Im new here, need your help!

[CASV]

Hi, I already post in general but I think its gonna more appropriate to post here.
Need your suggestions, opinions and advices!

Im a total rookie for german cars, never drive one or work on one.
But I just felt in love with a green 1999 328i vert :D
-240 000km
-manual
-convertible
-original tissu top
-interior looks super sharp, no stain, just normal wear on the driver seats
-I think it has been repaint, looks pretty clean just a couple of spots with bubbles but can be fix
-coilovers
-19s
-front grill is loose
-inspection from the dealer, told me its still rolling strong
-already slammed, but I have to adjust the height every spring and autumn for winter

Considering its gonna be my DD
Can you tell me, reliability at this km? Maintenace? DIY oil change? DIY to replace parts? Parts are rare and expensive? Fuel consumption? If you have a slammed one, how does it ride? Is it a fun car to drive? Is it good for winter condition? The tissu top has to be replace or I can keep it as long as possible?

I would trade it with my 2002 IS 300, the dealer is asking 9995$ . Should I trade it?? Its gonna be my DD

THX a lot for your time and response, I really appreciate it!
Looking a bit on the forum and it looks really nice to be a member!
anyways thx
Carl :buttrock

[flyfishvt]

A lot of your questions can be answered by reading through the threads at the top of the forum. I would suggest you start hanging out in the vert forum in addition to this one. They have all the answers to any question you might have that are related specifically to verts instead of hardtops.

The e36 is as much fun to drive as a car can be. Your mileage is not a problem. If you take care of them and keep up on the maintanance they can easily last past 250,000 miles. I think that's about 400,000 km.

You should know that these cars require a bit of regular maintanance and some repairs. They are at least 12 years old so things start to wear out and break. The only way most of us can afford to keep them is because we do most or all of the repairs outselves.

used parts are pretty easy to find and are usually a good way to save a lot of money. Some items need to be new. There are plenty of places to get new parts that will cost you much less than the dealer. if you enjoy working on cars or if you at least know how you will find the e36 is pretty easy to work on. If you have any mechanical ability but you don't have a lot of experience they are an excellent car to learn on.

You'll see lots of people give you opinions and advise but I would suggest you start by going through some of the threads at the top. There are DIY's there on a lot of things and there is always more in you learn how to use the search function.

Welcome to the forum. You're going to love that Vert.

The e36 is a rear wheel drive car so its not the best thing in snow but you can certainly drive them all winter. I do.

[CASV]

oke, thx for all the info! Still needs opinions on the trade or not ??

[Zodiacbw]

Unless you're ready to keep up on the maintenance which can be costly, I'd stay with the Lexus for a DD. There's a lot to look at on these cars, has the cooling system been replaced recently? sub frame bushings, control arms/ball joints, ect.

[flyfishvt]

Woops...missed the trade part.

Unless that BMW is in showroom condition and has been dealer maintained since day one then you should be getting the BMW and a lot of money. He's asking waayyy too much for that car. If he's willling to do an even swap then he thinks your car is worth at least what he paid for the BMW so he knows an even swap will still make him money.

I think its a bad deal for you. compare the book values of the two cars. What do you come up with.

[CASV]

okk, thx for all the replies. Im really hesitating, The look of the slammed vert is pretty nice......

[drummerboi]

if it was me, i wouldn't trade... simply because its a vert... not cheap to fix or replace the top... but if money is not an issue, then i guess its ur call... just my 2 cent... good luck though...

[CASV]

okk, thx for all the inputs. I guess I should bring it to a certified euro garage and make an inspection...
Any other inputs people!? :P
What do you think about the car just for a buy and not a trade?

[csmc1013]

2002 for that thing you described? Nooooo way!! I would not pay him more than 3500k for it.

[billyfiction]

I would never buy a car that has modified suspension. This car is not a good deal.

You should also check out www.maxbimmer.com Canadian BMW forum.

[MrSaikou]

Don't get a vert.
Stick with the 328

That's all I have to say about that.

[ponchiz318]

What's wrong with a vert? :shifty
Op, you should be fine with the vert. They handle just as well a any other e36. The only issues aside from any other e36 is the top condition. If it's in great shape, then you should be fine. My top cost me 400 shipped and I got it on ebay. Cost 250 to install. The quality is damn good and I haven't had any issues at all with it.
Top motors are another thing. Go look at the vert forum and do some home work. There's plenty of info on them. From resetting them, to changing them completely. It would also help you troubleshoot prior to purchasing the vert.
As far as trading, it's a tough call. I would want the car to be in pristine condition In order to trade along with maintenance records.

[MrSaikou]

$9995 E36 huh ?

:eatpop: