That’ll Never Leak: 1996 BMW 318Ti California Edition
The BMW 318Ti was launched in 1994 and has the dubious honor of being the first hatchback offered from BMW since the 2002 Touring was canceled in 1974. The E36/5 318Ti is interesting because it uses the previous generation (E30) semi-trailing arm rear suspension and a 1.8 liter 4-banger for the ultimate in “sport compact” performance. The 318Ti was known for its handling capability, but you’ve got to wonder about the torsional rigidity when most of the roof is replaced with a giant piece of cloth…such is the case with the “California Edition” that puts a large Beetle-esque cloth folding roof where the roof should be. Find this 1996 BMW 318Ti California Edition offered for $5996 in Stamford, CT via craigslist. Tip from Cory.
From the seller:
1996 bmw 318ti
VIN: WBACG732XTAS96610
condition: excellent
cylinders: 4 cylinders
drive: rwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 165000
paint color: silver
title status: clean
transmission: manual
type: hatchback
For your consideration.
A rare sighting of a seldom seen in the wild 1996 BMW 318ti “California Edition” hatchback with fully operational power “California Top.” This nicely finished example is sporting a rust-free body of Arctic silver metallic, over an interior of smooth black leather, all ready to be kicked into gear with its 5-speed manual stick transmission.
This well maintained example of a 318 ti “California Edition” is presently at home in garage in Stamford Connecticut and is offered for sale “As Is” on a clean Maryland title in my name. Local pick up only. Buyer responsible for inspection, pick up, and/or shipping.
No negotiating will be done in text or on call. Any negotiating must be on site & in person. Low ballers & tire kickers don’t waste my or your time.
If this CList Ad is up, my 318ti is still for sale. Text ONLY please for any inquiries/questions, or to set up an appointment.
$5995.00
See a better way to drive Cali style? tips@dailyturismo.com
I have always liked the look of these. But definitely not with the silly roof. Looks like it would be like combining the headache of a sunroof with the headache of a convertible just for the benefit of a sunroof, which I don’t find that beneficial, if at all.
Probably not quite as much headache as an E36 convertible with the power top, though. I used to have one of these, and it was one of the worst Rube Goldberg contraptions of a roof ever.
But still….I have the same engine in my’95 318ic , bought new cause the s.o wanted a convertible and I’m cheap ( and we traded in an ’87 E30 3255IS! , now bringing north of 10K) and the E36 is going strong at 357,000 miles. I dont mind the roof. Put on an orange wig, sit on some telephone books and join a Shriners parade.
357k is serious miles. Nice work. What’s a “telephone book”?