Thoughts on a BMW 318ti

[Baka Sama]

So after helping a friend test drive a Spec V, WRX, and a STI, I have come to the conclusion Im done with 240s for now. Not that I dont like 240s, I just wanna try out something new ya know. But it seems that all the "sports" cars out these days around 15-20k weigh +3000lbs. Ive thought about a nice mr2 Spyder/S2000 but I need something with a little bit more space. So I narrowed it down to either 2.5RS Impreza or E36 318ti. Then I found out the curb weight for a 318ti is ~2750lbs! 138hp/133 lb-ft. Not too shaby.. Im sure I can shave off 100lbs and have a nice DD. Or even supercharge it for a great sleeper.:2f2f:

Anyways my question to you guys is what are your thoughts on the car? Any personal experience??

Good example of what I wanna do:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/bmw318ti/HR%20coilover%20pics/DSC04140.jpg

[turtl631]

Kinda lame, that's worse power/weight ratio than a stock 240, and the costs of maintaining a German car to go with it. Get a older 2.5RS 2 door, the ones that have the rad hood with vents and shit, before the WRX was offered here (GC8 I think they're called?). Swap in a WRX or STi drivetrain and you have a pretty cool little car. At least, I'd like one as a daily driver in a state with cold weather/snow. And even without the swap they look cool in a mid 90s rally kind of way.

[Tenchuu]

decent car, i though about gettin one too, but it costa a bit and is really plain interior wise.

and still is enemic on the power side of things like a 240.

[nissandr1ft]

My freind rocks a 318ti with an E36 M3 motor, and 5sp swap. Very fast car, and nimble. Pretty much everything on the front can be swapped from the E36 M3... suspension, brakes, etc.

[lucky7]

i personally dont like the hatch. i would find an E30. swap an M50 into it or something for more power. or if you're a baller, an S50/52.

[Baka Sama]

I like the fact that the car is pretty light and the aftermarket is huge for it. Plus E36 style is just hard to beat. Im still on the fence between this and a 2.5RS though. AWD or RWD. Speed is always nice and Ive read that superchargers go around 3k for 318s and bump HP to 180.

Cost wise, I can get one around 5-6k and a 2.5RS around 7k.

[theicecreamdan]

$3,000 for 40 hp. ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[Gilboyto]

Love the front end on that one, hate the rear. It looks like a BMW that lost its ass in the war.

One of my new found friends in a class at school has one, and its fugly lol. Id say get at least a 325, or go gangster and get an 8 series.

[Baka Sama]

Love the front end on that one, hate the rear. It looks like a BMW that lost its ass in the war.

One of my new found friends in a class at school has one, and its fugly lol. Id say get at least a 325, or go gangster and get an 8 series.

Weight is a big issue for me. I hate driving heavy ass cars. I drove a caddi for a while when my car was down and I couldnt stand it even with the extra hp. I always say its better to take away weight than add more hp. 8 series is deff. out of the question.

[Gilboyto]

Lol, I know it would be out of the question, but I know room wouldnt be a question in that thing! Its like driving a tank with a windshield. Ive heard MR2 turbos can be nice, BUT they are tiny and cramped. At least I think so. I had an RX-7 for a while. Cant complain about room much and definitely feels like a sports car, but the engine....ehhh you'd have to pamper that thing as if it were to die tomorrow.

[wootwoot]

I would'nt mess with an E36. E30's are a bit nicer mechanically and style can be amazing on some of them when done right.

[Baka Sama]

Ass shot. I actually like the hatch, nice color too.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d139/S10mafia50/Picture330.jpg

[Baka Sama]

I would'nt mess with an E36. E30's are a bit nicer mechanically and style can be amazing on some of them when done right.

Why not? Any personal experience?

[wootwoot]

The interiors fall apart big time and they are not as fun to work on. The 318's arent as harsh in the engine bay because of it being a 4 and all (this applies to e36/e30). German cars are not nearly as fun to work on as some imports and parts are going to be ridiculously expensive (in comparison). That definitely includes aftermarket. I DO NOT like German cars. They drive amazing but everything else is a nightmare. I believe the 80's was the peak of BMW engineering.

The motors are quite strong and take to boost very well by the way. The e30 is going to be lighter and a cheaper initial purchase. Just look at some of the beautiful e30's before you dismiss them.

