Looking to buy a ti

[318ti97]

Hello all,

I am looking to buy a 97 318ti (hatchback) with 123,000 miles. This will be my first BMW. I had it looked over by my mechanic, and he seems to think it is a good buy. Anyone have a clue as to how I would go about installing a cruise control on it. Is it worth the time and money? How much do you think it would cost? Overall the car drives and looks great with minor cosmectic issues. By the way, they are asking 5,400 for it. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[IndianaTravis]

Installing a cruise isn't really worth it. It will be VERY expensive. Does the car have steel wheels or 5 spoke alloys? If it has the alloys (and the leather / cloth combination seats) then it is a sport package and sounds like a good by.

If it is a base model car (steel wheels, etc) then it probably is on the high side of the price.

[SDKmann]

Same thing as Travis, depending on the package it sounds like a good deal. I have cruise control and drive on the interstate every day and I never use it. It would be a complete waste of money to have it installed.

[318ti97]

Appreciate the feedback guys. Unfortunately, it is not the sports package. The car drives really well, with no oil leaks and no head gasket leaking. I realize that could happen any time.

What kinda gas mileage do you guys get? Would I be able to install a after market radio, without compromising the integrity of the security system, or screwing up any electrical relay? Sorry for all the ??s. However, I cannot think of a better place to asak questions.

Thanks again!

[Bluebimma]

I have a sport with full leather interior and cruise control, i get about 32-35 city/highway. As far as the aftermarket head unit, i bought a JVC unit with front mounted usb port for pnp ipod, xm ready, sub ready, flip down/detachable unit for about 250 which i installed myself. All you need is the antenna adapter and the harness adapter, really easy to install. No comprimising of the security system.

[318ti97]

Thanks! I was concerened about screwing with the security system. That helps a lot.

[andyman7931]

you can install an aftermarket cruise system for about $100-150 if you can do the install work yourself

[Bluebimma]

When i first joined, i thought my car wasnt a sport because it has cruise control, but i guess it is based on all the other "sport" options.

[318ti97]

Now, you definitely have my interest peaked. Where would I find one, how much, and how hard would it be. Have you attempted to install one?

[Bluebimma]

Wouldnt it be just as easy to get it off a wrecked TI with cruise control?

[318ti97]

That would probabably save me a ton of money. However, not being very mechanically inclined, I am apt to screw up if I don't try to do everything the right way.

Over the years, I have somehow managed to rely on cruise controls heavily, especially when I am driving a lot of long distances. I am not one to drive my vehicles hard. I had a '93 Toyota MR2 w/ cruise, that I used to use all the time.

[Bluebimma]

I dont really use mine often because im used to not having c/c. Ive owned a crx, jetta, and dodge shadow, ive had no problem with driving long distances, but i guess it wouldnt hurt to have and use it. Maybe someone on this forum would be able to give you some kind of walkthrough in how to install c/c. Good luck

[318ti97]

Well,

I took the plunge. I bought the car. It seems to be in pretty good condition. It is just the base package. I will post some pictures soon. I am hoping to add after-market radio, side view mirrors with integrated turn signals, and if at all possible, cruise control. The wheels look shabby (base model hub caps). I guess they will do for now. Thanks for all the advise. Feel free to give me inputs on the things I am looking for.

Feels good........

[1996 328ti]

I'd swap out the steel wheels.
I would not go with turn signals built into the mirrors.

Depending where you live, aftermarket stereos can be easily ripped off.
Cruise control is pretty labor intensive.

[318ti97]

Can you please tell me why you would not suggest the side view mirrors w/ the turn signals. Is it because it too might be labor intensive, or would it screw up something else?

Thanks!