Should I buy this E36? Help me out guys.

[spinktodo]

Ok guys, this would be my first Bimmer. I've joined this site for the pure reason of getting help in my LONG search for a nice E36, and I think I may be nearing an end, but I need your help once more.

The Car:

1994 325is, 100k miles, silver 5spd manual
new water pump (yay)
new clutch
new falken tires
snow tires and rims included
dinan chip
leather
fully loaded essentially


The thing is stupid clean, runs and drives awesome and really needs nothing to drive at all..

The "Bad"

The notorious window regulator I keep hearing about...
(the window cracks when the door is opened or closed, but doesnt roll down once youre in the car... is it a big deal to fix? just a regulator?)

MINOR paint bubbling right along the windshield seal, but its the only paint problem on the car and i think it would be an easy fix... the seal can be moved enough im sure to sand it and respray...

the vanos is a LITTLE noisey... and im talking very little, only at idle and really mostly when cold started... ive heared before this is more an annoyance than an actual problem, is this true? If so, i would just drive it until i had the time and then just fix it....


Other than those few little things, the car is beautiful runs and drives great, its solid, and everything else functions as it should... the owners were pretty anal by the looks of it and have maintained it well... mobil one since birth...

the price- $5500 once i talked him down

I really just want to make sure this is as good of a deal as i think it is... I'm having a hard time finding anything clean here in Michigan and this is VERY clean and the nicest all around I've found in this price range. I've got the cash on hand to buy it, but it's going to be a little tight (I'm a student) for a while so I want to make sure this is "the car". I'm mechanically inclined so I could do the window reg myself and i used to work at a body shop so i think i can get the paint bubbling fixed very cheap, although if you were to see it its very mild and could be left alone for quite some time...


So I'm asking basically; is this car worth the money, are the problems as described as mild as they appear, what can i expect to pay to fix the window, and any and all thoughts you guys have... It seems like most of the typical E36 issues like the water pump have been taken care of, but let me know if there are any other things I should look out for... Thanks guys, any and all help you could provide ASAP would be greatly appreciated as I would like to jump on this car like, yesterday....

[zarbat007]

the price i'd pay is 4300 US
sanding a spot and resprying it is gonna look like ass. how about the clear coat? trust me the over spray will make it worse.

if vanos is making any noise, consider it finished, sooner or later u'll have to pay an arm to replace it. bavauto price is about 400 for the unit, add labour to it.

[deanbruhn]

yeah I wouldnt pay much over 4000 for it,

[spinktodo]

The vanos is that big of a deal? We're talking its a very quiet rattle only at idle, and I only think its that because I've heared someone with it before... but ive seen tons of people on this forum saying that they drive with horrible rattles and it doesnt effect drivability, its just annoying... i guess id like to know what causes the rattling and what would have to be replaced...

also, the paint work i seriously doubt would be a huge deal... if anything, its so close to the windsheid seal that it could be sanded and fixed and i could put a 1cm wide vinyl strip across the roof butting up to the windsheild and you'd never see it...

blue book for "Good" is $5500, and this thing is excellent minus the problems... but keep the comments coming i need a lot of opinions

[spinktodo]

to specify on the vanos thing, isnt it just chain chatter or something? i thought it was just a matter or replacing a chain or sprocket of some sort?

[zarbat007]

The vanos is that big of a deal? We're talking its a very quiet rattle only at idle, and I only think its that because I've heared someone with it before... but ive seen tons of people on this forum saying that they drive with horrible rattles and it doesnt effect drivability, its just annoying... i guess id like to know what causes the rattling and what would have to be replaced...

also, the paint work i seriously doubt would be a huge deal... if anything, its so close to the windsheid seal that it could be sanded and fixed and i could put a 1cm wide vinyl strip across the roof butting up to the windsheild and you'd never see it...

blue book for "Good" is $5500, and this thing is excellent minus the problems... but keep the comments coming i need a lot of opinions

wait till it gets worse.
it will sould like a diesel car, worse...

and yeh, it is a big deal.

