bmw 318ti - suck?

[nostatic]

Still pondering hatchback choices. Anyone know much about the BMW 318ti? I know it won't be blazing fast, but it seems like it might be a decent car for not too much money...unless they are money pits.

[CarreraS2]

I don't think they are bad cars at all. They had a couple of issues, one is called a "profile gasket" that sometimes blew (internet search should find info), but if the car is running now, I'd think it has already been fixed or is not likely to get the problem.

Other than that, I think they are mechically solid. Used the rear suspension of the earlier 3 series, not a big deal. Interior is kind of plain, but that is what it is.

It's a 4 banger of course, but BMW makes a heck of a 4.

Money pit - I don't think so.

I think they are pretty cool. Don't see them too much anymore. There was a "California" option that included a huge ragtop sunroof. They look really nice with an M front bumper, little lowering, and M wheels. Lots of good aftermarket stuff to make it look and handle better.

Seem to go for pennies these days. If I needed a Hatch, I'd definately consider one.

[nostatic]

hmm....I could gut it and run it with NASA.

[Tim Hancock]

FWIW, I have 235,000 miles on an E-36 325i. BMW seems to build solid cars in general.

[VINMAN]

I had a 95, actually was the wifes car. I personally wasnt too thrilled with it. Was way under powered. went through 4 drivers side power window regulators( kept breaking the cheap plastic slider on it, apparently a very common problem). The interior seemed pretty plain and cheaply made. Trim pieces falling off, stuff like that.
Head gasket went at 74,000.
It wasnt a bad car, but just not what I'd expect from a BMW.

[84porsche]

If you want a hatchback - get a older SAAB say 97-98 900SE or early 9-3 models. Absolutely fun cars, 4 cylinder turbo puts out 185 HP. This was mine a week before I totaled her. These cars you can get for under 7K now. I paid $17k in 2000 for a 3 year old car so for an 8 year old car, they would be really reasonable.

[nostatic]

slushbox? no way. Looks like there are still M Coupes floating around. not much space, but it is a hatchback. And a fast one at that

[Saintly]

Hi,
I have had my '97 Ti Sport for 5 years now and it has been a very reliable daily driver.
The M44 4 banger is a solid engine and her car does move quite well. The front suspension is the same any other e36 and the rear suspension is the same as an e30, Z3 or M-coupe (altho the m-coupe is a little wider, but you could make it wide body and use them ;-) )
my baby is quite quick now and she handles very well.
so far i have added / changed:
a downing atlanta supercharger.
H&R coilover suspension and sway bars
B&M racing short shift kit
BMW x-brace from the m3 lightweight
m3 brakes up front and customs in the back
and a few rieger bits on the hatch

here is a pic or two:
Before anyone says anything, yes there is now a heat shield for the air intake.

at a track day late last year

[84porsche]

Originally posted by nostatic
slushbox? no way. Looks like there are still M Coupes floating around. not much space, but it is a hatchback. And a fast one at that

You can get them with a 5-speed. M Coupes are sweet cars. How about a GTI or a Mini ??

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Ryan Dunn (Of Jackass) has a 318ti that's putting out close to 600HP.

[304065]

Hey Todd,

I have put my remaining brain cells to work on your transportation problem and have come up with the answer. . . VW Eurovan.

As a former owner, I was pleased to get around 20 mpg while driving on the street. The 2001- and later VR6 puts out 201 HP and 181 lb/ft of torque. With 201 cubic feet of interior volume you can haul plenty of gear. I also successfully towed my 2300 pound 911 on a lightweight trailex trailer, at speeds up to 90 MPH and grades up to 6% (not, mercifully, at the same time). While towing, the mileage declines to 11MPG, however. The only drawback is. . . once you're in the Eurovan club, it's hard to get out, e.g. the EV is not as "liquid" a vehicle when it comes time to sell. I let mine go for $16,500 with 17K on the odometer.

The "ti" would be a fine car, I once owned a 318is with the same four-banger, it is a willing and responsive engine in the fine tradition of the 2002 Touring (of which something like eleven were sold in the USA). However, I doubt you could get a pink-mohair-shag-upholstered Mesa/Boogie stack into the back without the use of a bungee cord. Also, the 318 has holdover rear suspension from the E30 I believe, and different interior than the newer E36.