HELP! Seriously considering a 95 318ti

[Stanley Rockefeller]

After owning a very reliable 97 Escort sedan for the past 4 years, I've decided it's time for a change.

After consideirng many Jap cars, I think I wanna stick to something Euro. My GF really wants a Volvo, but the later ones aren't very user friendly, and are easily as pricy as a BMW to maintain.

I'm only posting this here since I know you guys know your e30's as well as I do, and know how reliable they are. now that its time for a change, is this something that I should be looking at?

So after weighing out the pros and cons of many cars (inco Saab, Volvo, MB, BMW) I think the only car that's going to fit the bill for me is something that includes:
-Ease of DIY repairs & Upgrades
-RWD (i just love it, esp. with a 5 speed!)
-FUN TO DRIVE!
-Somewhat economical
-Reliable

Some of the issues I've heard of on these cars (early e36's) incl.:
-breaking rear sub frame mounts
-cooling system problems
-fit and finish problems.
-profile gasket problems

The car that I'm looking at has ~100k miles on it, and was owned by 2 female owners who seem to be rather affluent and had it repaired at very reputable Euro shops. The car also has had a clutch job done recently

So is this a good choice as a daily driver that I can thrash whenever I feel the need for a spirited (yet still economical) drive?

Thanks in advance!

[Aptyp]

Some of the issues I've heard of on these cars (early e36's) incl.:
-breaking rear sub frame mounts
-cooling system problems
-fit and finish problems.
-profile gasket problems

To tear out rear subframe, you have to drive the snot out of them. Not a problem at on a 318ti.

Replace radiator, as plastic outlets break. Not a big deal, shouldn't have problem with plastic thermostat housing like 325s.

Everything in e36 is on post-its glue. Doesn't late, but you can always reglue. I really hate door panels.

Gasket problems? maybe it's more of m42/m44 problem.



Verdict, for a daily driver, I would buy a 318ti over other cars you're considering, only because of ease to work on.

[Hodge]

318ti's make for gret daily cars. The profile gasket problem only effected up to 1993 M42's IIRC. So a 1995+ should be just fine.

The ti has the E30 rear trailing arm suspension setup, so just replace the bushings and it'll be fine. No multilink here.

ti's are about as easy to work on as E30s. A best of both worlds (E30+E36) if you ask me.

As was said, replace the radiator if need be. Never heard of a catostrpohic water pump failure, but if you are looking at an M44 powered ti, then look to replace the coolant connection at the rear of the head. A friend cooked his M44 at Sebring because that cracked, and warped his head.

ti's don't have the best interior quality, like many E36's, but that is all pretty easy to fix.

[devonjordan]

my GF had one, and her sister currently does. Neither of them take the greatest care of their cars, and the cars never failed.

Like said above, e36 interiors suck, thats just tough shit. Otherwise they are great little cars.

O, and S50 swap?...

[SpecM]

DASC or s52 or ban

[Charlie]

Some of the issues I've heard of on these cars (early e36's) incl.:
-breaking rear sub frame mounts
-cooling system problems
-fit and finish problems.
-profile gasket problems

1.) Not an issue on the Ti, it's a problem on the multilink e36s.
2.) Yep. E36 radiators, water pumps, and thermostat housings suck. Replace them, they will fail.
3.) Yep. Fit & Finish on any BMW post-e30 sucks.
4.) Not an issue on the newer M42/M44 motors.

One to add, check to see if the catalytic convertor has been replaced. These are a known failure item on the Ti.

Get it. I've had a '98 Ti as a DD for the last 7 years, don't plan on replacing it any time soon.

-Charlie

[tn325i]

I have a 95 ti and love it.. It will make an excellent choice.

[downernsp]

Love your car and it will love you back... of course you have to start with sonething worth wild, but an 318ti will be great daily if bought correctly. I work at IE and all customers love their 318. FYI all cars need work done just start with a good one and all the rest is cake I say go for it.