New 318ti owner, few questions.

[ChadG]

So, this 1998 318ti is my first BMW ever... So I have a few questions on how it's supposed to drive/sound.

First: The car feels VERY stiff... Almost like I have no power steering, but not THAT difficult. Somewhere in between (if that makes sense). I heard the 3 series are stiff like that, but since I've never owned or driven a BMW up until 2 weeks ago, I had to ask.

Second: When on the interstate, doing 65mph+, the RPMs are sitting around 3,000. Is this normal? The transmission seems to shift just fine.

Third: The exhaust seems a bit loud, but I brought it in for an inspection sticker and everything passed and we found no holes or exhaust leaks. A naturally louder car?

Fourth: When taking off or accelerating I hear a metallic spinning type noise. Hard to explain. I thought it was a rear rotor, but it's not. If I'm in Park, and I rev the engine I hear some rattle/metallic sort of sound. Could it be a heat shield or something much more serious?

That's all the questions I have for now, and thanks everyone in advance!


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