Possibly selling my 318ti, but need help

[julee0404]

Let me start by saying I really know nothing about the 318ti. I own one because my ex loved BMWs and bought this one for me. Like I said, he's now my ex and I'm now tired of paying the really expensive costs of repairs. I'm a grad student and I REALLY don't have the money to keep putting into this car. I also want to apologize upfront for my lack of car knowledge and terminology. I'm doing the best I can! Here's a little info about the car: It's a '96 ti with just under 99,600 miles. I put about 2k into it last year to get the motor and some of the arms replaced on the driver window, an O2 sensor replaced (and something else I can't remember. I'll have to check my paperwork). The body, which was in great shape took a little beating during hurricane Ike. Nothing major, just some scratches from tree branches being blown against it in about 4 different places. Also the antenna got pulled out The fuel pump went out and had to be replaced (another $900) this past August. Now, this past weekend, the instrument cluster went out. I've got it in the shop right now and they are hoping to repair it so that it doesn't have to be replaced. Ok so my question, finally, how much more money should I put into this!? Like I said, I really can't afford it so I want to try and sell it in the next few months and I want an honest opinion about what's worth spending and what isn't. 2nd, can anyone suggest what I should try selling it for? Like I said, I know nothing about the 318ti other than what I've learned driving it the last 4 years. KBB says one thing and NADA says another and I'm really confused. Any help out there? Thank you! Julee

[Ji Money]

$900 seems expensive for a fuel pump replacement. Maybe the shop you're going to makes it that much more expensive?

If your ex bought it for you, then if you could sell it for $3.5k and recoup your maintenance costs may be a good idea and start over with a different car.

I couldn't put a price on your car until I got some more specifications about it. For me, an ideal 318ti would be 5-speed with the Sport package which means it has the M-Tech body kit and the leather and cloth seats. The less mods on it, the better.

Post some pictures of your car, we can help you sell it and point out it's strengths.

[julee0404]

I say he bought it, but in actuality, I guess it was more like he picked it out and insisted that I get it. I paid 8k for it like 4 years ago.

It's in the shop right now, but I'll take some pics and post them as soon as I get it back.

It is a 5 speed, but it doesn't have the sport package.

Thanks for the advice and I'll get more info up when I can!

Julee

[Ji Money]

I see. Well that definitely changes things then. As long as it's well maintained, a 5-speed shouldn't be hard to sell for a good price.

About your option to keep it, I'm not too good with the wrench so someone else may have a better answer for you on that one. I'm just like you and a shop usually fixes everything on my car.

[pnosker]

Completely honestly, you could probably save a ton of money replacing the O2 sensor and window stuff yourself. All you need is a jack and a few wrenches + torx screwdrivers to do those jobs and you could get parts online much cheaper than the shop job.

As for fuel pump, it should be closer to $500. It's not a very hard job; a lot of the time is spent getting the gas out of the tank so it doesn't explode.

I say you keep it because once its in good shape, there are few cars that will get as good gas mileage as the ti and it's also a fun and great car.

If you want some tips about how to do some basic maintenance, I'm sure everyone here would be happy to help you.

Oil/brakes are very simple-- I taught my mom how to do them. Just those two will save you a LOT of money on work.

By the way, what are you getting your degree in? I'm going to apply to some graduate schools soon for Molecular Biology/Biochemistry or Chemical Biology.

[julee0404]

I'm finishing up my Masters in Public Health Epidemiology & Disease Control.

The 02 sensor, window and fuel pump are a done deal. I already paid someone to do them months ago.

I just got my car back and the news was not so good. The instrument cluster has some parts that have gone bad and they are saying to repair it (not replace it) it'd be just under $600.
I was also informed that I have a leaky oil pan (because of a hairline fracture) that they want to charge me $1000 to replace.

Needless to say, I didn't pay to get the work done. I just paid the $350 they charged me to diagnose this stuff and drove home.

As much as I have enjoyed driving the car, I honestly don't think I can keep up with it anymore. I think this is the proverbial straw that is gonna break this camel's back. I'll probably keep it for a few more months (I'm job hunting ) and then sell it then for whatever I can.

[yoda]

You need to find a NEW shop... You have got to have a "MALE" friend that knows a mechanic!... anyway, you can find a used cluster on ebay for much less than that ($100 or so), the only thing is that it will read the mileage it had from which ever car it was on first... Just make sure it's a 4 cylinder cluster from an e36 (318) or z3.
If after you move your car you see spots of oil, then the oil pan might need to be addressed, but it should not cost $1000!... Depending on how much oil is actually leaking, if it's just a tiny spot (2 inches across) then keep motoring on, just make sure to check the oil levels regularly and add as needed...