1996 BMW 318Ti California Edition 5-speed!

If you have been looking for a Ti or you are simply looking for one of the coolest modern BMW’s, your search is over… This particular car is the VERY rare combination of manual transmission, California roof, desirable Red on Black color combination in excellent shape with a full history. The car currently has 140k miles on it.

This Ti was sold new at Rasmussen BMW and has always been a local Northwest car, so no exposure to bad roads or winter conditions. It has been lovingly cared for as evidenced by both its condition and its meticulous record of service. I have a complete history starting with the original window sticker, sales brochure, even the original sales invoice! From there I have a complete service history showing careful ownership.

For those of you not familiar with the Ti, these were introduced by BMW in 1995 and sold through 1999 to be an entry level car to the brand. Sometimes a concept is too early for its time, as these cars did not sell well when new. The average American thought a four cylinder powered hatchback could not possibly be a BMW. Well time has proven them wrong and the Ti has developed a hot following due to their zippy fuel efficient engine, lightweight chassis, impressive handling manners and very functional design. They truly are some of the most fun to drive BMW’s ever built, try one out for yourself! Since not many were sold new, fourteen years later there are even less available for sale. Of course cult vehicles always have super desirable sub models, for the Ti models that is ones equipped with 5-speed manual transmissions and either the Sport Package or the California package.

This particular car is a true “California Package” car so it got the power sliding canvas top, cruise control (not found on Sport Package cars for some reason…), 15x7 Alloy wheels, Full body color bumpers and rocker panels, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. These are quite rare, searching nationally I only saw one other California roof car and it had the dreaded Automatic transmission!

When we got the car it was sent through the shop for a full inspection, which revealed a very solid car but we did notice some leakage from the water pump. As a result a full cooling system overhaul was called for which included a new water pump, thermostat and all new hoses and coolant. Other than that the car runs and drives exactly as it should and everything works, including the rare on board computer! The wheels have been upgraded to 17” E46 325iS Sport Package wheels which are a nice visual and handling update. The exhaust was also upgraded to a fully stainless cat back exhaust from Stromung which adds a nice performance sound, but is also quiet. The final touch was adding a new JVC in dash CD with IPOD/USB front panel control which will both control and charge an IPOD or IPHONE.

Here is the Ti that everyone is looking for! Don’t let it get away…