I am looking for a 318ti to be my daily driver and augment my two Miata's.

Can you guys give me some visual clues on the easiest way to spot a sport model right off the bat by looking at the pictures? Is it the seats? Front air dam? I have done some reading on the subject and I believe that the seats may be the easiest way to tell.

It is a pain shopping for cars at a distance and very few if any 318ti's ever come up for sale locally. I am left with scouring Autotrader, eBay, Craigslist, etc... and then finding the time as a single parent to trudge off several hours away to look at hopefully the right car.

Having said all of that is a non-sport model all that bad? Are the performance differences mainly the springs, shocks, seats and 16" wheels?

Thanks for any help?

PS: If anyone has a nice 318ti with a manual transmission for sale near Birmingham, Alabama, I am ready to deal. I have cash and I am a serious buyer. Please PM me with any leads. I don't want one bad enough to sell off the farm or anything, but I will pay a fair price for a nice car. I am not some low baller kind of guy.

The sport models look like mine in the signature. They have the M-tech body kit, 16 in. wheels (I got rid of but still shown), seats and firmer suspension (also got rid of).

They aren't a dime a dozen so it may take awhile to find one...if you plan on upgrading the suspension/wheels/tires then it isn't necessary but it does look better and the non-sport seats are pretty flat in terms of support.

The sport models look like mine in the signature. They have the M-tech body kit, 16 in. wheels (I got rid of but still shown), seats and firmer suspension (also got rid of).

They aren't a dime a dozen so it may take awhile to find one...if you plan on upgrading the suspension/wheels/tires then it isn't necessary but it does look better and the non-sport seats are pretty flat in terms of support.

Great... That's what I thought. Now... find me an 318ti [Black, Green or Silver] Sport model in excellent condition with under 100k miles for under $5000. :D

Seriously... Thanks for the quick response.

Oh yeah... Another quesion... What is the deal with the California sunroof? It looks pretty cool, but I already have two Miatas so it's not a big selling point personally for me.

Is it an asset or a liability when talking 318ti value?

To me it's a liability, they have issues with leaking and add more upkeep to the car. Plus one would think it would be less rigid with a good deal of its roof cut out...I think the sunroof is a better trade off. They aren't that common anyway.

To me it's a liability, they have issues with leaking and add more upkeep to the car. Plus one would think it would be less rigid with a good deal of its roof cut out...I think the sunroof is a better trade off. They aren't that common anyway.

thanks... That was kind of my thinking too, even though they are kind of cool. Another question:

Why do some 318ti's have the lower ground effects color keyed and why are some grey/faded black?

I hope to go see this one in person soon does it look like a decent deal?

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=216393171&dealer_id=57380275&car_year=1995&model=318TI&num_records=&make2=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&search_type=used&distance=200&make=BMW&color=&min_price

I realize that it's not a sport though.

`95 Ti's that were base or active package had gray lower bumpers and sideskirts. My first Ti was much like that green one but was carbon black, I had bought it for $6000 back in Feb. 2005 with 100k miles than sold it for $5.8k that following summer with 10k more miles...mine was in average condition and well I personally found the gray trim and tan interior ugly.

Two years down the road I would be expecting to pay in the $4k region for that example...I would personally hold out for a better deal unless they are willing to bargain.

These would be a better deal if you could drop the price a bit and if they are good condition:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=216989106&dealer_id=781134&car_year=1997&model=318TI&num_records=25&make2=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&search_type=both&distance=0&make=BMW&color=&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=35173&advanced=&end_year=2007&doors=&transmission=&max_price=7000&cardist=614
Minus those ugly chrome plated grills.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=217212910&dealer_id=649874&car_year=1997&model=318TI&num_records=25&make2=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&search_type=both&distance=0&make=BMW&color=&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=35173&advanced=&end_year=2007&doors=&transmission=&max_price=7000&cardist=399

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=216456912&dealer_id=59415225&car_year=1998&num_records=25&model=318TI&make2=&start_year=1981&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&fuel=&body_code=0&search_type=both&distance=0&first_record=26&make=BMW&color=&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=35173&advanced=&end_year=2007&pager.offset=25&transmission=&doors=&max_price=7000&cardist=673

FWIW, I got mine last May with 94k miles for $6k.

To me it's a liability, they have issues with leaking and add more upkeep to the car. Plus one would think it would be less rigid with a good deal of its roof cut out...I think the sunroof is a better trade off. They aren't that common anyway.The California roofs don't have 'issues'. Some motors have failed.
Also there is extra strength built into the roof to make up for the top.
Rigidity is not a problem. I think no sun roof would be the most desirable option.

The California roofs don't have 'issues'. Some motors have failed.
Also there is extra strength built into the roof to make up for the top.
Rigidity is not a problem. I think no sun roof would be the most desirable option.
Leaking has been an issue and convertibles have extra strength built into them but that doesn't mean they are as stiff as a coupe. BTW, what parts of the Ti did they reinforce for the CA top? No sunroof for the track is ideal but not as easy of a find.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...00&cardist=399

that second one you listed is still for sale. I want a white one really bad, but the mileage is alittle high for me, 117K. Not bad, but im looking for sub-100k cars.

did some quick looking.....
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp;?tracktype=usedcc&searchType=21&pageNumber=0&numResultsPerPage=50&largeNumResultsPerPage=0&sortorder=descending&sortfield=MMT+descending%2CMMT+ascending&certifiedOnly=false&criteria=K-%7CE-%7CM-_5_%7CB-8000%7CD-_30_%7CN-N%7CR-10000%7CI-1%7CP-MMT+descending%2CMMT+ascending%7CQ-descending%7CZ-66502&aff=kansascity&paId=221416944&recnum=27&leadExists=true