[motoracr22]

It's a +13 year old car. Rubber rots, so count on bushings, hoses, etc.

BTW, why does it say 318i in your info?

[spinktodo]

i know what a bad one sounds like, i drove like 300 miles to check out this 325 that "ran great" and the thing sounded like some marbles were bouncing around in the combustion chamber... but isnt this a minor issue? like i really want to know the mechanics of it because it doesnt sound bad at all... it just sounds a little like valve train chatter... I mean, I think its the vanos but im no expert... whatever it is, its very quiet and was fine after i had taken it on the test drive..

[spinktodo]

it just says 318 cus i thought i needed to put something... my dad has a 318

[SPElectronics]

Sounds like the price is a bit high. Albeit it's got fairly low miles for the year, and has a few adds, but it's still a 13 year old car, and should be priced accordingly. I paid $2800 for my '93, and it was in pretty solid shape, had all the service records, but had 158,000 miles on it. Still runs like a top though, so I couldn't pass it up (They wanted $3300, I offered $2800).

Talk him down more. If he says no, you can always find another one in time!


Ok guys, this would be my first Bimmer. I've joined this site for the pure reason of getting help in my LONG search for a nice E36, and I think I may be nearing an end, but I need your help once more.

The Car:

1994 325is, 100k miles, silver 5spd manual
new water pump (yay)
new clutch
new falken tires
snow tires and rims included
dinan chip
leather
fully loaded essentially


The thing is stupid clean, runs and drives awesome and really needs nothing to drive at all..

The "Bad"

The notorious window regulator I keep hearing about...
(the window cracks when the door is opened or closed, but doesnt roll down once youre in the car... is it a big deal to fix? just a regulator?)

MINOR paint bubbling right along the windshield seal, but its the only paint problem on the car and i think it would be an easy fix... the seal can be moved enough im sure to sand it and respray...

the vanos is a LITTLE noisey... and im talking very little, only at idle and really mostly when cold started... ive heared before this is more an annoyance than an actual problem, is this true? If so, i would just drive it until i had the time and then just fix it....


Other than those few little things, the car is beautiful runs and drives great, its solid, and everything else functions as it should... the owners were pretty anal by the looks of it and have maintained it well... mobil one since birth...

the price- $5500 once i talked him down

I really just want to make sure this is as good of a deal as i think it is... I'm having a hard time finding anything clean here in Michigan and this is VERY clean and the nicest all around I've found in this price range. I've got the cash on hand to buy it, but it's going to be a little tight (I'm a student) for a while so I want to make sure this is "the car". I'm mechanically inclined so I could do the window reg myself and i used to work at a body shop so i think i can get the paint bubbling fixed very cheap, although if you were to see it its very mild and could be left alone for quite some time...


So I'm asking basically; is this car worth the money, are the problems as described as mild as they appear, what can i expect to pay to fix the window, and any and all thoughts you guys have... It seems like most of the typical E36 issues like the water pump have been taken care of, but let me know if there are any other things I should look out for... Thanks guys, any and all help you could provide ASAP would be greatly appreciated as I would like to jump on this car like, yesterday....

[kingston]

I don't think that's a bad price. I paid $5,100 for mine, also 5 speed, 130K miles, and it still had the old water pump, which I've since replaced.
What about the fan? Original still? Has the thermostat housing been replaced?
The window regulator will likely cost in the area of $300 to fix, if you do the labor yourself. I'm in the process of working on mine right now, and it's time consuming, but not really complicated.
How's the suspension? Take it fast around a bumpy curve. Does it skate?
How are the brakes?
Any dash lights illuminated?
The Mobile 1 is a good sign; if they cared that much, probably it's in better shape than mine was!

Keep in mind that ANY 13 year old car you buy will have issues that come up unexpectedly. Honda, Dodge, BMW, anything is going to need maintenance at that age. Have you priced labor rates at local shops? Can you realistically do the maintenance yourself if you're busy with schoolwork?