[Baka Sama]

Theres a guy who owns a nice e30 325i at my campus. Next time I see him I'll giv'em a good talkin to. Nice cars but looking for something a little more modern. I think 91' was the last year correct?

[Phlip]

I would approach this from all angles.
Maintenance on that thing would be a bitch in heat.
$3k for 40 horses is a fucking ripoff, look into how much that M3 engine swap would be and gain a LOT more.
... but keep your mind on maintenance costs.

Do the same thing with the 2.5RS.
How long before the power it makes is anemic to you? Will you spend a HUGE 3 grand on 40 little horses? Cost of maintenance, clutches and such, all the little shit. Will the car nickel and dime you to death, or will it murder you in the face like that 318 would?


Once your comparisons are complete, go with what makes the most sense, mind squarely on your money/skill level to work these things out. I would LOVE to ride the 318, but my personal situation, if faced with the 2 as my choices, would be for the Subie.

[Baka Sama]

I would approach this from all angles.
Maintenance on that thing would be a bitch in heat.
$3k for 40 horses is a fucking ripoff, look into how much that M3 engine swap would be and gain a LOT more.
... but keep your mind on maintenance costs.

Do the same thing with the 2.5RS.
How long before the power it makes is anemic to you? Will you spend a HUGE 3 grand on 40 little horses? Cost of maintenance, clutches and such, all the little shit. Will the car nickel and dime you to death, or will it murder you in the face like that 318 would?


Once your comparisons are complete, go with what makes the most sense, mind squarely on your money/skill level to work these things out. I would LOVE to ride the 318, but my personal situation, if faced with the 2 as my choices, would be for the Subie.

Thanks, gives me something to think about. I'll sleep on it.

[lucky7]

E30 + S50/S52 swap = FUN!

you are correct, E30 production for 2dr/4dr ended in 91. cabrio in 92.

a little tease?
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f268/pineapplegti/Picture030.jpg

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/8942/picture042sp9.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m211/e-rich_e30/IMG_0487.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/ninoavent/SNC10045.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/ninoavent/SNC10130.jpg

jesus. i need to get another one. my favorite car.

[chibo]

So what is your price range? 15-20k gets you a damn nice E36 M3 and they're barely a hair over 3000, ~3100 to be exact depending on options/year.

[RightWheelDrive]

I vote against the 318ti. I always thought it was an ugly car. I would MUCH rather have an E30 over it. The 2.5RS is also a good choice and is the car I want to get if I have spare time/money.

[PaddingtonBear]

http://i14.tinypic.com/44jvjuv.jpg
http://i10.tinypic.com/2j2gcc8.jpg


/endthread.

[s13silady]

i drive a 318ti too... fun car to drive.. i was thinking of a e36 m3 engine swap.
i know someone that has one with the e36 engine, full e36 m3 body conversion. looks sexy.

[Wei240]

if you're not going to modify anything, going stock,
then subie > bmw

depends on if you want to modify/swap engines later on at all,
m3 318 will rock, so will a boosted subie,

as people said, maintenance/parts gotta be a factor too...

[Baka Sama]

So what is your price range? 15-20k gets you a damn nice E36 M3 and they're barely a hair over 3000, ~3100 to be exact depending on options/year.

15-20k would be the max I would ever finance a car. Im not big on making payments I rather buy a car cash. I sold my s13 in july before I left for Hawaii. Now that Im back home I got a crazy deal on a 2000 Cavalier (1800.00), so I bought it. But as you can imagine I miss the rwd. Tax returns are coming in soon and I should have around 4k set aside for a new car plus trade in.

E36 M3 would be way too expensive for maintenance. Im not looking to go insane with engine swaps and gutted interiors just yet. Simply want a car thats trackable stock or with moderate modifications.

E30= 16 year old BMW V6. Just asking for trouble.

[Baka Sama]

FYI- Did a little more research into the Downing Atlanta superchagers for 318ti.

Price: $3199.99
Power: 200+ rwhp

The guys that were talking about 180hp must have ment rwhp.

