Totally Innocent: 1997 BMW 318Ti

From the firewall forward the 318ti Compact is identical to the basic E36 sedan, but behind the A-pillar the compact BMW is unique.  It has a hatchback rear, uses the older E30 semi-trailing rear suspension (shared with the Z3/M Roadster & M Coupe) and is noticeably more tail happy than the regular E36 -which is already prone to violent outbursts of oversteer.  The 318ti compact version was an attempt by BMW to capture some of the lower end of the market with a lower price and 4-cylinder power, but the handling was not compromised and the Ti badge *probably means it will be worth more than the average pile of bolts when it gets old enough to be cloaked in the narcotizing fog of nostalgia. Find this 1997 BMW 318Ti offered for $7995 near Northridge, CA via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

Exposed V8 Swap: 1994 BMW 318ti

There are two potential paths when building a fast custom car -- the first is to make it a sleeper, hide the engine and make it look stock, the second is to make it a waker, which involves poking shiny bits of the engine through a sawz-all cut hole in the hood. Guess which one DT is going to feature next.  Find this 1994 BMW 318ti V8 Swap offered for $7500 in Olympia, WA via craigslist. Tip from Matt C.

Supercharged S52: 1996 BMW 318ti E36/5

This next car has a very optimistic asking price -- particularly when you consider you can find a totally stock 318ti for a lot less...but if you want to go REALLY fast and you love the truncated look of the E36/5 and the oversteer handling of the E30 style semi-trailing arm suspension..this could be your ticket to ride. Find this 1996 BMW 318ti E36/5 offered for $15000 in Thornwood, NY via craigslist.  From Cory.

Whutstang: 1995 BMW 318Ti

 This next craigslist advert gave me double take -- not because it looks crazy but because the seller listed it as a BMW Mustang...I didn't know that BMW ever made a Mustang! Imagine my surprise when I opened this 1995 BMW Mustang offered for $3,500 in Ventura, CA via craigslist. Tip from Sean S.

5k: M-Compact: 1995 BMW 318ti with S52 M3 Engine

From the firewall forward the 318ti Compact is identical to the basic E36 sedan, but behind the A-pillar the compact BMW is unique.  It has a hatchback rear, uses the older E30 semi-trailing rear suspension (shared with the Z3/M Roadster & M Coupe) and is noticeably more tail happy than the regular E36 -which is already prone to violent outbursts of oversteer.  The biggest problem with the 318ti (aside from questionable styling) is the use of a gutless 1.8 liter 4-banger - so buy one that has had an injection of steroids. Find this 1995 BMW 318ti with S52 M3 Engine for sale in Phoenix, AZ currently bidding for $4,050 on ebay with 3 days to go.

10k: Sport Compact: 1997 BMW 318ti, Low Mile E36

The BMW E36 3-series is known for its fantastic handling and rock bottom price today.  The 318ti compact version was an attempt by BMW to capture some of the lower end of the market with a lower price and 4-cylinder power, but the handling was not compromised and it wears a "ti" badge recalling the glory days of the 2002ti. Find this 1997 BMW 318ti for sale in San Jose, CA for $8,500 via craigslist.

5k: CoM3pact:1995 BMW 318Ti with M3 Swap

The BMW E36 318Ti was an attempt by BMW to capture a share of the sport compact market.  Forward of the B-pillars the 318Ti was standard E36, but in the back it used the old E30 semi-trailing arm rear axle, a trait shared with the Z3.  The 4-cylinder powered hatchback/luxury/sport car inhabited its own space in the market place with no real direct competition, but didn't sell well and was phased out of the US market by 1999.  Find this 1995 BMW 318Ti with an M3 drivetrain swap for sale in Folsom, CA currently on ebay at $4,500 with zero bids and 5 days to go.