Any opinions on the BMW 318ti?
 

Hi all,
I've recently become resolved to find a new play car (for around $5000 or $6000) and I've narrowed my search to an early 1990's 300CE, a Porsche 912 and the BMW 318ti. I'm leaning towards the 318ti and I wanted to know if anyone here has had any experiences with them. I want a manual shift car, I've always like hatchbacks, and I have been told that the 318 engines were spunky and durable, so the BMW sounds like a good choice. Any thoughts? Thanks!!

Alex

Those engines are dogs, actually...

I have no experience with the 318ti, but a good friend of mine has a 1997 325i that has been nothing but trouble.... its just a high maintenance car, and fit and finish doesnt seem too impressive, esp. when compared to thhe C280 which runs in the same class. My dad drives a 1998 740il which is a nice car, but suffers from the same qualities. With that said, the 318ti IS a much less complex car than either of the afore mentioned models. Less electronics, less of everything. For a BMW they are as bone dry as you can get with an E36 chassis. But in my book thats a GOOD thing (being a big fan of Keep It Simple Stupid).

A neighbor has a 318ti and I have heard more positiive feedback in regards to that car than I have about any othher more complex Bimmer. If you find a nice example, one that has a history and shows its owners care in every way, you should be a happy camper. Just like Mercedes, theres nothing more expensive than a cheap BMW, except for a newer BMW or VW with an expired warranty :D

Seems the 318ti would be more practical than the Porsche, and perhaps more sporting than a 300CE in some areas. Its compact, yet roomy. Sporty, yet subtle, BMW without quite as much complexity. It doesnt have the power and grunt of a BMW 6 or 8 cylinder, but then again thats like comparing apples and orannges. Think of the 318ti as BMW's modern answer to the Citroen 2CV. LOL Its just a simple "fun" car.

Id jump for a well cared for silver 318ti manual with a rag-top sunroof. Then id throw some BBS RC wheels on her, and drive the hell out of it.

Do some research on the 318ti before you make a choice. But I definitely think its a worthy consideratiion.

Porsche 914 baby! :)

318ti compact
 

In Europe it is widely regarded as a rather poor car (well, for a BMW), with the dodgy rear suspension of the E30 3-series:

"And whereas the old 3-Series Compact was a bit of a bodge-up, using the back axle and rear suspension of the 1983-model 3-Series, the new car is mechanically identical, model for model, to the current saloon, estate and coupe" (http://www.tiscali.co.uk/motoring/roadtests/roadtests/section2/55.html)

But if you want a basic no frills BMW, it's not bad (apart from it's a bit ugly :P), but that doesn't make it any kind of match for a 300CE in feel-good factor..

The interior's a bit low rent (but then look at a basic W202 C180) but nicer than just any old hatchback.

There's always a full size E36 3-series coupe or saloon - might make a nice change from a Mercedes, the 318is (coupe only) has the same 140bhp engine as the 318ti compact.

Thanks for the input. The more I research it (which I have been doing non-stop since friday), the more I lean towards the BMW, just because of cost of maintenance; I'm also a fan of keeping it simple.. I'd really love to have the Porsche (maybe even a 914) but I'm concerned that parts might be expensive and hard to find, and that labor would cost more (I know of a Porsche mechanic I trust though). I've also looked into the 318is and those actually go for the same price, so it would come down to which one I could find a better example of.

I've also expanded my list to include the 300ZX, 190E (especially a 16V, which I would pay more for), 1994-1995 C280, and Miata. What do you think of those? I can find a late model 190E for my money in pretty good condition. Early C-Class cars are more expensive, but if they are anything like the C43 we purchased for my sister, it's definitely worth a look. The 300ZX I just thought of last night. I remember one of my friend's father had one and it was a blast to drive and had a look that I thought would age well. It's also a Nissan, so I figure that they're pretty durable, given good maintenance.

So much to think about.

EDIT: Did they ever make a manual transmission C-Class?

I like the M42 engine OK, I don't like the Ti very much, you could find an E30 body with the M42 in it instead. M42's seem pretty dependable. Or even an E30 with an M10 in it.
Other option to compare the Ti to would be a C220 or C230.

Gilly

What are you talking about the Porsche 914 is gonna be expensive? That dang thing is an aircool VW! Dump that fuel injection and stick on some webers. One could take apart the whole engine and put it back together in 24 hours... with three tools! OK, four if you count plastigauge. :) Those things are so simple you don't even have to dial in the cam! The stupid things are notched for you so all you do is line it up with the crank. Simple as heck man. Change the oil and adjust the valves every 3k miles. Finish. Those things are toys!

Why mess with the little engine? If I were buying a 3 series I would want some punch go with a 325 or 330, they probably don't run any more on the used market.

What about an older 535? Those things probably fly. My friend had a 735 and that thing would move, sticking the same engine in a smaller car with a manual trans seems like a good combo.

Now I can vouch for the C280! Its a GREAT car! It offers plenty of entertainment and modern creature comforts, wrapped into a simple, elegant, and subtle package. When compared to its closest compettitor, the BMW E36 325i, it exemplifies stronger points in fit and finish, elegance, rear seat room, and reliability.
There really arent any major flaws in the W202 C280 engine, other than that the original head gaskets fail. Once replaced with the re-designed one they wont go bad. Some W202's also have a wiring harness problem, which is also easily resolved. A well taken care of C280 is a gift from god as a fun daily driver, that bears the 3 pointed star on its hood.
Handling compared to the E36 325i is a tad less sharp, while power and features nearly match eachother. While its clearly not as precise in the handling dept as the E36 325i, even with the sport package, its certainly not
daft, numbing, and boring. The C280 has a certain "muscular" feel to it with its performance... its not quite as grunty as a 325i, but its quite athletic esp. when compared to the C220/230, or 318... It delivers its power smoothly and boldly. And theres plenty of it.
I highly reccomend trying out a C280, see how it feels. I find it to have plenty of power, refinement, and it can handle the twisties with ease. Maintenance is much less hectic than an E36 325i, and its built better and has more of a luxurios feel. Our C280 has been in the family since new and its clocked nearly 185K miles.... I wouldnt hesitate to buy another one. I do however, want to upgrade to a sport exhaust to bring out a nice rich but subdued exhaust note, enhancing the sporting flavor of the C280 without going overboard. The chrome tailpipes will look sharp too.
I might also reccomend a Volvo 850R, or T-5. The R offers lots of FUN and exclusivity, and is quite handsome and stealthy. The T-5 is more along the lines of the 325, and C280, although a step down from both in excitement. It has more than enough power than needed to get out of its own way, despite turbo-lag.