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Thread: Need help purchasing an E36!

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2019
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    Jacksonville, Fl
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    1996 Honda Accord

    Need help purchasing an E36!

    Hi, I’ve been having so much trouble trying to find out if a bmw is right for me. My brother owned a f80 for three years and it was a fun experience. And since then I’ve had an eye out for older bmws. Ive found one in my budget (1998 E36, $4.5k, 168K miles) but I’m worried about maintenance and repairs. The previous owner has done replacements on headgaskets, cylinder heads, front control arms, front tire rods, front suspension bushings, rebuilt differential, new starter, and pretty much redid the ac system. Should I move forward with purchase or are there any concerns I should know of first?

  2. #2
    MauiM3Mania's Avatar
    MauiM3Mania is offline Observer/Master Skeptic Moderator
    Join Date
    Jan 2002
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    Central Pacific
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    10,809
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    88M3 99M3 04M3 ITBx16
    Unless you are mechanically savvy, get a PPI done. A Pre Purchase Inspection done at a competent euro, ideally BMW specialist, may cost a few dollars but could save you many time the fee of the PPI.

    This would apply to any used BMW really. You may want to explore the 1991 - 1999 (E36) sub-forum. Many people have been there and done that... learn from their experiences.
    04M3 TiAg 69k slick-top 3 pedal
    99M3 Cosmos 61k S50B32 euro 6Spd

    88M3 AW 43k miles Project FS


    WTB: 3.5" Eurosport/Conforti CAI

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Perth, WA, Australia
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    My Cars
    95 E36 328i, 11 E82 135i
    E36's are great cars but with their age, they are maintenance heavy. Having owned one for 10 years and just recently gone through receipts and my logbook - even good examples will run into work at some point. However pending you're happy to put time and money in, very rewarding car.

    Also agree with Maui!

  4. #4
    Join Date
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    San Diego, CA
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    98 M3, 03 540it M-Sport
    no two cars are the same. depending on the part of the country, it may have more exposure to rust, overworked cooling system, or it was a garage queen. I would absolutely look for a nearby shop to perform a PPI first. Usually if it's a good place, they would give their honest opinion of "yea, looks like a fun, well sorted car" or "there's something fishy about this."
    '98 M3 5spd - '03 540it 6spd M-Sport

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
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    Ca
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    2001 525it
    I would personally not by a car that has had the head off. Don't rush into this purchase and get a prepurchase inspection

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