BMW 318ti

pa559 · August 2001

Called my local dealer and service dept. manager about the car in question. He ran the vin and it did come with the sport package. Seats are correct as is the front end and body side moulding. I also ran the vin and the title number as per carfax. Got the prior owners name and address. I'll give him a call and see if he traded the car in with the sport wheels that it came with. Does anyone know what tire size is correct from the factory with this package? Also, do foglights come with the package? If anyone can give me a list of all the items that come with the sport package I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

silver_bullet · August 2001

If it is a sport package, as opposed to the much rarer "Club Sport" edition, I can recall the following items:
* M Technic body kit (front valance, sideskirts, and rear diffuser)
* Leather/cloth sport seats
* Sport suspension
* 225/50-16 performance tires on 16x7 (maybe 7.5?) five-spoke alloys -- Style J wheels?

That's all I can recall. The Club Sport cars also had the sexy rear view mirrors from the M3. No changes to the engine, transmission or brakes that I remember. Foglights were part of the sport front valance. I believe SR, LSD or ASC+T, and maybe the onboard computer were optional.

div2 · August 2001

The Club Sport was only offered in 1995. 1996 and later Sports were essentially Club Sports without the M3 mirrors. Are the Michelins Artic Alpins? The PO may have traded the car with the snows.

pa559 · August 2001

Thanks for the info. I ran a DOR check on the car and found that it was a corporate fleet car for a local BMW dealer. It probably was a car given to one of the principal's kids then went straight to the dealer I'm trying to deal with right now. The BMW dearer can't swap wheels on a car without a ton of paperwork and disclosure statement that would create a paper trail that would still be with the car at this point. I'm going back to the dealer tomorrow afternoon and see what kind of a deal we can make. I think he switched the wheels for a prior customer or another car on his lot. Everything else checks out for a proper sports package. I'll let know what happens next. Thanks for the sports package info.

pa559 · August 2001

MB has just announced a new hatchback that looks like a steamlined 318ti. Has anyone heard anymore about a new 318ti or an updated model? Seems that MB moved into the slot that BMW had with the best looking hatchback on the market. I must admit the new MB looks really good.

silver_bullet · August 2001

The new BMW hatch is not destined for the U.S. - good thing, too, because it is an embarassingly ugly design. We will likely see the new Valvetronic engine technology, however.

ghulet · August 2001

I think BMW got gunshy about selling the hatch here, because it sold poorly (the old-style suspension and 1.8 engine didn't help, IMHO).

I still think they'll bring it here IF the new
M-B 230 hatch does really well. We'll see.

The problem with any lowest-rung model in a luxury marque is options and their prices. Sure, these cars start at $25k, which is what draws customers. By the time you option it the way even the most basic luxury car should be equipped (sunroof, leather, CD), you're at $30k, a price point at which other cars start to look a lot more tempting.

beygo · October 2001

revka · October 2001

So how's your BMW 318ti doing? Perhaps you can give us a report.... ;-)

To everyone- Be sure to check out the Additional Resources on the left side of the page. I just added a couple links, including Edmunds' Road test of the 1996 318ti. Happy Motoring!

Revka
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Hatchbacks / Station Wagons / Women's Auto Center Boards

marts1 · October 2001

My 1998 ti was going great until recently.A transmission seal leaked "catastrophically" while
the car was parked overnight.Didn't notice it the next morning because it was still dark.Result? The
transmission was ruined during my 83 mile commute.
Any similar experiences? By the way,it's an auto
trans and the car had 62k miles on it.$3,500 later (rebuilt trans installed),everything appears to be OK.

revka · October 2001

Sorry to hear about your BMW 318ti transmission problem. While your waiting here for more feedback, you may also want to check Edmunds' Maintenance Guide to see if you can find any similar recalls or tsb's. Hope this is helpful.

