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About to buy new 318ti California

Hi,

    I'm new to the list and normally I would lurk for awhile - you learn 
the most interesting things that way.  But I'm getting close to the 
actual purchase of a new 96 318ti California - you know, the one with the 
whopping big hole cut in the roof and the electric canvas sunroof.  It's 
red (well, I mean RED) and has the trip computer and traction control as 
the options.

    I need some of the net wisdom.  Is there anything I should know 
before concluding the purchase?  I know a group of BMW nuts isn't the 
place to go for discouragement about such a purchase but there is bound 
to be some good information out there.

    I like hatchbacks.  My wife's car is a 86 Saab 900 that we bought 
new.  I've been driving a 81 VW Rabbit (diesel, cough, cough) for the 
past 10 years (to pay for the Saab).  Now it's time for something else.

    I think I've got a decent deal on the car.  I can get it for $2000 
under MSRP (about $23.5k).  Are there other things I should try to get 
tossed into the deal that I don't know about.  How about official shop 
manuals?  Are they available?  Floor mats, foglights,...???

    Is this car likely to have any unique appeal in 10 years?  Not that 
I'm after a collector car but the thought that it would have added value 
as an older car only helps the decision.  I'm told that they are only 
making 400 but that could be salesman talk.

   Anyway, thanks in advance.    

Pete Andrews
[email protected]