Thoughts and questions on this E36

[statichuman]

Hey,

I’m going to be buying a E36 BMW as my third car. I’ve found a 1995 BMW 318i sedan model with 130,000ks on it that I’m going to check out, come with rego and RWC for 4,000.

Is 4K a reasonable price for a car with that many k’s? Is there anything particular I should be looking for when inspecting this car? Also how is doing your own basic maintenance on this car, cheap and easy?

Also like to add that I’m from Australia!

Thanks heaps.

[mumblyjoe]

I'm from Aus too. E36 prices (except M3s and very good condition manual 328is) have pretty much bottomed out. 130k on a 318i in Aus isn't much! Anyway big things to check out:
- Paint and interior - prior to 95 the workmanship was rubbish on E36s, got better post 95. Take note of rush around the bonnet edges.
- Rear shock mounts - common failure point on all E36s. If they have let go, can damage the chassis
- 95 model should have the M43 engine which has a timing chain (unlike the belt on the M40). Definitely a better engine than earlier E36s. Fairly reliable if well serviced, however check if thermostat, water pump and coolant hoses have been done.

Maintenance on E36s is easy and basic servicing isn't pricey. However as these cars are now getting old, it is becoming harder (and more expensive) to get parts here, especially since our dollar has dropped. These costs helped contribute to my decision to get rid of my E36 328i last year.

TBH, having driven a few 318s, they are disappointing. Sure look nice and drive OK, but they are lacking in oomph. The 318is is a little better, with a slightly more power engine. Also later models often come decked out with M parts (used up on final run of E36 318is). Really you want either a 325i or a 328i - much more fun cars and engines are great.

[statichuman]

Thanks for the reply!

The paint on the one I’m looking at is quite poor, it might be easier to just send a link. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...7144201998562/

What do you think? It’s coming from a mechanic so he has replaced lots of things by himself over the year/s. How much are we talking for parts here in Australia? What was your experience owning an E36? Also what do you drive now?

“ Rear brake disks and pads , front Branko pads rear wheel bearings and seals the water thermostat and housing, Plus the water pump and radiator and the air conditioner gas“ all that’s been replaced.

[MauiM3Mania]

A PPI (pre purchase inspection) by a BMW knowledgeable mechanic would be money well spent.

A 25 year old BMW is going to need work.

[statichuman]

I just inspected a e36 and the main thing I that really stood out to me was the rear shock absorber dust caps were both missing. Instead replaced by heavy duty cloth tape. Is this a big no no for this BMW?

I also took a quick picture of underneath the engine and wondering if anything really stands out thats bad, for me I cant see anything. Thanks.

https://imgur.com/a/kzwRKMv

[Eric93se]

That 318 is not worth 2k. Don't buy it, the paint and the auto trans. Worth more like 1500$.

As suggested look for a 325i or 328i.

[spyderg0d]

No dice.. Theres an oil leak dripping down onto the power steering rack boot. It looks as thoughtheback of the engine and the bell housing is wet also..

Ppl rag on 318s. But the reality is they are nice and the same as any other e36.. They dont have the performance value,but still overall nice. And also, there are more 318 than anything else left model wise on the market. In another 5 years, 318 will be the only e36 model left at all on the market from the 328s being beat to piss from people thinking they are fast at all.

Lets be real. A 328 isnt fast. Even a stock e36 m3 isnt fast by todays standards. If you like the 318, get one... But this particular one, tell him if he fixes the leak, youl give him $2500 IF the interior is nice and theres no major problems and it rides good with no clunks or stutters or shaking or pulling to the left or right.