100K or 132K miles which E36 to buy? - United Bimmer Community

**car_dude** · 07-24-2006, 08:33 AM

I got some usefull information from all of you while ago. So I started on looking for E36 on my area. Here I don't see many manuals around here mostly all automatic.

Any ways I came across two 97 BMW 3 series

1. 1997 328i ($10,900)
103K mi
- Sport pkg, Loaded,
- tint, Chip, M3 Upgrade, 6CD
- New Belts, Bushings, Susp, Bearings, Rad, T-stat, Tires

2. 1997 328iS ($7,500)
132K mi
- Summer Tires: 4 new tires (18") and 1 full size spare.
Winter Tires: Complete set (16") (Yokohama Iceguard) and 1 full size spare
- New front rotors-new front pads, New battery
- M3 Kit (front bumper, side mirrors, rear spoiler, rear bumper lower lip)

I am yet to test drive them. I know it is too early to jump on any one of them. But I want your opinions on few things

- Is more than $10,000 worth for good condition 328i ?
- The price on 2nd car looks good but I am held back by mileage on it 132K mi. What things might go wrong in next 2 years (or 20 K mi)?
- What is the typical life for clutch on these cars and how much it might cost to replace one (parts +labor)?
- other than checking out the car, service records my self and at the mechanic how can I compare one car against another for condition ?
- what is sport pkg on 328i? is it substantial ??

I thinks that ends the list...

**Chris** · 07-24-2006, 08:41 AM

i'd go with the second one. the other one is modded more, and most modded cars get driven hard... But then again i'm assuming they're in the same condition.

**94bmw325i** · 07-24-2006, 09:33 AM

hmm that second car has almost the same mileage as my 325. Not sure if you want one with 130k, I mean its not that high, but do you also prefer coupes or sedans?

nick_318is · 07-24-2006, 09:56 AM

I believe that the second car is a coupe, and i think it would depend on you looking at the cars and seeing if there is one you like more, scope out their condition and find out if they have records for maintence.

As a rule of thumb, on any car you buy you should do all of the main maintence stuff, oil change, filters, fluids, etc.

Good Luck with your hunt.

**Dudesky** · 07-24-2006, 10:01 AM

On either, check the suspension very well. A typical trick when selling a car is to put new tires on it in order to hide any steering/suspension issues.

**defkon99** · 07-24-2006, 03:56 PM

try to bring the 1st guy down 10k is too much!

**Alpine328i** · 07-24-2006, 04:31 PM

I agree with Chrisdoesntknow.

Also, I'd check the standard "problem areas" to see if they've been replaced. (Water pump, radiator, etc)

Just my $0.02

**mullethunter3** · 07-24-2006, 09:01 PM

without research, the 328iS.

10k is too much

**Kiterunner** · 07-25-2006, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by car_dude

I got some usefull information from all of you while ago. So I started on looking for E36 on my area. Here I don't see many manuals around here mostly all automatic.

Any ways I came across two 97 BMW 3 series

1. 1997 328i ($10,900)
103K mi
- Sport pkg, Loaded,
- tint, Chip, M3 Upgrade, 6CD
- New Belts, Bushings, Susp, Bearings, Rad, T-stat, Tires

2. 1997 328iS ($7,500)
132K mi
- Summer Tires: 4 new tires (18") and 1 full size spare.
Winter Tires: Complete set (16") (Yokohama Iceguard) and 1 full size spare
- New front rotors-new front pads, New battery
- M3 Kit (front bumper, side mirrors, rear spoiler, rear bumper lower lip)

I am yet to test drive them. I know it is too early to jump on any one of them. But I want your opinions on few things

- Is more than $10,000 worth for good condition 328i ?
- The price on 2nd car looks good but I am held back by mileage on it 132K mi. What things might go wrong in next 2 years (or 20 K mi)?
- What is the typical life for clutch on these cars and how much it might cost to replace one (parts +labor)?
- other than checking out the car, service records my self and at the mechanic how can I compare one car against another for condition ?
- what is sport pkg on 328i? is it substantial ??

I thinks that ends the list...

CD,

If time permits, get to test drive both cars. First one seems a saloon and the second a coupe. Dont know if its Hard Top or Soft.

Tips I receommend, is get both the cars to a Wheel Alingment Center and if you have a close friend who actually does the alingment, ask about the car.

THe alingment guys can tell you a few things, namely:

1. Whether the car has been involved in an accident before
2. Camber & Caster settings reveal suspension issues
3. The alingment readiings will reveal if the car has had any major curb hits on high speeds.
4. You will ofcourse get to see the under carriage of the car when its up on the car lift.

CHeers..

**Spieluhr** · 07-25-2006, 03:30 AM

the first 328 is far too over priced.

My 328 has only 85k miles, and is worth about that.

**BMWLotAttendant** · 07-25-2006, 10:39 PM

I'd go with the 328is.

If it needs a new motor, you can put $3,000 into a new motor, from the excess you would have paid for the 328i. If, and I doubt, that would happen.

The Sport package is much better, trust me, I know.

That's not bad for mileage on a 97 328is.

**car_dude** · 08-01-2006, 10:41 AM

I am still looking for 328i

I came acros this 328i with just 72k miles, wood trim, (regular, no sports pkg)with new brakes and shocks, manual - looks good on pics. He seems to be firm on the price $10K. But I can't take quick look. it is 5 hours away

Before I drive that far I need to know what is best price for a 98 328i given these condition of the car?

Is it a good idea to wait for a while, till I get a good one near by...? I am looking for past four weeks now.

Other question is it risky to drive 8+ years old car for 300 miles ?

- any one bought their car out of state ? what are the procedures..? paying sales tax, title etc..?

I am looking for inputs..

**tonyvt328is** · 08-10-2006, 08:02 AM

I bought my 98 328is sport pkg. 96k miles in June. This car is super mint clean but I knew it needed brakes. He wanted 10k and I gave him 9k. If I had lived closer to him I would have looked harder at it and brought it to a shop. I also would have offered $8500. and he would have sold it for that im sure. But the thing was he was 55 and not beating on it. I have had a few issues more but nothing major.

1. I replace all 4 brakes, calipers (powder coated), rotors (slotted), pads.
2. intake boot cracked
3. clutch busings. (pedal creaks)
4. lower ball joints. ( 1 was loose)

5.He had just replaced the rear springs and emegency brake components, inner brake shields. (rust up here in snow country)

This is common in these cars anyway make sure to check rear springs!!!!!

I LOVE THIS CAR! This is my first bimmer and I took my time. GET THE 5 SPD. the auto is not the same...

Unless you are realy mechanical I would get a mechanic to look it over.... and if you realy want a car after you KNOW what it needs dont be afraid to make a lower but realistic offer.. Bimmer owners know what it costs to keep these cars up.
But if you can do work yourself and buy online you can save a bundle..

I did all listed to my car for less than $700..

Sweet cars.... enjoy.

Did I say I love this car????