Revka
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Hatchbacks / Station Wagons / Women's Auto Center Boards

rattie · March 2002

Am trying to talk myself out of purchasing a 98 318ti, 57k, blue/grey "leatherette", keyless entry, CD changer, automatic, for $17,800 drive out. All male friends advice against buying because of performance/appearance---"it's a high-schooler's car." Can't afford anything over $19K and really want a sporty, smallish car with nice options. Drove a 2000 VW Jetta and found the seats uncomfortable and the cabin cramped. Will look at pre-owned Acuras and VW Passat, but fear that they won't feel as solid and comfortable and nimble as the 318ti, or have as good gas mileage. Want to end this car buying saga and am getting too many calls from the BMW dealer, so please advise SOON. Thanks. Currently drive a 90 Civic hatchback w/140k miles-----no car payment for 8 years!!

verozahl · March 2002

... pulling out of a parking garage. Noisy engine, sounds like lawnmower, is that normal?

andrey64 · April 2002

Don't talk yourself out of 318 ti. Just take your time. All things you're looking for in a car are there. No integras or VW even come close in handling and steereing response, leave alone solid feel overall. I would suggest not to go fast about this one. Price is a liitle high for this milage. If you have several BMW dealers around - try to look for a 1999 car with 35-40,000 miles, an off-lease car. You get good finance rate from BMW finance + CPO warranty up to 2005 - really important. they go for 18,900 - 19,900, but that's asking price. These hatchbacks are hard to sell-compare to CPO sedans/coupes and dealer should go down easily at least 2 G before anyone says yes on a purchase. They make good money on other 99% of the cars - so in fact it's much easier to negotiate on these hatchbacks, they're not in demand.
If you do go with this one (57K miles)and agree to pay the price - make sure dealer performs Inspection 2 + new brakes and tires. Exhaust inspection in writing as well.
Good luck.

rattie · April 2002

Thanks for your fast response to my message. Will take all that you said into consideration. Will continue to look for one with lower mileage so that I can keep it a long time (like my Honda).

wkbeck · April 2002

Hello,

I am looking at a 1998 318ti with the active package, roof and keyless for $13,900. It has a salvage title, but that is because it was stolen and the insurance company paid off before they found it. All the body part numbers match, no flood damage, etc., so the story looks good. And so does the car. Nothing was reportedly needed after it was recovered. Repair records do not show any unusual or constant problems areas. It has 36k miles, black on black. In my estimate, the price still seems high due to the stigma associated with the title. Any advice is appreciated.

reddog10 · June 2002

Had my BMW524td (turbo-diesel) for 10 years - decided to trade it and
try Japanese for a while. But...can't do without a Bimmer, so have added a
'96 318Ti for fun driving. Only question I have about operation at the start
is - do I use reg, mid or hi-test fuel in car?
Also, I have all manuals except Operator's Manual...where would I get one -
at the dealer? Or are there other easier sources? With my 524 experience,
I found the dealer parts people rude, arrogant and otherwise unpleasant, so
prefer to go elsewhere if possible.
Thanks for any info & help you can give!
reddog10

rhmass · June 2002

My son has the 98 318ti with M suspension. I agree it is a fun car to drive with the drawback of needing more power.
On the gas tank cap, it says 89 octane required. So I presume mid grade gas is OK. However, he has been putting in premium gas. It is a very reliable car. Among the four BMWs we have owned, it is by far the one requiring the least repair. Hopefully, its reliability will continue, now that its warranty is about to run out.

revka · June 2002

You should try asking BMW customer relations. You could probably find an 800 number at their website: http://www.bmwusa.com

Look for the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of their home page. Good luck, and please keep us posted on your BMW 318 experience.... ;-)

Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

harlequin1971 · June 2002

Hey all,

I have owned my 318ti ('95 Black with Grey cloth, 5sp - after market sunroof) for a year and a half. It is a fun car and I don't think my 11k could have purchased me a better looking car in the market. I added a Sony ES/ADS stereo system to it quickly after purchase.

Now that I have lived with it for a while, I have the following truths to tell:

1. When I bought it, people assumed I spent alot more on it then I did. Even today, people think it is newer and more expensive than it is. Guess something about the BMW mystique still carries over the "Underkind."

2. The performance is nothing to brag about. I consistantly get beat off the line by most newer cars. I assume the needed tune-up will help, but the car is no barnstormer, reminding me very much of my old G20 (also a 5sp).

3. The car looks better than most cars made, period.

4. The repair costs can be high, but I have found a great German AutoRepair shop here in Phoenix that has proven to me that they are honest and reasonable. And two of their staff mechanics are certified BMW technicians. They have earned my business for the rest of my Bimmers life with me. I would suggest you find a good import mechanic and forget the dealerships, especially once out of warranty.

5. The car has quirks. Like any older used car, my 318 has quirks. Like the cigarette burn holes in the rear seat I need to get redone, like the curling rubber seal along the lower back window that seems to be "normal," like the hatchback lever that refuses to hold the hatch open at temperatures below 32 (not so bad a problem since I moved to AZ).

