Same question as everyone, it seems

[eltristo]

ahh, that's a little clearer now. thanks!

[Maverix]

I'd get the manual if it were up to me. But I personally believe in restoring 318ti's. I hate having 1 less ti in the market. So i'd probably get the second one, and turn it into a manual with the money I save.

[eltristo]

So I've seen the manual (first):
Engine, trans, clutch, brakes, suspension, exhaust, body all seem good. A/C is not blowing cold, but the compressor is running. Headliner is in bad shape. Check engine light on. Passenger power window switch housing missing, and there's some minor cracked plastic here and there. Drove very well, but the interior wasn't what I was hoping for at that price.

I have spoken to the owner of the automatic. Sounds similar, with droopy headliner and "a few dings". I just ran the carfax, and there is an inconsistent odometer reading, but it may be "a clerical error". Someone had mentioned a light that indicates such things... where is that? It seems like the number jumped could have had a "1" added, as it went from 31000 in 2000 to 151000 in 2004, then 78000 in 05.

Isn't this fun?

[Maverix]

Right where the word "miles" is located, see if there is a dot illuminated. If it is, then it means that it had something going on in the past.

Tampered mileage:
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g1...l/P2280005.jpg

[eltristo]

cool. thanks again.

[eltristo]

Here we go again. I took the black manual into the shop for a look-see. I won't be buying it. But, there's another one out there.

Positive:
1999 Sport, excellent condition, just over 30000 miles (confirmed)

Negative:
Pricey ($8000)
Automatic. ugh.

If it had a 5 spd, I wouldn't be posting this right now; I'd be uploading pics, price be damned. But, since it is, I'm asking: is it too much? it really is in beautiful shape, but $8k ain't cheap.

[Mopho]

When buying a car, always buy the newest, lowest mileage car you can afford.
Less time and miles for previous owners to screw it up.

Just keep reminding yourself what the car cost new, and u cannot buy a new ti at any cost.
I wish I had looked a little longer before I bought my '96 base ti. For 3 grand, I'm ok, but it has NO options. At 177000 miles, it runs like someone rebuilt it, but they forgot to change some seals or gaskets, so mine leaks. The rear wiper doesn't work. The drivers window fell down today. I had to buy brakes and rotors for the front (I got the deal with Bimmerworld, and the pads for 98 bucks delivered).
So, If I had looked a little longer (I couldn't find a white one anywhere) I would not have all the headaches I have now.
Hope that helps, buy the newer one, you won't be sorry.
Especially if you are going to keep it.

Me and my ole lady are going to go pick up a 2003 325ci Cpe Sport with premium package with 41,000 miles and I ran the carfax. Second owner, he's going back to Thailand on the 22nd and had to sell it fast.
Couldn't pass it up (a Alpine white one, of course!) for only $14 grand. I drove it today, it is going to look Kewl sitting next to my White ti!

It's all good. Buy yourself a X-mas present.

[GSS]

What was wrong with the black manual? It seems that you could probably get that one and fix whatever is wrong with it for far less than the $8K. Plus it's a manual and that is what you said you prefer.

[eltristo]

I do prefer a manual, as a general rule. What was wrong with it (a shortened list):
Serp and AC belts
AC evap dead and leaky
Front shock mounts
Diff mount
Air intake is... highly flawed
P/S hoses

unimportant stuff:
headliner
window switches
'trunk' shocks
antenna

There's more that I can't remember, but it's looking like 6-7k in repair. When placed next to a 30000 mile beauty, it loses a lot of it's luster.

[GSS]

The problems you mentioned wouldn't amount to that much $-wise, especially if you can do the work yourself. But like you said if there are some other major problems, that may bring the price closer to the other one with lower mileage. I guess that's why it's always good to get a pre-purchase inspection!

[eltristo]

I was quoted $2500 for the AC evap unit installed. That's a pretty big ouch. Hoses, belts, etc. I can do, but I'm not messing with that. Also, the intake is a cheap aftermarket "cold" air intake, and it's a mess. We are assuming that's what was causing the Check Engine light, but no way to know for sure.

Anyway, we'll see what happens at the end of the week.

[eltristo]

Ok, so it's been 6 months now. I bought the 99 silver automatic sport. It had 30,500 miles, now 31800. It truly is a dog on acceleration, but it sure does handle proper, and it is in *nearly* perfect condition. I was waiting to post until I had a chance to wax it and take some pics. They now exist, and I am going to upload in the next couple of minutes. just need to find out how...

[BMW_Hatchback]

Should've gotten an M3 for 6500, but welcome to the brotherhood.

[eltristo]

duh, there's a button at the bottom of the page. Here you go:

[milehigh96caliti]

I'm jealous...it's very beautiful! Congrats!