Looking at 318ti auto vs manual and 96 vs 99

[awilco]

Hi, I am looking at the 318ti for my sons first car. I found a 1999 318ti with 60,000 miles and a 1996 with 90,000 miles the 1996 is $1,500 cheaper. How are the autos on these cars are the 5 speeds a ton more fun? Are there many differences between the 1999 and the 1996.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Andy

[96cali]

there are only a few differences between them on paper but there may be huge differences between them when you drive or look at maintenance. there were only 650 imported for 1999, they were all Mtech sport models and will hold it's value well. The 1999 is the only year to have side airbags and a 3 spoke M steering wheel. Mid year '98's and newer have vented front rotors. Otherwise it's very small cosmetic changes. The manual shift is a LOT more fun to drive and that to me is the biggest difference you have listed. That said I would still choose a better maintained 1996 over the 99. Sport package is definitely nice too.

[M3_KILL3R]

I have sat in an auto and i drive a 5 speed. The 5 speed is A LOT of fun. Tranny is quick in response and i will tell you ...never buy a auto e36. I have a 95 that has been well maintained and i have absolutely no issues[knock on wood]. I was hesitant on buying one just because ive been told countless times bmws are troublesome and the Tis are the WORST. After buying one i was to find those people and give them a word or two Now is the 99 or the 96 an auto...their both an m44 engine so nothing different so its now up to which one is cleaner and which one is stick

[awilco]

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. The 1996 is the manual 90k miles the 1999 is auto with 55k miles. The 1996 is about $2000 less and it looks like a great car, so that is where I am going at this point. Bummer is it is 10hrs away, looks like a road trip is in my near future.

Thanks
Andy

[M3_KILL3R]

Originally Posted by awilco

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. The 1996 is the manual 90k miles the 1999 is auto with 55k miles. The 1996 is about $2000 less and it looks like a great car, so that is where I am going at this point. Bummer is it is 10hrs away, looks like a road trip is in my near future.

Thanks
Andy

i drove 4 hrs and i went 3 times. It was well worth it. Trust me go with the 96 manual. You wont be disappointed.

[awilco]

Everyone is telling me to go with the 1996, it is adult owned, 2 owners, and well maintained, all records. I will go with the 1996.

Thanks

[M3_KILL3R]

Originally Posted by awilco

Everyone is telling me to go with the 1996, it is adult owned, 2 owners, and well maintained, all records. I will go with the 1996.

Thanks

are you kidding me this sounds like a REALLY good deal!! 2 owners and its a 96? im a 95 and im the 4th owner. 90k miles is GREAT! go for it dude....