6. I don't get very good gas mileage. I expected more from a frugal 4-cylinder, especially when the performance isn't too brisk. But I seem to average 24-28 mpg. A far cry from the 32-39 range found on current cars with more powerful engines. Also, my ti likes premium fuel very very much, running smoother and a little faster...

Overall, I am happy with my car, but I am eager to move on to the next car. My next car will be an auto (knee and back problems and a new, long commute have killed the fun of manuals forever for me) and it will have 4 doors (like coupe styling, not coupe utility. The biggest thing is umphh. My next car will have to have guts, I don't like a car whose acceleration is unresponsive, and my little ti just isn't hauling like I would prefer.

Like the car, sometimes love the car...might even miss the car some day, but can't wait for it to be payed off and then to get a bigger brother, perhaps a 325, or a 1-series if they bring a better motor along with it.

the Harlequin

6688 · July 2002

I have some idea of buying this BMW: 1991 318i, second-owner, sunroof black standard, new rims, tires, mileage: around 137 thousand. Some scratches on the surface of hood and some cracks inside. I am a Ph.D student, tight budget. What's the best price for this car? Thanks a lot.

revka · July 2002

Have you had a chance to check out Edmunds' Used Vehicle Appraiser? This will give you the average cost others are paying for a 91 318i in your region. Others here may have more to add. Good luck, and please keep us posted on your purchase.

Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

visionxp · October 2002

i spent the past summer in europe and i had the chance to take a look at the new 3 series ti series given the fact that they're already beeing sold in europe and i thought they actaully look pretty cool ... they dont look the same as the larger 3 series models and have a different design in the front. i'd say to wait untill the new one gets to the US and then make a choice.

visionxp · October 2002

i just read a few posts about paying $17,000+ on 318ti's.now im not trying to be unreasonable here but for that money you can get a way better car like a '96 or '97 325is or 325i ... all you have to do is shop around(not at the bmw dealer) because there are a lot of good cars out there and i dont see any reason for which someone would rather buy a 318ti instead of a 325is or a 325i .

dsjeepti · January 2003

I am new to Edmunds and find this forum very informative. I have a few questions that I would appreciate any input on. I have a 97 ti automatic w 115,000 miles on it.
My dealer recently installed new front struts and did a wheel alignment. The car now pulls to the right and still doesn't handle as well as it did some 20,000 miles ago. Could this be due to the rear end. My dealer is in Brooklyn, NY and charges for even checking my air!
My transmission also shifts roughly or not at all, especially if not fully warm (10 minutes min.). An independent repair shop told me the sticker under the transmission idicates it is sealed and should not be opened. My dealer wants Big $ to check and in the past has said It's normal. No easy way to check fluid level. Any advise would be appreciated.
ds

revka · January 2003

You may also want to copy/paste your question in our BMW 3-Series Problems discussion. Good luck, and please keep us posted on your 318ti experience.

Revka
Hatchbacks & Wagons Host

andrek2 · January 2003

For your mileage new struts sound like a good idea and wheel alignment should be done after strut replacement. It's recommended to replace rear shocks as well while replacing struts,I don't know if dealer told you that. I don't think the fact that car pulls to side has something to do with rear end. Most likely it's tire pressure. Make sure you have same tire presure in front tires. Due to the current cold weather in NY tire pressure goes down (together with the tempreture), every 4 degrees in atmosphere makes change for almost 1 psi in tire pressure, it needs constant adjustment. Check your pressure at least once a week on cold tires.
Transmission shifting issue could be also due to a cold weather. My car is manual, so I am not familiar with BMW A/T - but I know my wife's automatic Honda doesn't upshift to 4-th unless engine/transm. reach operating tempreture, to protect from excessive wear. Could be the case with BMW A/T as well. You can check transm. fluid level yourself - read how to do it in your manual, it should be easy. And don't let Brooklin mechanics talk you into expensive repairs, always seek second opinion.318 ti is one of the most reliable and simple BMW to fix and maintain. Aftermarket parts store offered me an exhaust for $920 once, when dealer's price was $369.00.
Good luck.

dsjeepti · January 2003

I did check the pressure and it was fine.You are probably right about the rear shocks as it feels "loose". The dealer didn't notice.
I also posted these questions on the Problems board as per our Host and I got some additional insight there as well. I am going back to the dealer this Mon. and I will be ready to discuss these issues again, this time with some ammo. I am looking into finding a "good" independant shop. Thanks again for your input.

