New guy looking for general information.

[MTGunNut]

Hello. I have always been a truck man, but was entertaining the idea of getting some kind of car to screw around with. I was looking at the BMW's because of the good things I've heard about the BMW inline engines. I was also looking at some of the older American cars with inlines( such as the Ford mustangs, Ford falcon, Chevy nova, etc.) I am really an inline fanatic. So anyway, are the BMW's "easy" to work on? I know easy can be a relative term, but I mean as in obtaining parts? Are parts hard to get or is it fairly simple (like a 350 Chevy or ford 302)? Are they widespread and fairly like American parts? Owning my current rig, Ive realized some parts are hard to find engine wise, because it's the base engine, but does it matter with BMW engines? Are all parts for all engines readily available? Thanks!



Would a BMW be what I'm looking for?

[pbonsalb]

You can find everything if you look hard enough and pay enough. If you are used to inline 6 domestic prices, figure on doubling or tripling them for BMW parts. Don't buy one because you have heard good things about the engine. Drive some and decide that one is a car you would really want to drive. Then learn a bit more about them and decide whether you really want to own one.

[MTGunNut]

You can find everything if you look hard enough and pay enough. If you are used to inline 6 domestic prices, figure on doubling or tripling them for BMW parts. Don't buy one because you have heard good things about the engine. Drive some and decide that one is a car you would really want to drive. Then learn a bit more about them and decide whether you really want to own one.

The reason I ask is because Ive heard good about the engine from a FORD forum I frequent. I am really just looking for a cheap, fast car that will run forever and is easy to wrench on. If BMW parts are that expensive that might damper my plans. I want a six with a turbo and if it doesn't come with one, then I will turbo it myself. I also like how cheap the mid nineties BMWs are. Well thanks for the advice.




Also, what is the age group and interests in general? (I mean is the crowd like the "ricer" crowd, or more just like people who like to go fast?)

[sbblowz]

no ricers here. consider getting a e36 m3 for sure.

[MTLe34]

The reason I ask is because Ive heard good about the engine from a FORD forum I frequent. I am really just looking for a cheap, fast car that will run forever and is easy to wrench on. If BMW parts are that expensive that might damper my plans. I want a six with a turbo and if it doesn't come with one, then I will turbo it myself. I also like how cheap the mid nineties BMWs are. Well thanks for the advice.




Also, what is the age group and interests in general? (I mean is the crowd like the "ricer" crowd, or more just like people who like to go fast?)

My friend... this is probably not the manufacturer for you... Yes bimmers can be fast, mine's got 400k on it, so they can last a long time, cheap... well thats where it ends... parts are definately not cheap. Especially since you're a domestic guy... think like 300 bucks for a set of plug wires.

As for easy to work on..? Haha, it depends... I think if you buy a BMW, you have to sign a contract agreeing to never question BMW's engineers... and their sometimes... "questionable" reasons for doing things...

I've got a '90 535 i paid a grand for. The car looks alright, after dumping a grand in parts i get 50% off and all the labour myself, it runs decently too. Old bimmers are cars that require frequent maintenance, but treated properly will give you hundreds of thousands of miles of driving pleasure. They were built to be cars for drivers, and that they have succeded well in.

Find one, drive it around, and see what ya think. And if ya do buy one with an inline 6... Get yourself a 32 MM wrench, and start grinding the crap out of it now... (the fan nut is reverse threaded by the way ;))

[tsweers89]

get an e30 or e34. prob the easiest to work on. as far as cheap. I meen come on its BMW. if you do the work yourself and dont buy the parts from the dealer it really isnt that much. For going turbo id say get and e30. prob the least amount of $$$ to spend to turbo.

[MTGunNut]

get an e30 or e34. prob the easiest to work on. as far as cheap. I meen come on its BMW. if you do the work yourself and dont buy the parts from the dealer it really isnt that much. For going turbo id say get and e30. prob the least amount of $$$ to spend to turbo.

Thanks again, so there still might be hope!!

[MTGunNut]

I hate to beat a dead horse, but is the BMW very "motorhead" friendly?




I really like the M3, but what is the difference between the M3, e36, and 325i?