New Member

[Porschef]

Hello all,

Just bought my first BMW of any kind, a '96 318 Ti. I've had it for a week, and after driving a 92 Civic Si for seven years, my 52 year old body is thanking me... Not in the best shape cosmetically, but seems to run pretty well. I've been looking through some of the stickies, and there's some great stuff here.

Anyway, I was looking for an affordable two door hatch with a 4cyl, 5 spd, for commuting purposes, and here I am. Have already ordered a few items from Pelican, and look forward to getting her a little cleaned up.

Joe

[teetime4one]

Welcome to the Org Joe.

[teen ti]

welcome! post up some pics if you can

[Porschef]

Thanks, I'll get a couple out after I reach my required 5 posts..

Joe

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by Porschef

Thanks, I'll get a couple out after I reach my required 5 posts..

Joe

Welcome and post away.

[Porschef]

Thanks. It's an (I gather) active model, black with a grey interior. I had it up to my rather infrequently used mechanic yesterday for an inspection, oil change, coolant flush and general assessment.... he said it wasn't bad....

Anyway, it's the first rear wheel drive DD I've had in a while, and I'm curious to see how it performs in winter conditions...speaking of which, we were forecast to have 3-5" of snow, and got none, so that'll have to wait.

I can see someone's been inside both door panels, for the window regulator issue, I'm sure. Also, the heat wasn't really working, but improved greatly with the flush. I can see that those darn plastic pipes haven't been replaced, but that job doesn't seem to be that difficult. Excellent tutorial here on this site.

Also, the rear left speaker seems blown, I pulled that out, and will change it..and I'm sure they'll be other items to tackle. But I'll say this, it's too bad the model was discontinued, the hatch configuration is very practical. The 1.9 has enough pep to keep things interesting for now, and I'm also curious to see what kind of fuel economy it will return as I typically drive 80 miles a day for my commute. So the miles will rack up quickly. I didn't want to go the Japanese route again for now. So I'll keep my fingers crossed, and deal with what comes up as need be....

Joe

[1996 328ti]

Careful with the windows when cold.
I generally tap tap tap the switch to lower the window.

It's fine in the snow with the proper tires.

Rear speakers go.
There are DIY writeups on those too since they don't use a standard size speaker.

Low heat could be a few different things.
Air
bypass valve
Broken cable

[teen ti]

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

Careful with the windows when cold.
I generally tap tap tap the switch to lower the window.

It's fun in the snow with the proper tires.

+1

Driving these cars in the winter is a whole different experience, I drove my first ti year round here in upstate for a few years. I had a good set of studded snow tires, I would highly recommend a set if you're gonna see some snow or ice, you've gotta let the car warm up to operating temp before going anywhere and its best not to use the windows when its below 45

[Porschef]

Ok. So my Internet went screwy last night...anyway, I ended up taking the car out in the little bit of snow we got last night, and was impressed by the handling..nice to have ABS too

I assume there's lighting for the fan speed/temp control/ mixture knobs, yet mine are out...is there an easy way to change these?

I did spray the window felt tracks with dry lube, and that helped

Thanks,

Joe

[teetime4one]

Yes there is. It is a single bulb behind the hvac controls.

The part number for the bulb is 61138353797

It's part #12 on this diagram:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...64&fg=20&hl=34

[Porschef]

Thanks! I'll check that out.

Joe

Ooops, no site found...

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by Porschef

Thanks! I'll check that out.

Joe

Ooops, no site found...

Fixed link.
Try again.

[Porschef]

Got it, thanks!

[Mr.Squeelerz]

Welcome!

[lazoh]

Welcome and pics

Great cars in any weather!! Lots of good people and information here!!