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp;?tracktype=usedcc&searchType=21&pageNumber=0&numResultsPerPage=50&largeNumResultsPerPage=0&sortorder=descending&sortfield=MMT+descending%2CMMT+ascending&certifiedOnly=false&criteria=K-%7CE-%7CM-_5_%7CB-8000%7CD-_30_%7CN-N%7CR-10000%7CI-1%7CP-MMT+descending%2CMMT+ascending%7CQ-descending%7CZ-66502&aff=kansascity&paId=221521552&recnum=26&leadExists=true

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...00&cardist=399

that second one you listed is still for sale. I want a white one really bad, but the mileage is alittle high for me, 117K. Not bad, but im looking for sub-100k cars.
What's an extra 17k miles? You'll more than likely put that on it in no time being that it would be a new car to you and you'll probably want to drive it more. You have to remember that most of these cars are 10 years old and finding one with under 100k mi will be next to impossible. Especially in your price range. I'm not saying that it can't be done, but lets be reasonable. Besides that you could take a car with 50k versus a car with 200k and if the lower mileage car was poorly maintained it will probably break down before the higher mileage car that was upkept. I bought mine in November for $4150. It's a '97 Sport 5speed with 130k on the clock, but only 23k on the new motor. I bought it from the original owner who was a nonsmoker and provided me with all of the service records. Carfax was clean and the car had been very well taken care of. The motor was swaped by BMW as the records shown, when the car had only 107k mi. All of the oil changes were done on time at the dealership where the car was purchased. While I was very lucky, you can't expect a deal like that to come around very often. Your concern shouldn't be directed towards the mileage, but towards how well it was maintained. If possible try to buy from a private seller who actually knows the history of the car. Dealerships will tell you anything to get the car off of their lot and more than likely will make a pretty significant profit. Sure, private sellers, cant be totally trusted, but if you know what to look for upon inspection and prior to buying, you should be okay. Ask for records & receipts. Check for signs of recent maintenance and repairs. If something in the engine bay looks cleaner than the rest, inquire. Pull one of the spark plugs out and examine it. Check the color of the oil, or even better take the fill cap off and look inside of the valve cover with a flashlight. While you have the flashlight out, pop the radiator cap off and shine the light through the side of the reservior and look down into the coolant reservior for signs of oil. Stick your finger in the tailpipe and look for excessive carbon buildup. Start her up and let it idle for a 10 or 15 minutes. Listen for noises and watch the temperature guage. Check that every button functions, including windows and climate controls, especially the heater! Make sure that the heater gets really hot. Take it for a little spin and make sure it accelerates hard and check if the engine feels tired. Make sure all the gears shift smoothly and slam on the brakes. Roll the windows up and down 3 or 4 times, they commonly have issues with the window regulators going off track. Make sure it doesn't smoke, have someone give it gas while you inspect the tailpipe. I know it's a lot to remember, but all of these things should be considered when purchasing a 10 year old car. BTW the white car in the link you mentioned is an automatic. Don't buy an automatic unless you really want one. And incase you're considering swapping the tranny out later down the road for a 5 speed, DON'T even think about it! It's a major pain in the arse, there's a lot of things involved that people often overlook before making that decision. Hope this helps, just be patient and keep your eyes open. Good Luck!
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q122/cooljess76/2acb9805.jpg

http://cgi.ebay.com/BMW-3-Series-CA-Edition-1999-BMW-318ti-CALIFORNIA-EDITION-5-SPEED-MANUAL-WHITE_W0QQitemZ120089972254QQihZ002QQcategoryZ6007 QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Sport models come with the ///M molding on the side. It looks different and is harder to come by than ///M3 molding. Also the Sport option should the cooler seats with matching ebrake boot and shift boot as well. Just the little things you gotta notice. Its unlikely that someone bought an Active or Base and converted it to parts that are expensive and hard to find when you find them in good shape but if you DO find one thats not Sport with all the sport goodies, get it. Hehe. Look for the M-tech spoiler too. Not sure i've seen a sport Ti without the mtech spoiler. Probably exist though.

Honestly, mine is the "Active" model, and except for the seats and the suspension, I would not change a thing. (I already swapped to 17 m3 rims).

Chances are, your suspension will be pretty close to shot as is, all those miles are tough on the bushings and struts.

I got the M3 front bumper in the group buy, and it made a world of difference in looks. All I need now is the M-Tech rear bumper, the side moldings, and I might install the twisty skirts from the M3 for the total package

Sport models come with the ///M molding on the side. It looks different and is harder to come by than ///M3 molding. Also the Sport option should the cooler seats with matching ebrake boot and shift boot as well. Just the little things you gotta notice. Its unlikely that someone bought an Active or Base and converted it to parts that are expensive and hard to find when you find them in good shape but if you DO find one thats not Sport with all the sport goodies, get it. Hehe. Look for the M-tech spoiler too. Not sure i've seen a sport Ti without the mtech spoiler. Probably exist though.

The M-Tech spoiler didn't come on all sport models.
I actually rarely see the M-Tech spoiler...
I'm the only one around the area with it (I think...The last time I saw another car with it was at Bimmerfest, but other than that, I've only seen another one with this spoiler...over 2 years ago)
All the other sport tis I've seen don't have it...
Sport includes: the m-tech bumperS, M3 luxury skirts, ///M side moldings, the seats (half cloth half leather), 5 spoke 16" rims, I think the suspension is a bit different too...I think that's it.

-Randy