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If you've always wanted to know what happens when a now reformed, ex serial JDM tinkerer is locked in the same room as an E46 M3, then you've come to the right place! This thread will outline pretty much any remotely interesting things that surface throughout the ownership of this German brute. SO. Without further adieu: The first 2.5 weeks of ownership! Day 2: Back in auckland after a near 8hr drive. Stole keys to a private carpark with camera in hand: http://bimmersport.co.nz/topic/60252-first-time-euro-owner-text-heavy/ Day 14: Bullied the SO into taking his MV Agusta out for a little "photoshoot" to hone my skills: Please forgive quality, I compressed them into JPG so its MUCH grainier than the raw files Day 16: A passer-by heard what could only be described as "gale force winds" in the garage. On closer inspection its source was the mighty Germans air conditioning system. Replacement Final Stage Unit possible? YouTube and forum posts have confirmed this will indeed be a VERY ENJOYABLE TASK. Photos will follow... once I've located a replacement unit. VID_42110526_211411_140.mp4

@Contrails 800 of course We've got Termignoni headers and a QD muffler on the italian! It's a struggle to stay PG when you hear it on song!!

Its supposed to be a cheap car but we both know its too easy to spend spend spend on these cars especially when parts are plentiful. Ugh. What have i done... again..

That's awesome. Everyone should snap these up. I'm in the US so everything ships free. I was in a bit of daze and had forgotten that.

Good engines, good cars. Remove the EGR and throw it away. Swirl flaps you can do yourself - buy some blanks online. Mine came from Ireland.

Nice. I'd suggest getting the subframe re-enforced if it hasn't been. Much cheaper to do it before it cracks! And that'll give you some good peace-of-mind.

Car is now definitely for sale, my new car should be here in a week or so. $5500

I have to remind myself every time I go into the garage that its a go car not a show car. Hoping some stickers will break it up abit.

so after 3 weekend of sanding, priming ,sanding basecoat, sanding I'm ready to......" lay down a real colour". to be honest the fiber glass moulds were real rough with deep scratches in them and spider cracks that only showed up once I put the etch primer on the parts. I'm not a 100% happy but are starting to run out of time.

If the pump needs to be replaced it wouldn't be only $100... Maybe $50 for a second hand pump (where from though?), more for a new one, at least an hour labour, or more, $80+, replacement fluid, $30... Tell him you'll add $100 to the price if he gets the PS fixed...

I may have to sell my 318ti to make space in the driveway for something else. let me know if you are interested. A bit more work done since the last post/photos. seat is fixed up, windows tinted, etc.

Absolutely love a clean prefacelift e30. https://www.trademe.co.nz/1697765736 This one has been taunting me from my watchlist for days. If I hadn't already gotten way too deep with mine...

So, welcome Richard, let's see if I can provide some info... A 318ti is quite a simple car to maintain, especially if you have friends/contacts close by. The Ti is a bit different from the other E36's (Coupe, Wagon, Sedan) so not all parts can be interchanged but many can. They're pretty simple cars so very little specialist BMW knowledge would be required. If you're happy to approach the guys around the block then it might pay to have a chat with them before you purchase to get any specific tips etc. The "rough idle" is probably a vacuum leak which is a common occurance on these cars, your family friend that owns an auto shop should be able to do a smoke test on the car to identify any leaks. Could be as simple as replacing an inexpensive hose. Not sure about the power steering, depends what wrong with it. If it need a new rack that'll be most expensive (but I have one available for $150 if you need one). Get your auto shop guy to do a pre-purchase inspection and advise you on that also. They don't use a lot of fuel but it's still a 20 year old car and might be a little inefficient. The rough idle won't help but a $100 tank of fuel will last you ~500km's I'd think. Definitely start with a cheap car first! The insurance will be cheaper, you won't care if somebody (or you) dings it, curbed wheels aren't such an issue etc, etc. Learn to drive well before getting a good car. A 206xxx km, 1998 E36 318Ti would be an ideal first car I'd say... especially if you can get it for $1200 and your mechanic family friend checks it out first and says it's okay. Good luck and keep us posted!

Alright, calm down everyone. I have literally one photo of the car, here it is... I never really take photos of my cars, just not my thing. Its not a major heap but as with most red cars of this age it needs a respray, and is covered in a quite few dents and scrapes. I should really refit the chrome trim, its in the boot...

wheels that cost as much if not more than the car itself.. haha

Thanks Kyu. I showed it to the wife yesterday. I’m keen.