Thinking about this E36 - United Bimmer Community

**mzmtg** · 07-29-2007, 08:22 AM

I'm considering this E36 in my area:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...0000&cardist=2

I've sat in it, but I haven't driven it yet. What are some things I should be sure and look for on the test drive?

Would $6000 be a fair offer, if all goes well?

Thanks in advance

witeshark · 07-29-2007, 09:19 AM

I suggest looking through the E36 section and This thread

**mzmtg** · 07-29-2007, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by witeshark

I suggest looking through the E36 section and This thread

I did. Thanks.

**3050rpm** · 07-29-2007, 10:20 AM

Do you have any record of its service/maintenance/repair history, including such things as water pump, radiator, ball joints? The car looks nice in the photos, but then again that could just be detailing job.

**mzmtg** · 07-29-2007, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3050rpm

Do you have any record of its service/maintenance/repair history, including such things as water pump, radiator, ball joints? The car looks nice in the photos, but then again that could just be detailing job.

Well, they told me it's a 2 owner car that was serviced by a BMW dealer with the 1st owner...

It does look like it's in pretty good shape cosmetically, at least...

**3050rpm** · 07-29-2007, 01:37 PM

OK, what they told you may be true, may not be true. My own skepticism is that a lot of people buy BMWs for the prestige factor, and don't pay attention to the fact that these things need service and maintenance, and they do have their weak points, some of which I mentioned in my earlier post. Rather than deal with them, some people would just as soon unload the car, and of course a dealer will spend a few buck for a nice detailing job to emphasize (seduce with) the cosmetics.

If you can't get a hold of the service records from the present source, find the dealer where this car was (supposedly) serviced, maybe they can tell you more about it; perhaps you can even find out who the previous owners were, there might be some help there.

If you can get this thing to a reputable mechanic familiar with BMWs, and your're willing to spend a few bucks for an inspection, then that'd be a safe route for you to take, he'd be able to judge the condition of the ball joints/control arms, whether the coolant is reasonably fresh, likewise with brake fluid, engine oil of course, plus other stuff. Have him pull the plugs to see what they look like.

Just a few suggestions, but all meant to increase the confidence factor...

Montizzle 325i · 07-29-2007, 02:39 PM

Too many miles for what they are asking IMO. Offer 5k-5800

**mzmtg** · 07-29-2007, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Montizzle 325i

Too many miles for what they are asking IMO. Offer 5k-5800

I was thinking $6k TOPS.

I don't have a problem with high-mile cars. My 95 Maxima has 255k. The difference is that I got it with 12k, so I know everything about it. I've done all the work myself over the years.

**adamnur** · 07-31-2007, 05:14 AM

Just make sure the notorious things are taken care of.

RSMs
ALL bushings
Cooling system
Subframe...big $

For some reason nothing more is coming to mind...we all know there's more lol, add some up

**mzmtg** · 07-31-2007, 06:15 AM

This one has also caught my eye

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...=1&cardist=223

**Dudesky** · 07-31-2007, 06:35 AM

The E36 is a great car, but they're getting up in the mileage. Which means that replacing aging parts will be unavoidable, and you're gonna be doing a bit of damage control on whichever you buy. Just keep that in mind when you shop for them. I'd say the less extras you have to pay for, the better off you'll be; spend your money on a good, solidly working car, and you can add the mods and accessories later.

**3050rpm** · 07-31-2007, 06:36 AM

On the plus side, all the records are available. On the down side, I personally am suspicious of the performance modifications, which lead me to think the car was driven hard. I may be quibbling, but why would someone put new tires on a car he's about to sell?

**mzmtg** · 07-31-2007, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3050rpm

On the plus side, all the records are available. On the down side, I personally am suspicious of the performance modifications, which lead me to think the car was driven hard. I may be quibbling, but why would someone put new tires on a car he's about to sell?

I wonder how close to ATL the owner would be willing to drive for me to offer him $2000 - 2500 less than what he listed?

**3050rpm** · 07-31-2007, 07:28 AM

Not to dash your hopes, and naturally suspicious as I am, I'd say if he's willing to do that, then he's anxious to unload it for some reason. It's just important to keep a clear head. These are nice cars, but a) they're not perfect, and b) they invite those who are long on flash and short on maintenance. Exercise the requisite prudence in making your decision.

**mzmtg** · 07-31-2007, 07:36 AM

Since he says "all records" in the ad, I plan on calling him and asking about the common stuff. Hopefully, it will have been dealt with and he will have the paperwork to back that up.

Don't worry, I don't have Bimmer-fever so bad that I'll get the first one that falls into my lap. I want the right car, for the right price.

Hey, I've got a good car, so I'm in no hurry.