I'm not trying to dissuade you. I LOVE my `94 325is, even though she has some issues. But I have some $$ to take care of (minor) repairs as they come up, and have access to another car in a pinch. Just want to make sure you're thinking about all these variables.

Good luck, and let us know what you decide!

[spinktodo]

that's the thing... around here i cant find a better deal... the "best" deal ive found so far was a 92 with similar miles, el-stripo model that ran good and everything but needed tires, and alignment and some paint work... atleast hardcore buffing... and it was black which is a bitch and that was $3500 once i talked him down...

i know its a decent chunk of change, but in the north, its hard to come by something this clean...

also, ive been reading up in this forum just now and maybe the noise is chain chatter? seems to be pretty common but i dont know how to tell the difference, both come from the same area....

[spinktodo]

the fan im not sure about, but the thermostat appeared to be functioning as it should... suspension felt awesome, i took it through some turns quick, and brakes were great (cross drilled with new pads) And yes, I have another car i will be keeping so i can take my time to fix any and all issues that arise...

everything done to it was all nice name brand stuff, nothing cheap... in fact the price isnt really my concern, its the chatter really... if its just a chain or something i can let go for a while and fix when i get some time as long as it doesnt cause a problem that's fine...

[kingston]

I also had trouble finding a clean one close to me. I live in Kansas City, and ended up flying to Chicago with my oldest son (12 years old) and driving the car back. So I added $240 for plane tickets, and about $80 for cab fare to get to the shop to the total. I just had a heck of a time finding what I wanted: 5spd, coupe, 17" wheels, clean.

I'd replace the fan, if you don't know its history. I consider it cheap insurance against a known problem area. When mine went, it took out the fan clutch, the radiator and a few belts. $$$$$. Plus the fan itself, which would have cost something like $70 if I'd replaced it sooner. I'd planned to, but the fan destroyed itself in spectacular fashion before I got it done...

[spinktodo]

yeah plus cant they get out of balance and create other problems? A fan delete mod is cheap too and ive heared its effective... the ONLY thing that worries me as ive said is this chatter... i wish someone could tell me if its a big deal or not... im reading as we speak all over this forum and finding, for the most part, that its not a big deal and even to replace EVERYTHING (sprockets and vanos and chain) is like $500 in BMW parts if i did it myself... and most people are saying its not a big deal, they just live with it... yet everyone here is making me worry... i just want to know why it makes this noise and if its a serious issue.... perhaps i can use it as a bargaining chip...

[kingston]

I'm not sure you're going to be able to get a simple answer about that noise, describing it online. I can't answer the question for you without hearing it myself (actually, I don't think I could even if I heard it!), and I'm not sure anyone else can, either.
Do you have the $500 to spend if it becomes a problem?

[spinktodo]

i know, but i just want to hear the possibilities... to me it just sounded like chain slap i think...

but yes, im not going to buy the car and have $0 left, so i guess if it becomes a problem ill pay to fix it, i just want to make sure its not a possible huge issue....

[kingston]

Sounds to me like you've made up your mind.
I look forward to seeing pics!

[spinktodo]

bah... i dunno... until i started this thread i thought i had, but i worry... its better than im worried now because ill be more mindful of the issue, but i dont know what to do to be honest... i mean, i have a price range and a list of requirements that are hard to meet, so i almost have to get a car that has some little issues, or else i wont get what i want in the long run... i love this car but i dont want it turning into a money pit... i can still get the $3500 one (with no vanos at all haha) but its just boring... its cloth seats and needs the paint to be cleaned up a lot... but this ones sooooo nice and clean and runs great... i dont know how to make the choice on if the sound is bad or not... i guess what i want to know is whats "the worst case"?

[kingston]

I think if you've got your heart set on a BMW, you're going to have this dilemna. They are pricier cars, no 2 ways about it. Don't get a car that you aren't happy with (no VANOS, cloth seats, bad paint).
Option #1 You get this car, and are broke, and hope you don't need to make repairs any time soon.

