This Looks Promising

"Jack Does Cars" (jackdoescars)
07/29/2016 at 13:07 • Filed to: E36

1998 BMW 318ti, 195,000, lots of M-Technic kit, manual, E34 M5 wheels. $3,750.

I know Slant6 doesn’t like this dealer, but they always have an interesting inventory.

DISCUSSION (20)

TysMagic > Jack Does Cars
07/29/2016 at 13:11

I’ve always liked these. Especially with the canvas sunroof thing. Neat. And aren’t they 50/50 weight ratio? I seem to remember something about using a full size spare to achieve it or some shenanigans.

Jack Does Cars > TysMagic
07/29/2016 at 13:12

If this one had the canvas roof, I’d be over to at the dealer right now. And yes, I think the US models were 50/50.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Jack Does Cars
07/29/2016 at 13:17

If you can get it for $3,000 or under then it’s barely, barely NP.

The 4-pots are gutsy for what they are, but I’d try to find a 6 cylinder if you want an E36. Plus ti’s have the less robust E30 rear suspension and a cut rate interior. Even more cut rate compared to the normal E36s, which is already pretty bad if I’m being honest.

Another thing, check craigslist for things because dealers are always going to overprice cars. They have to make a profit somehow. And don’t think buying from a dealer will insure it being a solid car, because I promise it wont.

AfromanGTO > Jack Does Cars
07/29/2016 at 13:26

That’s really nice. I like the wheels, rear splash guards, and the white with white headlights and fogs. It looks like it has leather as well, and hopefully a manual tranny. It would be a great DD or M5 motor swap candidate to match the M5 wheels. That is just my thinking though, and 50/50 weight distribution with these too if I remember correctly.

Slant6 > Jack Does Cars
07/29/2016 at 13:36

What is it with you and overpriced high millage cars?

No 200,000 mile BMW is promising.

If it was $2000 it’d be a different story, but nearly $4000 for something that will definitely need work seems foolish.

Not to mention I don’t like this dealer. Same one that has a C from BBB?

I do like M5 wheels though. I wish I sold you my e34 for $3000. Granted that gave me trouble, but you seem like you want a BMW anyway.

EL_ULY > Jack Does Cars
07/29/2016 at 13:37

$2600 tops. Haggle for lower than that still

Tripper > Jack Does Cars
07/29/2016 at 13:50

I just saw one of these last week, with the California top + a supercharger. Sold quick for 6k

Jack Does Cars > Slant6
07/29/2016 at 13:52

What can I say, I like a bad deal. And yes, same dealer. Like the blue E36, I doubt that I’ll be purchasing this one either. I’ve been looking at a lower milage (155,000) E46 325i, and it seems promising.

Jack Does Cars > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/29/2016 at 13:53

This dealer does advertise on CL, and it’s one of two 318ti’s for sale locally. Thankfully, I know they will haggle.

Slant6 > Jack Does Cars
07/29/2016 at 13:54

That’s better. Although not promising. More of a damage to wallet minimizing choice.

Jack Does Cars > AfromanGTO
07/29/2016 at 13:54

I’d just DD it. I won’t pay $3,750 either.

AfromanGTO > Jack Does Cars
07/29/2016 at 13:55

3 grand is more like it.

Jack Does Cars > Slant6
07/29/2016 at 13:56

It’s being advertised at a shop right down the road from me. One owner, all the work has either been done here (they’re good, they replaced the engine on the Pontiac Grand Am we had way back in the day), or Performance BMW in Chapel Hill. It’s very clean.

Jack Does Cars > AfromanGTO
07/29/2016 at 13:57

I agree.

RPM esq. > TysMagic
07/29/2016 at 14:31

If you live anywhere with rain you wouldn’t love the California roof so much. Every single one ever made leaks like a sieve. Granted, though, they are super fun.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Jack Does Cars
07/29/2016 at 14:43

Thats at least 3000x better than mine. I want it.

Humpty-D > Jack Does Cars
07/29/2016 at 16:24

That’s probably the best looking 318 I’ve seen in a minute. Like others have said, the rear suspension is not the best and they’re, uh, not very luxurious.... BUT it would make a good daily and they get ridiculous gas mileage. If the engine ever lets go you can swap in an S50/52 easily and make a very quick car, especially considering the weight of these.

Jack Does Cars > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
07/29/2016 at 17:56

It’s a lil too much money. But it appears to be aggressively clean.

Jack Does Cars > Humpty-D
07/29/2016 at 17:57

Yeah, I’m really looking for gas milage as my TrailBlazer gets a whopping 17 MPG. My friend’s E36 M3 get 24. And I bet this gets over 30.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Jack Does Cars
07/30/2016 at 01:32

YeahI wouldnt pay that for it, but its a nice car.