Update on car search.

[TN.Frank]

Well, talked to the dealer in Ga. and he said that the 325iC wasn't in the "best of shape" but the '96, 328i, 4dr Sedan(dang thing is Red-:eyecrazy ) was in pretty good shape. It has an Auto Trans.(wish it was a 5spd, it'd make things a whole lot eaiser) and since I"m new to Bimmers I have to ask, How does the Autos work, are they reliable, do they shift good and firm, can I improve the shift with a kit or by tweekin' the chip programing? Sorry to have so many questions but I really don't want to get stuck with a lemon, I'd rather bug ya'll to death with questions now then regret my choice later,LOL.
Anyway, talk to ya'll later.

P.S.
It has almost 85K on it, what can I expect to replace in the comming months if I get it?

:buttrock

[bbaz]

I saw one of your posts about finding a car. I'm a wholesale broker in GA and buy and sell about 20 BMW's a year, mostly e36 and e46 M3's, and various 3 series. If you want a second opinion on a car located down here, or you want me to find you the specific one you are looking for, PM me. I'm always willing to help out fellow board members.


To answer your question:
First thing to do is a full cooling system overhaul. Thermostat, and water pump, and at the very least a radiator flush. If the radiator has not been replaced yet, plan on it in the next 20K, before it breaks.

Brake light switch will need to be done soon as well.

You can usually count on the driver's side seatbelt srs switch failing, but there are ways to fix that cheaply.

Double check oil pan gasket, and valve cover gasket for leaks, and when you go to put in new plugs, check for oil surrounding them, but don't freak out if you find any.

You might want to plan on a brake/clutch fluid flush, as many owners never do this.

ICV may need a couple squirts of cleaning fluid, and most likely a fuel filter.

Double check condition of control arm/rta bushings and ball joints, as worn bushings will greatly compramise the handling.

Those are some basics right off the bat. 1 days worth of work and a few bucks for the little stuff that will make a huge difference.

[TN.Frank]

Thanks for the "heads up" on some things to look for. I've turned many a wrench in my day(mostly on Detroit Iron or VW Bugs) so small stuff like thermostats and gaskets will be no problem. I just don't want to have to deal with any major stuff like a Trans. replacement or having to pull the head off for service. With 84K the engine should still be in pretty good shape, Right?? I planned on having to do the brake pads(and hopefuly only needing to have the rotors turned, not replaced) and I was going to flush the brake system too. I'll probably take it to a local shop for a Trans fluid flush and replacement. Belts and hoses will probably need to be replaced too I guess. If there are no leaks and the car runs/drives well then with any luck I'll have it parked here in Crossville, TN. tomorrow night. If it's not up to par then I'll have wasted a tank of gas running down to Pugmires(which is a lot cheaper then getting stuck with a lemon,LOL). Anyway, thanks again. Talk to ya' later.