Looking to buy E36

[promiscuousman]

I finally decided to get rid of my talon and look for a nicer car. I really like the way the E36's look and the price for a 1998-99 seems to be doable for me. I was wondering if anybody would be willing to tell me common problems with these cars, some stuff I should look for when I test drive them. I'm not new to cars, but I'm new to BMW, so any information you can offer me would be very helpfull.

Thank you,
Cory Mittleider

[bimmerguy]

congrats on your decision to buy a BMW, i myself owned a talon tsi couple of years ago, but its nothing compared to a BMW, i just bought myself a 92 325I and love it, good luck finding the right one, it took me a while to find mine. if you find a decent used one then jump on it, have it inspected if you can, i didn't, but i think i got lucky.

[mizzoumurad]

hello corey,

So far, i have had no problems bc my car has been well maintained. I have heard MANY stories of these cars lasting at least 250k miles! Common problems include the cooling system. the water pump, radiator and therm. should be replaced if ur not 110% sure....other than, they tend to be fairly bullet proof!

By the way,
i've got a 94 325i 5spd black, tan leather near perfect condition with all maint. up to date that i am thinking about selling...

i live in the twin cities area in minnesota...

it has 148k. pm me know if ur interested!

Murad

[promiscuousman]

It's not letting me PM, maybe cuz I just registered. I may be interested, you should email me some pics, at cory.mittleider@gmail.com. Let me know the specifics about your car, and how much you're looking to get.

Thanks,
Cory

[mizzoumurad]

cory,

ur settings prevent u from pm'ng

i'll send u pics tomorrow morning

my email is mizzoumurad@yahoo.com

murad

[promiscuousman]

Also, what kinds of things changed in the 325 or 328's between '91 and '99? Things for better or for worse? Basically I'm wondering, if you knew what you know now about BMW's, what car do you desire the most?

Thanks

[Julian]

The 325 (2.5L engine, look at the last two numbers in the name) was made up until 1995. In 1996 the 328 (2.8L, once again the last two numbers denotes engine size in all BMW's) was introduced with a bigger motor that had about the same power with more torque. There were small changes, things like painted sideskirts and bumpers. The most desirable e36 is the M3. Depending on your price range you may be able to pick one of these up.

[promiscuousman]

What year did they start painting the sideskirts? Are there some things that commonly need to be replaced frequently on these cars. From what I've read, it seems a lot of people have trouble with the headliner, and somebody else also mentioned in another thread that he has allready taken care of the wiring problems. If you can think of anything else that I should be aware of before buying, please let me know.

Thanks,
Cory

[E36stockTech]

What year did they start painting the sideskirts? Are there some things that commonly need to be replaced frequently on these cars. From what I've read, it seems a lot of people have trouble with the headliner, and somebody else also mentioned in another thread that he has allready taken care of the wiring problems. If you can think of anything else that I should be aware of before buying, please let me know.

Thanks,
Cory

1996 -1999 is when the sideskirts where painted. :)

[promiscuousman]

Hey, mizzoumurad, you should email me some pictures at cory.mittleider@gmail.com, I may be interested in your car.

Thanks,
Cory