billy318ti · February 2003

I'm looking at a 98 318ti with sports package. Has 57500 miles on it, and is going for $12,000. Black on Black. Wondering if that may be too cheap and concerned that it may have a few problems. How does the 318 drive and is there any good aftermarket items that can help out the 138hp. Thanks.

dsjeepti · February 2003

The price seems about right, depending on options and condition. I got my 97 ti in 1999 for $10,500 w just an auto trans. and 54,000 miles on it, nothing else. As for driving, it's a blast. I find the power fine and most enjoy driving in the 60 - 80 mph range. The engine loves to rev and I sometimes wish I had a stick to fully utilize the wide power band.
As for after market parts, there are plenty, if your budget allows. I personally don't delve into them as the stock car suits my needs fine. You will find that unless you plan to do maintenance and repairs yourself, the cost of BMW dealer service is high ($98 an hour in NY). My ti now has 116,000 miles on it and recently had front struts and an alignment ($900), new battery ($115), a new frame for the drivers seat ($300 w labor), and new front brake pads ($200 w labor). Not much else other than tune ups and oil changes ($55 at dealer). Properly kept, your 318 ti should last for years (very reliable).
Good luck, DS

billy318ti · February 2003

Thanks a lot for the feedback.. Appreciate it

gerry18 · March 2003

I have a '96 318ti, 1.9L, 74,000 miles and the starter suddenly went out. Sounds like it spins, but doesn't engage. I had planned on fixing it myself, but upon jacking the car I can't find the starter. Anyone have the same problem; know where to look; know what it costs for a dealer repair; any reason an independent can't fix it?

BTW, I have owned my ti sense new and really enjoy it.

gerry18 · March 2003

I finally found the starter. Unfortunately it is buried under the inlet manifold and will require removal of much of what's installed on the driver's side of the engine to get access. Looks like more than I want to tackle.

billy318ti · April 2003

I'm looking at a 96 ti 5-SPEED. with the m sports package. with 26000 miles on it/.. He's asking 12,500 and im not to sure what to offer him. I was thinking around $9,500 cash..because 12,500 is too expensive for that year. Any thoughts on how much i should first offer him. Thanks..

revka · April 2003

Sorry, you have not gotten a response here yet. Weekends are usually a little slower around here, so perhaps give it another day or so for feedback from other members.

Have you tried plugging your vehicle into Edmunds' Used Car Appraiser? Good luck and please keep us posted on your purchase.

Revka
Host/Hatchbacks & Wagons

harlequin1971 · June 2003

the 96 with M package and only 26k miles should bring in a premium. I can almost guarantee that the car is one of a kind. If everything is as perfect as it should be with those low miles, you should only have to worry about seals that may have dried or rubber parts cracking.

I don't think $12.5k is too much for the car, considering the conditions and milage and package. It everything is true and sound, you are buying a car with a long life ahead of it and a very desirable grouping of packages (5speed and M-package).

That said, if you start putting 15k miles on it a year, the premium you will pay will dissolve faster than the resale on a new Kia. My '95 75k 318ti 5-speed without M prices at a fair $9k at the dealer, 7-8k on the driveway...

With a model that sold at a slow pace (50k units over 5 years?), you are buying a one-of-a-kind car at that year and condition. Hope you got your price...but if it was my car, I would not take 9.5k for that one...no way.

chemical_corey · July 2003

I recently purchased an automatic 98 318ti and it did not come with an owners manual. I do intend to order one but I have a question in the meantime. What is the "A M" switch next to the gear shift, and how do you turn off the rear wipers after you have activated them?

rhmass · July 2003

You can register with BMW USA site and then access the manual of your model through owner's circle. It is a very easy process. Just make sure you have your VIN numbers ready.
A, M switch used to change between auto and manual mode of your transmission.
To deactivate the rear wiper, just pull the wiper control up toward you. the opposite of activating it.

div2 · July 2003

In both tis that I've owned you turn off the wiper by pushing the stalk away from you(the same way you activate the wipers.

kr76 · August 2003

hi all i'm looking into purchasing my first car looking at something used and I really like the 96' bmw 318ti model... but since it carries the bmw name I wanted to get a general idea of what maintenance costs would be?