Option #2 You buy a cheaper car that you never make an emotional connection with (and what's the point of having a BMW you don't love?)

Option #3 You buy a car you can afford, that's probably not a BMW.

I think that even if your VANOS is on its way out, it's not currently damaging any other parts at this juncture. If you repair any VANOS problems now, most likely no other damage will present itself as a direct result of the current VANOS issue (if there indeed is one).

[spinktodo]

I totally understand the situation, and I wouldn't be "broke". I've allowed for things to happen, that's why im buying a $5500 BMW, not an $11000 one. But I agree totally, I just need to take a better look at the problem. I guess I'll try to get at it at a stone cold start and see what it's like... I really doubt it's serious just from the sound. It's very mild and I only heared it with the hood popped... chances are its nothing, but im a worry wart.

also, i agree about the buying a car i want. the thing is, the other cheaper BMW would be less of a "nice" daily driver and more of a track/fun car... it has LSD, bilstiens and some other handling goodies...

[spinktodo]

found a write up about what vanos was and this was its conclusion haha:

The noise some people complain about is usually tolerances that make the sprocket wiggle a bit as the cup gear is moved in or out.. sounds like a bunch of marbles in a box.. and it comes from the top DRIVERS side of the motor.. near the bump in the front of the cylinder head where the Vanos system is.
Hope this helps..
Jim Conforti
PS: And ALL Vanos motors make that marbly, rattly, "gargling" noise.. some owners just are a bit more sensitive to noises like that..

[spinktodo]

i found this.... sounds about right and easy enough to fix

http://www.geocities.com/rick_poon/tensioner.htm

[zarbat007]

that vanos unit will get worse over time,, bc it doesnt make bad noise now doesnt mean it wont ater...

with these cars maintenacse is everything.

[jijacob]

To give you an idea, I spent 6k on my 95 325i. That sounds like a decent price. However, as soon as you buy it you are going to want to replace anything you don't know has been replaced on time. This will include stuff like o2 sensors, fuel filter, etc. Also, if the suspension has not been replaced, that will need to happen too. $1k.

FYI.

[Blackedout325i]

do a compression test, its really simple. Just buy a tester at Kragen or somewhere, unplug ignition and fuel relays, unplug coils, plug tester in where sparkplug goes and turn over the key. If the compression is high the engine is strong. Everything else can be fixed, always do a compression check before you buy a car and if the guy doesnt want you to then tell him to suck on it. Its worth it to find out the condition of the engine.

[spinktodo]

oh yeah, for sure... thats why i didnt get the last car, the guy wouldnt let me do a compression test, so i walked...

[spinktodo]

Update: Went out again today to check the car out (in daylight this time). Ran a compression check and it was like 210-220 across the board which seems pretty damned high, so that's good. He let the car sit so it was cold when i started it (before the compression test) and it wasn't making the rattle at all... then post compression test and test drive, it was doing the rattle a little bit, but only heared it once the hood was open and my head was next to the VANOS unit... So I need some opinions. Other than that, everythings still good, it's just hard to make the choice. Mechanically it seems like it's almost perfect, and the paint is great with the exception of that little bubbling on top of the windshield. So what you all think?

[ohnoes]

I say talk him down to $4,500-$5,000 max. There is a reason it hasn't sold yet at the price he is asking. There is a value for everything; $5,500 isn't this one's true value, IMHO.

[spinktodo]

I agree, but you also have to take into consideration that most people in the BMW market have NO IDEA about cars and the window problem would scare most people away... I was thinking about offering him $5000 for it... In all honesty, there's really no reason he shouldn't take $500 less... and that $500 would basically be enough money saved for me to fix everything.

[ohnoes]

Tell him those thoughts. I bet he will understand. If not, fuck him, there will be another car with a more understanding/rational seller. He doesn't deserve your business or your money.

