BMW 318Ti

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Wed 6 Nov 2002 14:13
BMW 318Ti - ian
I have the possibility of buying a 97R 318Ti 4 speed auto, leather upholstery, one senior lady owner hence 19k miles, price about £7k. What are the views on a) the price (seems about right to me, HJ has seen quite a few higher mileage ones at auction recently) b) more importantly the mechanics after 5-6 years of shortish runs, I'm normally a believer in high mileage low price and do not want to pay top dollar for a car that that's going to need brakes, tyres, battery etc, the moment I drive away. plus the fact I'd prefer a 5 speed manual. I have fond memories of an e36 318i which handled and drove fantastically well, does the Compact have the same on the road feel. Thanks, Ian
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Wed 6 Nov 2002 14:35
BMW 318Ti - Honestjohn
No. It has E30 rear suspension. But £7k isn't crazy for a clean, very low mileage 97R. You should be able to see and feel the condition of the discs through the wheels, or are they steelies?

HJ
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Wed 6 Nov 2002 15:06
BMW 318Ti - ian
Thanks HJ, don't know about the wheels, I am yet to see the vehicle (neighbour of a friend at work), for £7k I'm hoping it has the alloys although I suspect they were optional and I suspect Mrs Senior may not be into alloys! What about the affect on the mechanics of such a short life, is this terminally wearing to the autobox and engine? people still attach a premium to geniune low miles even though I'd be more comfortable with a price a few hundred less and double the miles, at least the tyres would have been changed! I know the rear axle is from the previous generation of 3 series, I've heard this makes it more "entertaining" to drive, suspect that depends on the weather!
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Wed 6 Nov 2002 15:38
BMW 318Ti - Blue {P}
Yep, our 3 series is tremendous fun trying to negotiate an snow and ice covreed country lane down a steep slope going round corners and then up an equaly steep slope. The ABS was kicking in all the time and we slid into a ditch twice! :)

We haven't gone out in it in the ice since... Oh, and we never got above 10 - 15 mph on the straight run at the bottom!
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Thu 7 Nov 2002 08:50
BMW 318Ti - Dogbreath
I am not an expert but I think the deal looks good. Provided the service record shows regular oil changes etc I wouldn't worry about the low mileage. I expect that the car has been molly-coddled and in fact hardly used. The owner has probalby looked after the car well and accordingly is should have a lot of life left in it.
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