New 318ti Owner from Midwest
 

After being in an accident and consequently selling with my beloved 92 camaro, I decided to look for something different. I still wanted a manual trans and rwd so I started looking at bmw's. That's when I found the 318ti.

I started looking for one a couple weeks ago and finally stumbled on to a pair of local ones that I took a look at over the weekend. Both were 96 vintage with ~120k on the clock. One was immaculate inside with a bit of rust where the jack points are on the frame. The other was a bit rough on the inside (crack rearview mirror, dirty, not-so-nice aftermarket cd player, dog hair in the trunk, fo-fiber shift knob, etc.) but had an undercarriage that was rust free and in good shape (I was able to see it on a lift). I opted for the latter and paid $3200 (he was asking 3800).

It was originally a Hawaii car. When it was really low mileage it went to Virginia then later Maryland/DC and finally came to Ohio about a month ago.

I'm fairly new to the bmw scene. I have a bunch of experience working and modifying GM products and engine (classics sbc's to the ecotec stuff).

My plan for the car is for it to be a daily driver and autocross car. It is the base model and definitely needs the sport model springs and sways along with new shocks and a better shifter. I'm planning to put a set of snow tires on the stock rims and buy a set of 16's or 17's with some grippy summer tires. Probably the first major work I will do is replace all of the coolant parts that are prone to break (water pump, 2 plastic hose connections, others?). I'll also do the usual like change all the fluids and give it a good cleaning/waxing/polishing. Once I make a few more posts on here I'll throw up some pics

I still need to do a bunch of research on here and b.f. to decide on what wheels and how wide of tires I want to run.

What do you guys think of the plans? Is there anything you suggest I do before I start driving the car regularly (in 3 weeks)?

Thanks for everyone's input to this site. It was very helpful in my purchase decision. Hopefully I'll be able to provide some input as well.

Good plan! While you've got the coolant system open, you may as well replace the thermostat and radiator too. Some people have trouble "burping" the system, so it'll be better for you if you only have to go through that once. :biggrin:

Welcome to the site!

welcome, sounds like you've done a fair bit of research already

the stock sport springs are an improvement over the base springs but still not that great, for daily driving I'd suggest H&R sports with Bilstein sports, it's a pretty popular combo for those who don't want to spend over $1k on coilovers

I'm leaning towards the stock sport springs for a couple of reasons: cost and being able to run stock class in SCCA. I know I can't be competitive against the mini's in G-Stock, but it's nice to have that option.

Where's the best place to buy all of the cooling parts I'll need to replace?

Nice to see you've done your research... OE parts can be had from these resellers;

Pelicanparts.com
Azautohouse.com
getbmwparts.com

all are reputable and quick shippers.

I have a set of stock Sport Springs and strut assemblies in a box right down the road from you. I'd be happy to help you install them if you'd like. I can probably answer all sorts of TI modification questions you might have.

PM me if your interested. I'm always up for meeting more board members.

Thank you for the offer. There's a good chance I'll take you up on it. I'm interested to hear all that goes into a 6 cyl swap such as yours.

I'm not moving to Columbus for another 3 weeks, but once I"m there I'll definitely be in touch. I can't send PMs at the moment, but when I can I will.

I had a feeling you might. I'll be here.

After having 300+ hp in the camaro, I have a feeling 140 will get a little boring. It won't be for a few years, but it's never too early to start planning.

I'm contemplating an st auto-x build at the moment. I think it'll be fun trying to keep up with the hondas. After a few years it'll be time for an engine swap and SM class/track days.

OSU Ti- I regularly drive from Cincy to Cleveland and could deliver the parts Campaiar has for free as long as you meet me some where close to the highway. Otherwise come on down and maybe I'll install my Hr/Koni setup with you guys.

96cali - I appreciate the offer. We'll see once I get settled in Columbus. I had konis on my camaro and may want another set for the ti.

After some closer reading of the SCCA Solo II rulebook, there's no longer an STS2 class where all of the miatas run. There's ST and STS. Our cars would be in ST with civics and such while all of the 2 seater sports cars (miatas) are in STS.