[spinktodo]

yeah, the more i look it seems like this is the best im going to do within the tri-state area... im going to talk to him tomorrow and see if we can reach a compromise. I'm thinking I could live with $5,250... that's enough to save me a few bucks and get everything taken care of. Plus, I could probably sell the snow wheels/tires that come with the car (since I most likely won't drive it in the winter) and get a few bucks.

[graywolf316]

i wouldnt touch a noisey car my friend bought a 1995 m3 for 7300 with 137,000 on it and it was realy clean but only a litle noisey 3 days after he had it if im not mistaken the camshaft sensor went out it reved to 8,000 and blew the motor.....

[graywolf316]

but if its only the vanos unit its not bad im gonna say buy for 5,000

[kingston]

Camshaft sensor MADE it overrev???

[spinktodo]

that seems a little bit more crazy then this rattle... im going to make an offer tonight assuming my loan comes through... since hearing the noise again and checking the compression, im a lot more comfortable...

[stripped]

in all honesty, it seems as though 5500 is an appropriate price if it is as nice as you describe it. it would be great, of course, to pay less for it and get away with a steal, but im thinking that theres a snowball's chance in hell that youll be able to find a car in as nice a shape for less money. we can't dismiss the possibility that the seller knows that the car is worth what he is asking for it. it seems as though you have made up your mind and, from the limited information that you can provide through this forum, i would agree that this e36 is not one that you should let get away.

[spinktodo]

Yeah... I sent him an email with an offer of $5250, we'll see what he says.. my loan didn't come through because I don't have tons of credit ( I pay my credit card bill the second it comes, therefor I have little credit) so I'm going to have to have a cosigner.... worst case, I DO have the cash, so if he accepts I'll likely either put a down payment or just buy it on the spot... Still back and forth on it though... I'd really like a convertible too possibly, and I also REALLY want to get back to my track events this year, but I wouldn't be doing that in the Bimmer I doubt...

[spinktodo]

Here are some pics... just food for thought....

[spinktodo]

Update fellaz: We talked back and forth and he's going to take $5,250 if I want the car... so I'm going to go check it out one last time and make sure everything's straight, and assuming it is, buy it. I really don't think that's a bad price, especially in this area... I still keep comparing it to my last car; 1994 Acura Integra GSR with 109,000 on the clock... same year, samish miles, body was the same (nice with a little paint bubbling) 5 speed, it was basically identical, and I paid $5,500... that was a great deal, and this is a BMW... I think it's hard, especially people from South and West, to understand how hard it is to find a clean car up this way... they just don't exist too often. If you want a car that's more than 7 years old, chances are it's got body issues like rust... salt is the killer. So anyhow, I think I'm going to do it and I'll keep you all posted. Thanks for all the help!

[spinktodo]

Well kids, the moment of truth came and I backed out. I had cash and everything, went to see it one last time and I just couldn't do it. In the end, I had a sick feeling in my stomach... it was like all day I had a 6th sense feeling like something was off, and I should have known I would end up acting on the gut instinct... I went there, looked at it again... again, there were things I liked and things I didn't but ultimately I just folded... I feel like a dickhead cus he thought I was buying it, but in the end I'd rather feel like a dick to a stranger than screw myself over... So I think this is it, I think I'm ending the BMW search. I think it took this car for me to realise that maybe a BMW isn't the most practical car for me this stage in my life. I really need to get back to the track to this summer, and I think I'm going to build an economic yet fun car like a 240sx or something I can scratch and not cry about... Thanks so much for the help, I'll be back to this forum once I get my first bimmer.

[janus]

buy the car you love it.

[Blackedout325i]

Yeah the pics sold me, I think its a good deal especially for you. The car is beautiful, nice, and has a high compression. Just do what you want its your money. I would buy it if I was you. Goodluck and have fun with her. And make sure you take care of her and treasure her and love her, she is precious... J/K

[Nacanowhere]

he said he backed out wankers...