[SimpleS14]

Between the two, I would definately go with the Subie....japanese cars are easier to maintain and figure out. Granted the boxster engine can be cramped, your still able to find tons of info on it and parts are relatively cheaper than the BMW. I think the leather interior (if its offered) would be the only plus on the BMW.

[turtl631]

Simply want a car thats trackable stock or with moderate modifications.


Well, I take back my endorsement of the 2.5RS. I really wouldn't want to try to build one of them as a track car. The cheap, easy choices for trackable cars include Miatas, older Civics, 240s (somewhat)...going with something uncommon or German will make it too hard and expensive to find parts, and tracking a car can be pretty abusive, so you'll need them.

[S14DB]

318 is a total chick car. Get a 325/328.

OBDI FTW. So much easier(and cheaper) to tune and repair. Can always bolt the 98-99 body parts on later.

[ghambino]

318 is a total chick car. Get a 325/328.

OBDI FTW. So much easier(and cheaper) to tune and repair. Can always bolt the 98-99 body parts on later.


^ He gets it. If you're going to get an E36 get a 325/328, unless you're strictly building a light race car. For the price you'll spend on a 240, you can get a E36 and a really nice one if you want to spend more.

E36s are nice, I have a 92 NON VANOS OBD1, motor is built just like an RB25. The motor has a lot of torque. Get a Turner chip and you can do 200hp easy. Low compression, excellent for boost. Very reliable motor too. The only thing thats falling apart in my enterior is the leather over the door panels and the fabric on the headliner. The leather seats are in pretty good condition. Car has a lot of room. I've carried engine hoists and a set of wheels with tires. Separately.

If you can do things yourself than maintenance is not that expensive. To moderately fix up this car is not that expensive. Go look through some BMW shops. You can get Bilstein PSS9 kit for like 1400 even less if you look harder. Lets face it, it is a BMW so compared to the Subie its going to cost a little more, but not much.

[RiversideS13]

whats wrong with fwd cars? if you don't have bias of fwd, you can also try to experience honda products. for example, a EG6 civic hatchback is only 2300 lb. i am sure it has more after market products support and cheaper.

[Baka Sama]

whats wrong with fwd cars? if you don't have bias of fwd, you can also try to experience honda products. for example, a EG6 civic hatchback is only 2300 lb. i am sure it has more after market products support and cheaper.

fwd cars arnt my bag.

Thanks for the advice everyone

[Gilboyto]

Paddington, is that Ticcos BMW?

Edit: NVM! Different BMW. But if you wanna see Ticcos and get an idea of performance, heres a good video to point you in that direction (Im sure he spent TONS and TONS to get it this quick).
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7611059828685761119&q=Ticco&hl=en

[lucky7]

you would be shocked at how easy E30's are to work on. build quality goes like this E30 > E36. much more solid cars. its got to be just one of those things you like though. i understand alot of people see nothing in the E30 chassis but an old, worn out german car. it really is a jewel in the rough for those willing to do a little 'cleaning' and refreshening. anyhow, the CG8 may be more your style?

and for record. bmw + V6 = no. bmw + I6 = yes. good luck.

and if anyone is interested:

r3vlimited.com
e30tech.com

[TheTimanator]

Glad I saw this thread.

I picked this up last week:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/thetimanator/DSC_2473.jpg
1998 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS 5 spd 88k miles
the best part..... $4k :bigok:

It bought it to replace my 01 Frontier as a daily driver. Gets 27-28 mpg. Very stable on the highway, much more so than the frontier. So far, I really like it. I've joined a few Subaru forums reading through threads etc. More complicated than my 240 as far as working on it but that may be just b/c I'm not used to it. OBDII though...booo.

WRX/Sti engine swaps can be very exspensive, and even more if you have to pass emisions b/c you have to use a U.S. engine and the wiring is a nightmare. From my understanding though, they do well, stock, in auto-x but I haven't looked into that a whole lot as I'm not really interested in auto-x with this vehicle. Hope this helps a little.

[theicecreamdan]

FYI- Did a little more research into the Downing Atlanta superchagers for 318ti.

Price: $3199.99
Power: 200+ rwhp

The guys that were talking about 180hp must have ment rwhp.


umm... could you clarify? 200+rwhp or 180rwhp? Maybe the 180whp were talking about 180 5th gear whp? I'm confused, that's still a lot of $

[ghambino]

E30s are sick, they're like Germanys S13/14.

