93' 325is - United Bimmer Community

**bimmerdreamer** · 03-19-2006, 08:19 PM

Hey,

I am about to turn 16 and I wanted to know if the 1993 325is is a good car. Moreover, I would like to know if anyone has info on it's reliabilty and road control. The one I am looking at has 76k miles on it and it is going for $6000. Is that a good deal?

**Longhairedhippy** · 03-19-2006, 08:25 PM

Hey, Bobby. good to see that you signed up. The E36 3 series in general is a fine car. The '93 you're looking at will be OBD1, which is a little easier to modify, and the engine will not have VANOS, which is BMWs variable-valve-timing system. i'll let the experts take it from here.

**xsperf** · 03-19-2006, 09:02 PM

nope, engine will have vanos

vanos started in 93, tis the 92s that dont have it.. however, some people prefer non-VANOS, it is more responsive, VANOS just gives you better fuel economy at low throttle positions and more power at high throttle position

nick_318is · 03-19-2006, 09:10 PM

The 93 should be a good car, I can't speak much on the reliablilty, but as far as road control the car should be able to handle pretty well and should be fun to drive. Sounds like fairly low mileage for a 93 and the price doesn't seem so bad either.

My 91 is pretty reliable and a hell of a lot of fun to drive, but mind you they are older cars and you should expect to spend some cash on maintence, but overall these are terrific cars.

Also welcome to ub.c

**94bmw325i** · 03-19-2006, 09:40 PM

yeah just watch out for things like the cooling system, and bushings on the suspension. I would definetely recommend getting it checked out by a mechanic, could save you a lot in the long run, especially with it being a BMW.

Is it 5 speed?

**Spieluhr** · 03-19-2006, 09:47 PM

that was my first car. great car to have.

and trust me, you will want it to be a 5 speed. after a couple days of learning to drive, that auto gets real old.

A couple things to look for...
-look at the ENTIRE cooling system
-suspension components

**Longhairedhippy** · 03-19-2006, 09:57 PM

he doesn't know how to drive stick, and i doubt my dad would appreciate me teaching him in his car. still, I second having it checked out by a mechanic. I'm going with him to check it out soon - i'll try to take pictures and make a report.

nick_318is · 03-19-2006, 11:14 PM

^hes gotta learn sometime, someone should teach him, also he should check out dudesky's common e36 faults (seems like its getting a lot of attention lately)

http://www.unitedbimmer.com/kb-e36-c...faults-faq.php

Like some of the other I would say get the manual trans, it makes these cars a hell of a lot more fun.

**c1apton** · 03-20-2006, 04:24 AM

That's a really good buy if the mileage reflects the care of the car (no crash damage or abuse) '93 would be a vanos & not only the mentioned but NO TIMING BELT -chain(s) instead.

PS - Welcome

**catalyst** · 03-20-2006, 05:54 AM

Great cars..

make sure the cooling system is up to date on all of its parts..

make sure all the suspension components have been replaced, ot be prepared to do them.

Dont buy an automatic. - You will hate yourself in 1 month if you do.

**jms** · 03-20-2006, 08:55 AM

agreed, suspension and cooling system are critical. and remember this is a high performance vehicle. you are able to do things with it that most people are not able to do, but you still can not defy the laws of physics. So be careful, don't make stupid mistakes, and treat her nice and she'll do the same.

**EuroStyle** · 03-21-2006, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catalyst

Great cars..

make sure the cooling system is up to date on all of its parts..

make sure all the suspension components have been replaced, ot be prepared to do them.

Dont buy an automatic. - You will hate yourself in 1 month if you do.

+1

I bought a manual w/out knowing how to drive it, and it was the best decision I have ever made.

-Matt

**Rob** · 03-21-2006, 01:55 PM

I have had my 93 325i for about 3 years now. Let's just say that it's extremely reliable. I think the worst I had to replace maintance wise were the coil packs, and even those were still good, just bad boots. You live and you learn. A 325i/is is a perfect power range to learn with as well, but don't get carried away, they still have enough power to send you into some trees. Once you get it, take it to an empty parking lot and learn every bit of it. How it handles, how it runs, shift points if you get a manual, and so on. Enjoy the car and take it in. After all, you are driving the "Ultimate Driving Machine".

**komodo** · 03-21-2006, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob

I have had my 93 325i for about 3 years now. Let's just say that it's extremely reliable. I think the worst I had to replace maintance wise were the coil packs, and even those were still good, just bad boots. You live and you learn. A 325i/is is a perfect power range to learn with as well, but don't get carried away, they still have enough power to send you into some trees. Once you get it, take it to an empty parking lot and learn every bit of it. How it handles, how it runs, shift points if you get a manual, and so on. Enjoy the car and take it in. After all, you are driving the "Ultimate Driving Machine".

I think I just shed a tear.

**Avlany** · 03-21-2006, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by komodo

I think I just shed a tear.