Common issues with the E36

[jbt85]

For those of you that have owned and driven these cars for a long time, I'm curious to know about the common issues with these cars. I’ve been a Lexus guy for a long time, but I've recently acquired a '93 318i. It seems be in pretty good shape, I like the way it handles, the gas mileage is good, and I love the look of the car. I’m thinking about putting some money into it v. dropping $25-30k for an almost new IS250. (Hopefully mentioning Lexus on this site won’t get me in trouble with the hardcore BMW lovers.) I’ve read a lot of stuff on the web site that appear to be unique/one-off problems that people are having. I’m really more interested to know about the well known issues with this model. My wife has a ’97 328i with 128k miles that, aside from the mysterious ‘Check Engine’ idiot light that comes on from time to time, seems to be a pretty good car, but I hardly ever drive it. Thanks in advance.

[smax]

I'd start listing a bunch of stuff, but most of it is already in the READ THIS BEFORE POSTING thread at the top of this forum.

Not trying to be a dick, I'm just lazy.

[jbt85]

I'm lazy too. I did look there, but saw a very long list. I'm not concerned about every single thing that might happen, but rather the more common biggies.

[Eryan36]

Dude.

[smax]

Near the bottom of the list there's a general section. There are a few thread that are something like common problems or prepurchase inspection checklists that would cover what you want to know.

[Bris328is]

I'm lazy too. I did look there, but saw a very long list. I'm not concerned about every single thing that might happen, but rather the more common biggies.
:eatpop:

[jbt85]

found it...thnx.

[CrazyCoder]

I'm lazy too.

If your to lazy to read a list of things to check, then you really shouldn't buy an E36.

[baghram]

I'm lazy too. I did look there, but saw a very long list. I'm not concerned about every single thing that might happen, but rather the more common biggies.
Bad intro dude, you're too lazy to check the list even when the answer to your question is in plain sight...




I don't like you

[jbt85]

I'm sure to those who visit this site a lot, finding stuff is easy. For those of us that are new to the site, there's a lot of stuff...

[cheappc]

Hey, I like you! welcome... Im trying to get help too.. YOUR FUNNY THOUGH, because I just sold my Lexus IS 250 (2007) to get an e36 and fix it up.. so maybe we can learn from other members and me and you!

[benemorius]

Welcome. Sorry not a lot of the members here like to spoonfeed, but I promise we're a nice bunch! I would say that we're just stuck up because of the cars we drive, but then they're a lot worse over at honda-tech so I don't know what to say...:devillook

http://www.unitedbimmer.com/kb-e36-common-faults-faq.php

Add to that the infamous vanos noise and you've got a relatively complete list. You know, you probably don't even need to search for that one. If you don't find a thread about it on the first page, you're bound to find one on the second. Basically, the vanos units have parts that wear a bit quicker than most people (save bmw) think they should. The result is an annoying noise and drivability issues. Drvanos sells a remanufactured and improved vanos unit, but I don't like the way he invades every vanos discussion trying to sell his stuff so I try to avoid that route. Though his units do work and they work well.

[jbt85]

There's a ton a good info on the site...I'll learn my way around soon enough.

[egebhardt]

Yeah. It was a learning curve for me. I'm just now starting to use the "quote" feature. Next I might build and Avatar image!

[espguitarist]

:eatpop:
:rofl +1

[kirbykirbykirby]

Common issues are the Po's.

:shifty maybe current owners too...