Also I saw an ad for a '96 318ti with 50,000 miles going for $8750 in good condition (according to the owner) but the blue book value is only $7900.

If there's anyone out there that knows about this model I would appreciate your comments

Thanks

revka · August 2003

Have you had a chance to check in Edmunds' Used Car Pricing Guide? Also, plug your vehicle (model/year) in Edmunds' Maintenance Guide to see what the manufacturer's recommended maintenance costs would be. Others here may have more to add.

Btw, here's another discussion that you may find helpful: A good first car. Use you copy/paste so you don't have to re-write your message. Good luck, and please keep us posted on your purchase.

Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

div2 · August 2003

I've owned a 318ti Club Sport since 1995. It's been very reliable. In 80000+ miles I've replaced a fuel sending unit(under warranty) one set of front pads, and the serpentine belts(simply as a precaution). Note that I also track the car from time to time, and I usually wind it to the redline at least once every time I drive it. My wife drove a 1998 ti from 1998-2000 and she only sold it because she needed a larger car. The most desirable tis have the sport package as well as the five speed manual transmission. As for service costs, a good BMW independent shop will be your best bet. Upkeep costs are very reasonable; plan on paying @$150-$200 for the Inspection I(minor) service and @$350-$400 for the Inspection II(major) service. If I were buying the car, I'd expect to see a full service history-was the DOT 4 brake fluid changed every two years? Was the coolant replaced(using BMW coolant ONLY!) every three years? If the owner has been taking the car to Jiffy Boob and/or other national chains for service, then it is almost certain that he/she is a clueless moron and you should look elsewhere for a good ti. I'd also want to have the car inpected by a good BMW tech in order to verify the condition of the car. The ti is a great car; anyone who tells you otherwise is a fool.

drwdog31 · September 2003

hey guys im looking at a 95 318is that is a trade at the dealership i work for its a great deal and this forum has really helped answer some of the questions i had. But i live in an area where getting a foot of snow or more in one day isnt uncommon? does anyone know how the car handles in the snow? i had a t-bird with a v8 in it which was great in the snow so im used to rw drive. but any advice would help the 318 is alot lighter than a tbird. i could put weight in the back if i had to. but anything will help even if its not what i want to hear

div2 · September 2003

If you are familiar with driving RWD cars in inclement weather you should be OK-IF... you fit winter tires on the 318i. A little weight in the back won't hurt either.

jgbjr · March 2005

looks like i'm a little late in responding , but, does anyone out there know how to access the pre-wired cd changer cable in a '96 318ti?i checked on the right side of the trunk where the prewired tag is fixed, but didnt find any loose wires. my 95 525 wires were easy to see on the left side.
i plan to install the alpine changer from my 95 525i, which is supposed to be compatible, but i may need a different kit.
does anyone have a changer installed? does it take up a lpt of room?

potemkin · March 2005

Didn't get the CD changer for my ti, but I know that although the tag is on the right (passenger) side in mine, the wires are actually on the left.

Go figure.

bjulson · April 2005

I have a '96 ti which I LOVE! The changer in mine was installed on the left side.
Try looking behind the panel in the left side. I also have a prewired tag on the right side like you, but the system is on the left.

meg44 · April 2005

I own a 97 318 TI. I purchased in used in 2001 with out an owner's manual. This morning my ASC+T dash board light came on seconds after I started my car and stayed lit during my entire commute to work (about 30 miles). This has never happened before. Is this something I need to have looked at immediately ?

blank312 · May 2005

This will be my first BMW and i wanted to get some outside input on the car. I found a good deal(or i think it is) on a 96 hatchback. Its white with sports package, a 4 cylinder manual transmission with 198,000 miles. Although that is a lot it of miles the exterior is perfect. I know that Maintenance on BMWs are a lot because its german made and I'm not sure if my mechanic can fix it. The seller is only asking $4,500 but i am going to offer him 4,000. Would this be a good investment or would i end up pumping money into it from the start. I don't have the money to be spending a lot on upkeep. How long do BMWs last before something major goes because 198,000 is a lot of miles on a car. Would this car be worth the investment, or would i just end up getting soaked with money? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

div2 · May 2005

On any car with that many miles it is crucial that you have a qualified BMW tech inspect it. A well cared for ti will not be that expensive to run. I have owned a 1995 ti since new and my maintenance/repair costs(including three sets of Z-rated rubber) have averaged less than $35/month.

BMW 318ti

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