[EchoOfSilence]

no e30 m3 no care

[HaLo]

Honestly, the 318ti has to be the weirdest E36... I just find the look too weird...

If weight is a concern, go with an E30!

[Baka Sama]

umm... could you clarify? 200+rwhp or 180rwhp? Maybe the 180whp were talking about 180 5th gear whp? I'm confused, that's still a lot of $

Looking through some forums one guy claimed it produced 180hp on his car. The web site claims over 200 wrhp. But as you said, 3k is alot of money.
http://www.koperformance.com/BMW/turbo_superchargers/ko_performance/1pt8_9_liter_bmw_z3_318_supercharger_kit/ko_performance_e36_e37_1pt8L_1pt9L_bmw_318_bmw_z3_ supercharger_kit.htm

[theicecreamdan]

well who do you think is going to exaggerate the horsepower gains?

"Additional upgrades to this kit available upon request. More boost, software, and cooling!"

I'm sure it takes some of their upgrades to get 200+whp

[C. Senor]

lol, the da kit pushing i believe 9 pounds on the m44 motor, which is the e36 4 cylinder motor gives anywhere from 170-180 rear wheel, if you dont believe me you can ask my brother, which has that exact kit on a 318i, from personaly experience if you want to get a trackable car, i would stay away from the ti, yeah its pretty nimble, but in overall the 4-door e36 are better for autocrossing, of course the coupes are the best, like a nice 328, chipped with intake and exhaust will keep you quite happy, the e30's are lighter, and handle really well, but power is harder to get out and they break down more than the e-36 motors, you can try bimmerforums.com and check it out, there are laot of people there with a very wide variety of cars, you can learn alot from there, if not go to one of their meets and ask them, they are usually pretty cool, the e-36 and e-30 guys, the e-46 guys are usually asses, but yeah...post is long enough now..lol

[lucky7]

4 doors are more rigid than the 2 doors.

[wootwoot]

I was under the impression that the m44 was continued on from the e30's. Not correct?

[C. Senor]

i'm sorry i was mistaken, the m44 motor is the 1.9 liter motor in the 96 and above cars that use 4-cyl the one in the 92-95 is the m42, and the motor in the e-30's is the m20, and yes the 4-doors are a little more rigid, that's the reason i think turner motorsports like to use mainly 4-doors. but those m-series cars with a little suspension work i.e. springs and good tires handle extraordinarily well

[HyperTek]

play your cards. ive seen a few cheap e36 m3s on craigslist for around 10k.. sure they might have some higher millage, but shit same risks apply when buying a s13/s14 now a days, they nickel and dime you.


I been thinking about 3series as my getaway from the cop magnet import car scene .. tons of potential.. weither e30, or e36, still great cars. regular E30 tho looks ugly imo compared to the e30 m3..

[wootwoot]

Shit man. Just get a Mercedes Diesel if you want a chiller car thats not super heavy. Some of them werent beasts. Run that bitch on veggie oil and put a bigger turbo on it.

[idiot goes sideways]

hmm..... so you guys in the US like BMW`s too........:rolleyes:

i better stop killing one beema every winter:x: and sell these to US

E36 318is R.I.P.
E36 320i sold
E30 318i R.I.P

my option, dont take the BMW unless its a M, take the 2.5RS

and yes, whats probally is the s13 , s14 in the US, is in german E30 , E36

[wootwoot]

whoops.......

[C. Senor]

i just saw a guy like 2 weeks ago sell a 95 m3 with like 130k miles sell his car for 8.5k i was like shit i wish i knew before hand. i would def. buy a bimmer if i had the cash flow.

[s13rookie]

bimmers are great untill you have to fix them. i HAD an e36 m for a while, till the motor went, couldnt touch a replacement motor for under $4500. also look into the cost of swapping in an m50/52 into a 318. ridiculous money, need to redo the entire suspension, few thou + plus a motor. probably 6-9k by the time your done. could just get an m3 for that price. buy a 330 and swap a vanos head on it, youd spank a dasc s/c 318.

just my opinion

[turtl631]

Just go with the 2.5RS, it has that unique cool rally look, and you won't have to deal with the costs of a German car.

