Member
Hello people!
I am looking into buying an E36 325i or 328i to fool around, and need some information about what to look out for and possible problems. I know these have pretty solid engines (M50 & M52), hence why I am just considering such models. Plenty of power, easy to work on and repair, not expensive and very reliable being a BMW.
The thing is, here where I live you can find horrible examples for as low as $1,500 up to $9,500 in mint conditions. My budget is tight, so I'm currently looking for a very cheap one that has decent body and paint, and is mechanically sound. I can be ok with one that needs some "simple" mechanical repairs if the price is really good. My city hasn't got very cold or snowy climate, so rust isn't an imminent issue as it can be elsewhere in the world.
I have been told these engines with 300,000km can run perfectly fine and have no issues at all, not sure about critical service intervals when getting close to this mileage/kms.
Most of all, I am concearned with possible VANOS problems, which I heard are not that cheap to fix. In these scenarios, which are the common symptoms of a failing VANOS, and if so, how expensive or difficult can it be to repair/replace?
Forgot to mention that I am only browsing for Manual gearboxes, of course. Nevertheless if I find a very cheap yet great condition 325i/328i A/T I'd consider a M/T swap.
Maybe this type of "Buying advice needed" for E36s is a recurring thread, so I am ok if anyone gives me a direct link to a complete and detailed post about possible issues and what to look out for.
Thanks in advance!
[Pictures are just to catch attention!]
Last edited by Apex Seal; 02-26-2020 at 12:29 PM.
Member
Just found out I posted on the wrong place. If any Mod is around, please delete this post as I couldn't find the "delete" button -at least for now.
(Already posted it in the correct forum).
shade tree mechanic
Moderator
all posts merged and moved to E36 forum
Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!
Member
Great, thanks!
Member
Overheated m52/m50 are out there and there heads are cracked /warped so if you want a cheap E36 you have to test the compression.
Even a pristine looking E36 will need work. If you can't do the work it will cost big coin.
Attn. NEWBIES: Use the search feature, 98% has already been discussed.
Click the search button, select "search single content type", select the "e36 sub forum" specifically, try the "search titles" then try the "search entire posts".
Member
You mean DYI?
I am planning to do exactly that, otherwise an independent mechanic would charge way over my budget.
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