New and stressed member

[NeO]

Hi Guys. Im from Stellenbosch and sold my Velociti(gollof!) three days ago. I am now interesred in getting a 318ti. Will open a thread in appropriate section for that probably...i dont know much about bmw. These are the two cars im interested in:

This one is the looker > http://capetown-westerncape.gumtree.co.za/c-Cars-Vehicles-cars-BMW-318ti-M-W0QQAdIdZ439990580

This one has low mileage! > http://capetown-westerncape.gumtree.co.za/c-Cars-Vehicles-cars-BMW-318TI-A-T-W0QQAdIdZ439990179

PLEASE SOS i need to make up my mind before 3pm todayraise:

 

[Crash_Nemesis]

Amazing little car.

I own an e46 M3, but that doesn't stop me from enjoying the time I drive my 318ti. That little thing is a character unto its own and has some nice low down torque. Still impresses me how that baby moves sometimes.

Sure its no M3, but its a fun little car to drive. I actually prefer it over driving the e60 525i we have. The 525i is smooth and gentle, the 318ti is fun and enjoyable. You won't be sad getting one.

PS. The N42/N46B20 Engine which is found in this car, depending on year, is known to have major oil problems. My ti started with the issues too, but its not hard to fix. Its usually seals in the engine that need replacing and this can easily be done.

The engine specs are 1995 cc 4 cylinder which produce 105 kW (143 PS; 141 hp) @ 6000 rpm and 200 N·m (150 lb·ft) torque @ 3750 rpm. The car is rear wheel drive.

Make sure you get a manual for that extra fun factor... (not sure if it even came in auto).

You gonna love it man. Just take good care of it, and it will take good care of you.

As I mentioned, watch out for the oil leaks. Hopefully another forum member can shed some more light on this issue. I know that the N42 engine is the only engine in the e46 range that had this problem.

 

[Gregmeister]

Hi NeO! Wecome to the forum. If it was me, I would go with a manual, especially with a smaller 4 pot. Would be more fun. The Ti's are fun. The 325i is a HOOT to drive. I would take my time deciding...good luck. Make sure the car you are looking at has a full service history etc, btw. :thumbs:

 

[NeO]

Thanks for the input guys. You both opt for the manual, but that one has done 60k km's more!! Still think its worth it?

 

[Wes]

Hi, welcome :thumbs:


Why the 3pm deadline? :fencelook:

 

[Quickie]

The wife has a 318ti AUTO. We have it for a few months now and it really has impressed me.
No real issues.

Just make sure it has a FSH.

Problematic things to look for i have read is:
Expansion tank - Cooling system
Lower control arm bushes
Oil leaks
Crank sensor
MAF sensor

 

[ClassicB]

I would go with manual on the 318. I had a 2000 model 318i E46 and it is much more responsive and lighter on fuel, compared to the auto.
When i sold it, it was on 302000km, and only major items changed except for normal services were control arm bushes, expansion tank, thermostat housing and the radiator.

 

[NeO]

is it safe to say that an automatic is more reliable? I mean, ive had a look at a few threads and E46 can be pricy when it comes to repairs.

 

[Pho3niX90]

Nice little cars,

Was that the 1.6i velociti? Just don't expect the 318 to outperform if it was the 1.6.

But overall the 318 is a much more fun car to drive.

---

is it safe to say that an automatic is more reliable? I mean, ive had a look at a few threads and E46 can be pricy when it comes to repairs.

Not safe to say at all, if it were abused you can expect to replace that box somewhere in the future, if you know for a fact that it was treated like an auto box, then you might be safe if you continue to treat it that way.

Why do you want an auto anyways? Manual is much more reliable, faster, funner, lower consumption ect.

 

[NeO]

Nice little cars,

Was that the 1.6i velociti? Just don't expect the 318 to outperform if it was the 1.6.

But overall the 318 is a much more fun car to drive.

---

is it safe to say that an automatic is more reliable? I mean, ive had a look at a few threads and E46 can be pricy when it comes to repairs.

Not safe to say at all, if it were abused you can expect to replace that box somewhere in the future, if you know for a fact that it was treated like an auto box, then you might be safe if you continue to treat it that way.

Why do you want an auto anyways? Manual is much more reliable, faster, funner, lower consumption ect.

---

it was the 1.4 :rollsmile:

Not an easy choice to go auto. I just think that is a real good price since it only done 118k km's. The purchase will aslo include 2 year "mechanical warranty" (<< does this include gearbox???)

