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**Manolito** · 10-21-2010, 12:06 AM

1) exhaust leak
Usually not a big concern unless the exhaust is rotted out or badly bent. Exhaust is easy to remove/replace.

2) front pass sway bar end link broke
Hmmm This is common on old 5 series but rare on e36s. This car may have had a rough life, but then, you said you got a deal on it.... The link is an easy repair, but look for other bent components under there. Buy yourself some nice strong ramps.

3) trans will sometimes slip when cold(hoping from old or low fluid)
I presume this is an automatic? BMW said the fluid was permanent. Not true. This car is way overdue for a tranny fluid change. Hopefully that will improve things. On the other hand, if the car has been abused, at that mileage, it may well be due for a complete rebuild. My e36 automatic gets fresh fluid every 60-80k miles. It is on its third batch of fluid, and it always feels better with fresh fluid.

4) will adventually need brakes
I got the brakes on both my e36s at BimmerZone.com as a kit for a great price. The Mexican-made Brembo rotors rust like crazy but they stay flat and work well. The first set of PBR Delux pads are great but the ones I put on the second e36 squeak first thing in the morning. Annoying. PBR must have changed something. Both sets keep the wheels nice and clean. I have AXXIS Delux Plus pads on my e46 and my Volvo and they are great in every regard.

and springs
Why? Is it lowered?

not even sure what type of suspension it is yet just got car today lol
Stock suspension on these cars is great. Go back to it if you can. Factory sport suspension is tougher on your body but does not really hold the road any better. Lowered is OK for the track but not for a daily driver.

sunroof wont open
Probably not worth fixing, but buy a copy of "101 Projects for your e36" for instructions on how to repair it if you want to. If it won't budge at all, you have a problem. You need to crack it to pull back the inner cover to get to the motor drive. Did someone glue it shut to stop a leak?

dash comp screen is messed up
Computer screen? If it is just dark, there are four bulbs screwed in to the top of the computer/clock. About $6 each. Stick your finger up through the hole beneath it and snap out the computer. A putty knife working around the outside helps snap it out..

The DME (engine computer) is in a shallow compartment in the firewall in front of the passenger. DO NOT GET IT WET. If it is wet, take it out, open it up, let it dry, and cross your fingers.

10-21-2010, 12:06 AM	#3
Manolito Name: Manolito Title: Member Status: Offline Join Date: May 2006 Location: Sacramento Rate My Car: 337 / 340 Your Ride: (2) '97 328s; '04 330; '04 325iT	1) exhaust leak Usually not a big concern unless the exhaust is rotted out or badly bent. Exhaust is easy to remove/replace. 2) front pass sway bar end link broke Hmmm This is common on old 5 series but rare on e36s. This car may have had a rough life, but then, you said you got a deal on it.... The link is an easy repair, but look for other bent components under there. Buy yourself some nice strong ramps. 3) trans will sometimes slip when cold(hoping from old or low fluid) I presume this is an automatic? BMW said the fluid was permanent. Not true. This car is way overdue for a tranny fluid change. Hopefully that will improve things. On the other hand, if the car has been abused, at that mileage, it may well be due for a complete rebuild. My e36 automatic gets fresh fluid every 60-80k miles. It is on its third batch of fluid, and it always feels better with fresh fluid. 4) will adventually need brakes I got the brakes on both my e36s at BimmerZone.com as a kit for a great price. The Mexican-made Brembo rotors rust like crazy but they stay flat and work well. The first set of PBR Delux pads are great but the ones I put on the second e36 squeak first thing in the morning. Annoying. PBR must have changed something. Both sets keep the wheels nice and clean. I have AXXIS Delux Plus pads on my e46 and my Volvo and they are great in every regard. and springs Why? Is it lowered? not even sure what type of suspension it is yet just got car today lol Stock suspension on these cars is great. Go back to it if you can. Factory sport suspension is tougher on your body but does not really hold the road any better. Lowered is OK for the track but not for a daily driver. sunroof wont open Probably not worth fixing, but buy a copy of "101 Projects for your e36" for instructions on how to repair it if you want to. If it won't budge at all, you have a problem. You need to crack it to pull back the inner cover to get to the motor drive. Did someone glue it shut to stop a leak? dash comp screen is messed up Computer screen? If it is just dark, there are four bulbs screwed in to the top of the computer/clock. About $6 each. Stick your finger up through the hole beneath it and snap out the computer. A putty knife working around the outside helps snap it out.. The DME (engine computer) is in a shallow compartment in the firewall in front of the passenger. DO NOT GET IT WET. If it is wet, take it out, open it up, let it dry, and cross your fingers. Last edited by Manolito; 10-21-2010 at 12:08 AM..