Wanting an E36.. Good deal?

[Magice]

I've been set on getting an E36 for quite some time, but don't have too much money to work with. 4000 Canadian in all. Cars are quite more expensive in Canada and harder to find. This is going to be my first car I actually own and isn't crappy.

There is one I have my eye on and I'm wondering if it's a good deal and is worth it!

[The Car]
1997 BMW 318IS
Black on black
Standard
1.9l 200k km's
1 year old muffler and cat
New O2 sensor
Set of winter + summer tires

Interior is in mint condition except for drivers seat with a rip on it.
Car had 2 lady owners and has never been driven hard.

Slight rumbling sound

Car has had mild accident, one grill is gone, one is cracked and the piece the holds it has a slight dent. doesn't seem to go beyond there, even with good open.

=============================================

They are asking 4500 and I have offered 3800 and it looks like I'll get it.

I plan on doing all work on this myself and be a learning experience with hopefully future bimmers

Is this a good deal? Would it be possibly worth a future swap to a 2.8? I don't really need speed but it would be nice.

Will I be happy with this? Thanks alot!!

There's a pic

http://img67.imageshack.us/img67/118/dec2008001hj2.jpg
http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/8...2008002or2.jpg

[motorwerks]

Without being familiar with the canadian market it's hard to tell whether it's a good deal or not. In the states I would say pass for that price, but that might be good for your market.
Depending on the source of the rumbling sound it may or may not be a solid car. I honestly wouldn't bother with a motor swap. It'll be a headache that really isn't worth it. Either plan on forced induction, or wait for 6 cyl.

[AStarps]

Well, I did some research for ya. At a price of 3800 Canadian it would be somewhere around 3100 American dollars (I think?), 200,000 KM=would be around 124k miles. Looking at the pics it all looks pretty solid, the interior looks especially excellent, but for the overall car I would say it is in just good condition because you mentioned a cracked grill and a thumping noise. So according to Kelley Blue Book, one in good condition is worth around 3700 American dollars, one in fair condition worth around 3150 American, but what condition the car is actually in is for you to decide since you're the only one who's seen it in person. Either way I'd say you'd be getting a pretty good deal, since with proper maintenance that car will last you a long, long time. Just make sure you get that thumping problem addressed if you end up getting the car. The engine swap idea, as previously mentioned, is going to cost quite a bit, and if you are looking for a faster, more powerful car, you might want to consider looking for something with a 6 cylinder, such as a 325 or 328. That being said, the car can still be quick with the current motor, a buddy of mine has one of the hatchback 318's with a 4 banger in it and that thing is zippy as hell. It really doesn't matter what BMW you choose to buy, they're all great cars and I can almost guarantee you'll love whichever one you end up buying. My advice: take the thing for a test drive, see how it drives. Hope all that helps

[Magice]

Apparently the rumbling noise started a bit after new o2 sensor / exhaust / cat was put in. I have a feeling it's exhaust related..

I've decided to go for this one if they take my offer.. later down the road if I want more power I can sell it and grab a 6 (I'm getting it 6 hours away from where I live..) and could easily pick up a couple more thousand for it here after grill repair.

I think I'll be happy with a 4 once I get it.

More pics:

http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/7...2008004nu6.jpg
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/5...2008003xm2.jpg

[AStarps]

Looks great, good luck with it