Other reason is cuz the wifey can only drive auto and sometimes a guy really do need a driver haha

---

im gonna slam it on the floor:idea:

 

[Crash_Nemesis]

Look, nothing wrong with auto... but BMW's are drivers cars... we want to drive them, not let them drive us. Its all preference to the driver. If you don't mind, then its all good. The auto box just isn't responsive like a manual and shift times are not as quick.

All up to your driving style really.

 

[Pho3niX90]

Nice little cars,

Was that the 1.6i velociti? Just don't expect the 318 to outperform if it was the 1.6.

But overall the 318 is a much more fun car to drive.

---

is it safe to say that an automatic is more reliable? I mean, ive had a look at a few threads and E46 can be pricy when it comes to repairs.

Not safe to say at all, if it were abused you can expect to replace that box somewhere in the future, if you know for a fact that it was treated like an auto box, then you might be safe if you continue to treat it that way.

Why do you want an auto anyways? Manual is much more reliable, faster, funner, lower consumption ect.

---

it was the 1.4 :rollsmile:

Not an easy choice to go auto. I just think that is a real good price since it only done 118k km's. The purchase will aslo include 2 year "mechanical warranty" (<< does this include gearbox???)

Other reason is cuz the wifey can only drive auto and sometimes a guy really do need a driver haha

---

im gonna slam it on the floor:idea:

---

---

I see, best is to ask them if it includes the gearbox and especially the torque converter.

Problem with them is if they go, you have to replace the whole box, my torque converter started to slip on the X5, took it to ZF (The makers of the autos on BMW's) and they said that the box needs to be replaced.

Box cost: R33K

There is a test you can do on your own to check the condition of the box, I would recommend to take it to ZF and let them just diagnose it, then you will have peace of mind

 

[NeO]

Look, nothing wrong with auto... but BMW's are drivers cars... we want to drive them, not let them drive us.

for sure bro.probably one day when im old (in my 30's haha) then i'll step into the M series and cut out the full auto bull****:thumbs:

 

[Smartiesman]

Look, nothing wrong with auto... but BMW's are drivers cars... we want to drive them, not let them drive us.

for sure bro.probably one day when im old (in my 30's haha) then i'll step into the M series and cut out the full auto bull****:thumbs:

Howzit and welcome bud.

Go manual bud.

 

[Crash_Nemesis]

Hey hey... I'm not old... I'm 28 years young.

:joy:

 

[NeO]

this will now be my 4th car...

2008 > Mazda Astina (sold)
2010 > Peugeot 206 GTi (totaled, and wasnt even insured)
2011 > Golf Velo 1.4 (got tired of poor driving quality)

Im sure the Ti will a offer a more comfy drive than any of my previous cars

 

[Chucky]

Hi and Welcome

I also own a 318ti (auto) and its given me great service. in fact am pleasantly surprised with the car.
Fun to drive and if you get an auto it will most likely be steptronic so u can still change gears if you want to.Ti's are a taboo subject amongst many BMW enthusiasts worldwide and many people think its ugly, I like them, I liked them since they were launched and they paved the way for the 1 series( ti--> 1-series Hatch --> 1-series Coupe).

One thing to note is that it is a particularly heavy car for its size due to the fact that it is an e46 3 series mechanically underneath, even the wheel base is exactly the same as a 3 series although the ti is slightly wider than a 3 series; reason for pointing that out is that it wont be as nippy on your everyday commute as your velocity and might even feel sluggish at times; BUT take it out on the open road and it will be a far cry from a 'citi in terms of speed, stability and handling.

So to sum it up, Great car to get introduced to the BMW family and experience with, and good luck with the sale...

The two colours you have highlighted above are two of the best for the ti.:thumbs:

 

[Quickie]

Gearbox will be dependant on drivin style- It is fact that the auto boxes are a bit of a slouch on pull away and that it is a bit heavier on juice.
but if you going to be commuting on highways mostly then it wouldnt be a problem.
City driving however would be another story.

My advice to you would be to go and drive every TI that you can get your hands on.
From that you will pick up a good feel of the car and also problems.

 

[petrivanzyl]

Welcome bud

Which car did you get?:fencelook:

 

[Twinz]

I hope neither of those two choices

Both cars from the same dealership. I would have expanded the search considering the price.