Hi everyone.......... finally got a 318ti!!!!!

[superultramega]

Finally just picked up my first 318ti last week!!! It's a 95', runs pretty good, but needs a lot of love. The transmission is automatic and its a little hesitent sometimes. Anyone else have this issue? I'm thinking about flushing it but i know the autos are supposed be permenent transmission fluid. And those damn window slider plastic clip things are busted from that crappy grease so i have fix that. I just completely gutted the inside. I removed all the panels, and painted the inserts. i got all like new leather seats which i dyed a really nice dark brown and i'm reupholstering the headliner, pillars, and dash. Also swaping out the shift boots. Everything looks pretty good. I've never done any of this before so it's all a learning experience. I've taken a lot of pics and will post if anyone is interested. Next week i'm getting some H and R race springs put on. The ones with the really agressive drop. I think its around 2.1" in the front and 1.7" in the rear. I'm also borening and polishing out my throttle body and then throwing on an air intake. I'm thinking of rigging that cone snorkel thing to the cold air intake. Pics to follow eventually. Thanks all!!!!

[Mr.Squeelerz]

Welcome to the site. Enjoy your stay. Post pics when you get a chance.

[tiFreak]

no such thing as lifetime fluid, find an indy shop that's good with BMWs to do the flush, I've heard it's difficult to get the level right

[jca]

Don't do the mods until you service that transmission! There's a chance a fluid and filter change will smooth the tranny out. Ignore it, and it will probably fail soon.

[superultramega]

Cool thanks for the info. I'm not driving the car right now. Interior is still stripped down. yeah also the car has 160k miles..... and i have no idea of the previous maintenance done.... so i got some full synthetic 5w-30, those bosch 4 prong plugs, i plan on running a few bottles of injector cleaner through it, and do the transmission and coolant flush and belts. Is there anything else i should do? Is there a pcv valve i should swap out or fuel filter or any other recommended maintenance? Thanks

[chudzikb]

Cooling system ASAP! Especially the plastic pieces on the head and block. You will hate your self later if they fail.

[jca]

Ditto to the above.

[superultramega]

ok thanks any elaboration on those parts would be helpful. Part#, name, pictures, exact location, etc. Thanks. Oh i just got some H & R race springs installed and holy crap my ti looks awesome

[chudzikb]

Looks are not going to save you son...but, a new cooling system might.

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=18066

It's in the knowledge base, a good place to spend some time for a noob.

[superultramega]

cool thanks for the info i'll replace those pieces for sure. Also i may be a noob on this sight but not working on cars..... that why i'm replacing all this crap BEFORE it breaks.

[Beyondcr]

I always use Valvoline max life fully synthetic in my auto trans just because they guarantee it. I also use Castrol edge as it is the closest thing to the BMW oil I could find. Just inspect the belts for any cracks, Check your coolant hoses if they look bulged out I would just replace them, Also it would not hurt putting a new thermostat, fuel filter and air filter. I would not run any oil cleaner or anything maybe some Lucas injector cleaner or techtron and some prem gas.

[Beyondcr]

Originally Posted by tiFreak

no such thing as lifetime fluid, find an indy shop that's good with BMWs to do the flush, I've heard it's difficult to get the level right

When I fill a auto I pump the fluid in until it just starts to come out then plug it, turn the car on and unplug it fill it the rest of the way until it just starts to come out and then plug it the level should be almost perfect.