Difference between '95 and '99?

[DJ Skillz 187]

I'm looking at two different 318ti's right now, one being a '99 atx with 74k miles, and the other is a '95 mtx with 79k miles. I don't know what model they are (sport or whatever..) I don't know how to tell the difference.

Are there any major differences between the years? Is one engine more reliable than the other?

I really want a 5-spd, because I get bored driving automatics, but I'm skeptical about buying a '95.

Oh.. and one more random question: What's up with the half-leather seats?
Both ti's I've looked at have seats that are half leather and half cloth.. is that the case with all of them?

Thanks in advance.

[ChItalian1027]

95 has the m42 engine and the 96-99 has the m44

i think ur lookin at an active model that comes standard with both leather/cloth interior. i could be wrong though.

i have a 95/5spd and its a great car!!

which car is cheaper and whats ur budget?

[lkwd318ti]

95s have an M42 motor, while the 96-99 has the M44 motor in it.
If it's a 99, it's labeled as a BASE, but it should have all the "sport" goodies on it (The interior and the body kit etc...)
Although it's an auto, for some reason a 99 isn't as easy to find.

Half Leather half cloth is the interior that comes in the sport package.
A base package will most likely have all cloth seats,
and an active package would most likely have leather seats.

If the price difference between the two is big enough, I would go with the 95.

[DJ Skillz 187]

The '99 is $8000 and the '95 is $6500.
The car is going to be paid by my tax return and the excess will be taken out as a loan. I can afford either one, but lower monthly payments are always better.

What are the differences between the M42 and M44 engines?

[teetime4one]

m42 is 1.8 liter
m44 is 1.9 liter

[Bloodrunsdry]

Also the m42 has better stock internals.
Only around 500-600 of the 99s were made in the US so thats why they are hard to find but its still an auto. All of the 99s had better suspention, had the m 3 spoke wheel and m body style ie front bumper sideskirts and a rear defuser.
But 8k for a 99 auto is kinda high i got mine and its is a manual for 7k

[96cali]

Yes, both are considered the "sport" models for their year. What color is the the '95? If it's red or black outside AND red cloth+black leather inside it would be a rare Club Sport (300 imported). The '95 clubsport came with the M-tec suspension, bumpers and (uniquely) the M3 mirrors. Otherwise 95 is the only year the regular "sport" came with 15" wheels and no M-tec style bumpers. Not sure about the suspension for the '95 sport (base or sport) but an LSD was optional in '95. The '95 is also considered OBD1 (On Board Diagnostic?) and has forged internals to it's M42 engine. The M42 has the same hp/tq as the 96-99 M44. An auto has more power loss than a standard shift. Most people here prefer a manual unless traffic rules their commute. And BTW the shift linkage can be easliy shortened for under $100 with the OEM 1.9 Z3 shifter or others.

The '99 is one of 540 imported that year. All were sport models, usually decked out. There will be some updates (16" wheels, M3 steering wheel, rear headrests, AST+C traction control but no LSD option).

In a nut shell, I'd go for the '95 between the two or wait for another sport model to come along with manual shift. If it's a Club Sport than jump on that thing! The year difference means less in Cali than here in the rust belt.

Congrats on your choice thse are great cars!

[DustenT]

Originally Posted by Bloodrunsdry

Also the m42 has better stock internals.

Yeah, if you want to run F/I on it. Otherwise the m44 is clearly a better motor.

[DJ Skillz 187]

I think I'm gonna go for the '99...
If I really get sick of the auto, I can always do a 5spd swap down the road.