BMW 318ti

roadburner · December 2008

Check all the engine grounds.
Do you have fuel?
Spark?

TN318TI · January 2009

HI i a little confuse. i have a 1995 318TI, with a manual transmition, i looking to replace the oil on it (transmition), some people said ATF and others regular manual transm. oil, which one is the right one?, what brand?, and for the rear end also.

Thanks in advance...

roadburner · January 2009

The transmission takes Dexron II or III ATF. The diff requires a 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil unless it has limited slip in which case it takes 75W-140 GL-5. Amsoil, Mobil 1, Redline, Royal Purple and Valvoline Syn Power are all good. There are other good oils out there, but those are the ones I have experience with.

stanchak · March 2009

I am in need of a car, I have found a 318ti, not in the best shape as far as interior. I have a friend who is a mechanic and has told me that these cars have major oil leaking problems past 70,000 miles. This car has 174,000 miles year model 1995. Is this common and should I stay away?

belgso · March 2009

I found a 1995 5speed manual, 4 cyl. with 151k miles. Body looks in good condition. It is white with a sunroof, power locks, power seats, Premium sound system, abs brakes, AC, driver side air bag power windows, intermit wipers. I don't have any other details at this time dealer is closed this weekend. I never bought a 318TI. Any shopping recommendations about what I should and need to ask the dealer about. I have the vin number should I run a car fact report on it. Thanks for your input.

Dealer is asking $3,995.00 should this raise any suspicions?

roadburner · March 2009

Your friend doesn't know very much-if anything-about BMWs. I have a 1995 318ti that I have owned since new. At 115,000 miles it doesn't leak a drop of oil. I also belong to the two largest ti digests and there has been absolutely no mention of "major oil leaking problems"- period. That said, if the car's interior is in poor shape then the odds are very good that the mechanicals have also been neglected. If you are seriously interested in the car you need to have it thoroughly inspected by a good BMW tech. Taking it to Billy Bob's Auto Repair and Tanning Salon isn't going to cut it. Finally, be aware that you should set aside $50-$75 per month to cover maintenance and repair costs. If you aren't willing or able to do that you should probably look elsewhere.

roadburner · March 2009

The ti has proven to be a very durable car. I have a 1995 with 114K and I've had very few problems with it. My running costs average @$50/month, and that number includes a set of sticky track rubber every 25,000 miles or so.
I doubt the car you are looking at has power seats, they were never an option on the ti.
The key to the successful purchase of any high mileage BMW is to have it thoroughly checked out by a QUALIFIED BMW technician. I'd also want to take a look at the vehicle service history. Was the oil changed regularly? Was the DOT 4 brake fluid changed every two years? Coolant every three(using only BMW Coolant)? How about the transmission and final drive? Do you have a good BMW indie shop lined up to handle any repairs and maintenance? The drivetrain should easily go over 200K miles with regular maintenance.
You can buy a Carfax report, but be aware that the results aren't always conclusive; I've seen some cars with a clean Carfax that have sustained major damage.

hpmctorque · September 2009

You seem very knowledgeable about the 318ti. What annual mileage are you basing the $50-$75 per month that you suggest putting aside for for maintenance and repair? Also is this range based on the owner perpfromaning all maintenance and repair work? If not, that range seems quite low. I base this on a couple of older cars I own, including a very well maintained '87 E30 6-cylinder with 124,000 miles. I understand the 318ti is a 4-cylinder, and it's newer, and that you may be basing your estimated maintenance and repair figures on doing your own work.

roadburner · September 2009

What annual mileage are you basing the $50-$75 per month that you suggest putting aside for for maintenance and repair?

My annual mileage works out to @9000 miles. My last look at the spreadsheet showed that maintenance and repair costs averaged $33/month- but that number will go up again as I recently bought a new set of track tires.

Also is this range based on the owner performing all maintenance and repair work?

No; I perform the Oil Service and Inspection I maintenance as well as replacing belts, bulbs, etc., but for everything else I use my dealer or my indie BMW tech.

topbiz1 · November 2009

I am purchasing a 1998 318Ti M model w/auto for my daughter for $4800- SUPER clean-No oil leaking at 108,000. Any thoughts? I had heard a rumor about head gaskets being an issue.

roadburner · November 2009

Nice car! I've had my 1995 ti since new:

Head gaskets are NOT an issue on the M44 motor unless the car was repeatedly overheated. As always, the key to the successful purchase of any older BMW is to have it thoroughly checked out by a QUALIFIED BMW technician. I'd also want to take a look at the vehicle service history. Was the oil changed regularly? Was the DOT 4 brake fluid changed every two years? Coolant every three(using only BMW Coolant)? How about the transmission and final drive? Do you have a good BMW dealer or indie shop lined up to handle any repairs and maintenance? The drivetrain should easily go over 200K miles with regular maintenance.

mterrag · November 2009

I am looking at purchasing a 1996 318ti 147,000 miles, automatic for my son. price is $4150, thoughts? I am concerned since it is almost 14 years old. I have read some reviews and they are positive but I have never owned a BMW so I don't know. Are the repairs expensive? I ran the carfax it was three owners, no accidents reported, tires replaced in 2008 but other than that it doesn't show much in regards to maintenance.. passed emissions etc., does anyone know what kind of problems the 318ti typically has? thanks very much meg

roadburner · November 2009

Read the first ten posts in this topic. If you have any additional questions I'll be happy to answer them.

sabrina20 · October 2010

Well, looking for quality it takes a lot of effort.

kenneth813 · December 2010

I am going to replace a radiator by myself and order the parts online. After searching a few different web sites, it shows different brand name and different size but all fit into my car, how can it possible with different size? I am wondering where I can find the right part for my car? Thanks.

BMW 318ti

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