Guys I'm car shopping with about $4k-$5k

[Rowe2ry]

I have gotten into E36s a good bit because I love my friend's 328. MY Rx-7 was totaled out and I have about $4k to spend. I am looking around a few things and I am very interested in the E36. Now, from what I've seen on the threads about JUSt picking up an E36, theres tons of "replace everything rubber" "have at least $3k reserved for repairs" "make sure it has a metal impeller waterpump" etc. etc. etc. Here is my question. Should I even bother looking at the E36 with only $4k ($5K easily if I wait and save for about a month). I definitely DONt want a 318 and would really like to avoid a 323. So for a running driving 325 or 328, I'm probably not going to have any money leftover for repairs or maintenance. would it still be wise to shop around and buy one then restore things over time, or would I be driving an expensive money sucking time bomb? This is why I need help.

Cliffs: I know $4k is enough to buy an E36, but is ONLY $4k enough to buy and safely daily drive an E36.

[Toby B]

Seems totally reaonable around here.

But the service and parts are a bit steeper than Mazda, maybe 25% or so...

t

[Rowe2ry]

Yeah, I can do just about all the work myself "except going from a car with no ECU to a car that's half run by electronics means I might have to leave electrical to shops (I HATE paying ot have work done that I just can't do). I can do the labor, and I've found the parts aren't too expensive actually when my friend and both have had to replace the same thing on the Rx-7 and BMW. Probably only about a 10% premium over the Mazda stuff. I'm more worried about how well kept and fragile a car that has depreciated from $38,000 to $4,000 in 12-18 years will be on NEEDING parts.

[Brent 930]

Perfect amount of cash for a 96-99' 328is. You will be able to drive it but plan on starting a list of things to do. If your a DIY guy with a good tool collection you will be fine. Start working on it a little at a time so you don't go broke.

[coconutmnky]

$4000? If you find a decent one for $1500-2500, sure I think it can happen.

I wouldn't recommend having a $3000 one with $1000 for repairs, unless you got a bit extra for that.

[MrSaikou]

What he said ^
I would buy the cheapest deal, with a decent engine. Parts are cheap, and most of the work is easy, or at least has a good DIY available.
No matter what you find, most will have all those little aesthetic problems. So paying more, doesn't necessarily reduce the fix me ups.

Just avoid: overheated engine, and abused tranny. Check that the tranny goes into first easily... and doesn't pop out of it.

[Brent 930]

If you must have the car and get it perfect right after then double that amount. Seriously, just get the car and pick away.

[garf]

It all depends on what is available in the area etc. If you shop around for long enough, and don't need a car w/in the week or something like that as a dd then you should definitely be able to pick up something worthwhile. Good luck on finding a car and hopefully it is an E36.

[jfmjr442]

I found a 1998 328i 5 spd sedan on CL that was listed at 2900 w/185k on it. My main concerns were original body panels (no accidents) no rust and drivetrain in decent shape. I was able to get the car for 2k haggling because of cooling system overhaul needed for sure, blown front struts and electrical issues with dim radio display, bad FSR. I have replaced brakes (rotors/pads/sensors) cooling system overhaul, basic tune up (plugs, belts) and fluid changes, new struts and shocks (I went cheap with KYB which seem perfectly fine for a DD), replaced front seats with junk yard seats, replaced shifter bushings, and front controls arms w/LCAB and RCAB. All of this work was DIY in my garage with just basic tools, jack and ramps and jackstands.

I now have about $5,500 in it and last thing is new tires. so for 6k, this car is ready for many more miles and has been completely reliable for the last 3,000 miles. There isn't much left to leave me stranded. It also passed MD state inspection and MD emissions without a problem. My only real worry is replacing catalytic converter down the road. I have not yet changed the O2's either. It is a blast to drive. I sldo hsve a 2001 540i/6 and sometimes i will drive the E36 because it is just plain fun to drive, especially around town.

I would follow the advice of others above and make sure you get a solid body (no wrecks, no subframe tears, no rust) with a working drivetrain and you can DIY yourself to a nice DD for 5-6k.

What are you waiting for? :D

HTH

John

[FCPEuro]

Seems totally reaonable around here.

But the service and parts are a bit steeper than Mazda, maybe 25% or so...

t

The parts and service may be steeper than a Mazda, but it needs service about 10% as often....

Anyone wanna buy my '84 GSL-SE?? :paranoid: