Cam Positioning Sensor
2. Front Main Seal (Engine)
3. Rear hatch shocks
4. Radiator
5. Driver door handle (came into my hand)
6. Water pump
7. Starter motor
8. Drive shaft hanger bearing
9. front wheel hub
10. New Key (as old key was worn out and wouldn't open the doors)
11. Wiper issues
12. Front Brakes and rotors
13. Rear brakes and backing plate
14. Plastic coolant line(s) at the rear side of the engine

Still need to do
15. replace valve cover gasket - leaking
16. Investigate: CEL comes on when tank is empty and sometimes goes of when i fill up.
17. 10/24/2011 - Rust patch on the rear left wheel well

Some of these items have had me stranded on the highway, not good. When i calculate the Total cost of ownership, i am not sure this was a economical buy. Don't get me wrong it is a nice & proud drive, however very expensive. Some parts are dealership only and did cost me premium. Maybe this is normal for a + 12 year ownership or a melon. In any case this forum and members certainly saved my bacon a few times with tips and recommendations, so Thanks.

[milehigh96caliti]

Hopefully you will think the hard work will be worth it in the end. They are cool cars and I'm a girl!

[aceyx]

Originally Posted by Popeye

Still need to do
15. replace valve cover gasket - leaking
16. Investigate: CEL comes on when tank is empty and sometimes goes of when i fill up.

I think you've covered all the problematic parts, and quite honestly, it sounds like you've done the groundwork to make this thing last.

As far as the CEL goes, it's probably the gas cap seal/o-ring (~$1) but I would go get your codes read anyhow. Most auto parts stores will rent readers for free.

[Popeye]

Lately the car started to pull to the passenger side when appling brakes. Researched issue / verified that Driver side caliper is working / replaced driver side flex brake line, still having the issue when car is driven for some time, i.e. hot. Any ideas?

CEL light still acting up when tank 3/4 or below. Gas cap verified to be ok by emission shop.

Once this issue is taken care of the car is going, i am cutting my losses.

[Popeye]

Contary to my last post above i did not cut my losses. I just ran the bloody thing. As ACEYX says i had got the main things all wrapped up n my first 2 years of ownership. I must say for the last ~2 years i have only changed oil/filter and put gas in it. My ODO is up to 270k now.

I came back to this tried and true forum once again as i relaized that the old girl needs rear shocks replacing now, the new bilsteins i put in Sept 2008 has started to leak all over my driveway. So much for these life time Bilsteins.

[slow_ti]

Valve cover isn't bad if you know your way around the engine bay


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[jca]

I agree that you are getting ahead of this car as far a maintainance and repair is concerned. Most used cars, especially used BMW's, need catch up work after you buy them.

[Popeye]

I am trying not to start building this thing (as i have done my other transports) but i cannot stop thinking of getting some ooomphhh out of it. I caught myself thinking of a peformance exhaust and a CAI in the coming months. Any advise on this front?

[tiFreak]

you won't get much power with just an intake and exhaust, but they do add some eye candy and a better sound, Cosmo racing makes a decent intake for a good price and you can get a Magnaflow muffler with a custom catback for a decent price

[Popeye]

Decided on synthetic oil from now on. i hear i can run 8k between changes.