[Wei240]

yeah, i'd say the subie is more rare also, more unique, i see bimmers everywhere, old and new

[turtl631]

Glad I saw this thread.

I picked this up last week:

1998 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS 5 spd 88k miles
the best part..... $4k :bigok:

It bought it to replace my 01 Frontier as a daily driver. Gets 27-28 mpg. Very stable on the highway, much more so than the frontier. So far, I really like it. I've joined a few Subaru forums reading through threads etc. More complicated than my 240 as far as working on it but that may be just b/c I'm not used to it. OBDII though...booo.

WRX/Sti engine swaps can be very exspensive, and even more if you have to pass emisions b/c you have to use a U.S. engine and the wiring is a nightmare. From my understanding though, they do well, stock, in auto-x but I haven't looked into that a whole lot as I'm not really interested in auto-x with this vehicle. Hope this helps a little.


Very cool find. Love the stock gold wheels :) I'm getting more and more interested in these cars, it would be a fun daily driver down the road. You're right though, any kind of boost seems to get expensive really quick, and I know I certainly wouldn't want to do deal with plumbing a turbo setup on a boxer engine. Any plans for mods at all?

[TheTimanator]

Very cool find. Love the stock gold wheels :) I'm getting more and more interested in these cars, it would be a fun daily driver down the road. You're right though, any kind of boost seems to get expensive really quick, and I know I certainly wouldn't want to do deal with plumbing a turbo setup on a boxer engine. Any plans for mods at all?
Thats funny, everyone I work with makes fun of the goldies. No real plans other than a v6 front bumper and fogs (99-01 models), etc. Maybe a little suspsension and some different wheels. Just want to keep it running and reliable.....for now ;)

Also, before you you start looking for a subie do some serious research. I've been reading a lot of posts on RS25.com. Seems that the EJ25 was plagued with headgasket problems, the SOHC aka Phase II that came in the 99-01 was appearently revised to fix a lot of these issues but it still suffers from many headgasket issues (it also has a lot more low end torque). Also, the 00-01 model susposedly came standard with a rear LSD and was also available in 4 door versions.

[cfrost]

318ti huh?

watchu know about that?

[Omarius Maximus]

Hate to be a dash stroker but have you seen the interior on an E36 318? Its a little bit lower in quality than the interior in a E30. They look nearly identical inside. I say go for an E30 318, lighter than the 325, less of a hassle maintenance wise, and it handles nicely. 2.5RS is too much like a 240 in that every freaking single part of the car needs to be replaced if you want it to live up to the hype. From the drivetrain to the brakes, front end, etc.

[turtl631]

That depends how much you're expecting from the car, but I see your point.

The 2.5RS does certainly have its issues, like the aforementioned HG problem on the DOHC Phase I engines (the phase II is a SOHC, but mostly better...other than not having 2 cams per head...I just think its funny they went from DOHC to SOHC), a very fragile MAF on the 99s I believe, weak trannies, etc. Its sort of an all or nothing car to me- either just a few very basic bolt-ons, or go all out and replace everything. Nothing in the middle seems worth it. If I got one I'd just get some nice looking wheels and tires (damn those cars have small fenders though, anything over a 215 is hard to fit), maybe some mildly stiffer springs and shocks, and some body parts and an exhaust. Just for a fun daily driver, maybe to autoX when my S14 is messed up.

[HyperTek]

im getting a euro 190e 16v weee.. pretty rare esp a imported european one.

[Baka Sama]

After a lot more thought into the matter..... Fuck It! Im getting another s14! :rawk: Theres just no car out right now that can compete with the style, price, and RWD performance of the 240sx. You get a back seat and much love from the aftermarket..... I think Im falling in love all over agian :love:

This picture brought alot of new ideas to mind...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v482/OptionAero/sigpic.jpg

[turtl631]

lol, its inevitable...cheap, reliable, semi-light rwd car for the track = 240 if you can't deal with a 2 seater.

[illvialuver]

if you want to be cool buy an old vintage one, if you wanna be fast and a sleeper buy the four door new 3351 fuckin strait 6 twin turbo but lookslie every other 3 series. awsome, sorry its not under 20 k though.

[HyperTek]

http://a348.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/29/l_a2c7c46b68928acbe303b43e437f44db.jpg