Need advice on buying a BMW

[94bmw325i]

they can be fairly reliable, the autos arent the best, but with 95k shouldn't have any issues.

Check the cooling components, I guess I am lucky because I am at around 134k and none of that has blown on me yet. Also check suspension and steering components, ball joints, control arms, tierods, shocks, etc. After replacing all of mine the car rides a lot better than before. When a BMW suspension is worn it can be forgiving making you think it is fine, but eventually it gets to the point where the shocks and everything are leaking and your car doesnt feel as planted either. And one of my front sway bar mounts broke so my car handled like my dads 1978 lincoln he had so much body roll lol.

Good luck with it!

[DEATH2000]

I have a 1998 E36 328i as well. I have 188,000km and its still going strong.For 8 years old its a very nice ride. People have told me they thought it was alot newer.

Ive had to have the water pump replaced (under $100CAD) not because the metal impeller failed but because one of the seals was starting to go. I also had to replace the clutch fan cause that had failed so the car started over heating. Also ive replaced 2 ball joints since ive owned it. The right front one was replaced when i bought it but i dunno why but it started to go and i had to replace it recently. But thats basiclly the extent of major stuff ive had to replace. I do need to replace the cabin air filter soon. So basiclly as long as u look after it, itll last for a long as time.

Also ive left it out in -40C weather before for 8 hours while i was at work and it started normally when i got into it. Ive set cruise control for 200kmh and it just goes, it has no problem doing those speeds. Ive driven from Banff to Calgary (140km) in 45 mins at speeds exeding 155kmh the entire way. I can go to Edmonton (300km away) and back no problem.

I live in Canada and out winters kinda suck.Its awesome in the winter cause it has ASC traction control so with a good set of snow tires like the Nokian Hakapalittia RSi's ull make it any kind of road condition. I can get up small icy hills in one try which ive seen some cars try for 10+ mins to get up to no avail. Ive had no problems in the winter with it (exept its cold when i leave it outside for hours).

If you do buy it or buy any car i do reccomend for winter the Nokian Hakapalittia RSi's. They are pretty much the best snow tire on the market right now for your money. And a set for stock BMW 15" rims its about $800 CAD.

[nick_318is]

Just going on what everyone else said, Check it out and see how it is. Sounds like a nice find 95,000 is a pretty good mileage too. Go take it for a spin and you will probably love it.

I Love to drive mine hard and its 16 years old, and it just keeps going, keep on the normal maintence and all should be good (granted from time to time there are problems).

[klg0143]

Oh I forgot to mention to all of you guys the car I am looking at is a manual not a auto. That is why I am much more excited about it then if it was an auto.
94bmw I'll make sure to check the cooling components and all the suspension and steering components. Thanks for the advice on it.

Death2000, If I buy the car and the water pump isn't replaced I will just get it replaced right away. Even though from what I've heard that by this mileage it should be anyways. I don't think my car will have to put up with anything close to those temperatures. I plan on taking care of this car like its my own body. I love the E36's so it won't be hard.

Nick318is,
Yeah when I come home for break I will probably test drive it. The only thing holding me back from buying it is waiting on her to be ready to sell.

Thanks everyone for all of the info and things to look for. I love the site and I'll make sure to keep everyone updated on my situation.

[Spieluhr]

check for regular records. someone who takes care of their car, will likely keep reciepts from regular oil changes, parts purchases, tune-ups, etc.

[RSF5]

^^^ yeah buy it or not, stick around keep posting.

[celsdogg]

^^^ +1

and if you do get it, pics. . .

[DEATH2000]

Originally Posted by klg0143

Death2000, If I buy the car and the water pump isn't replaced I will just get it replaced right away. Even though from what I've heard that by this mileage it should be anyways. I don't think my car will have to put up with anything close to those temperatures. I plan on taking care of this car like its my own body. I love the E36's so it won't be hard.

You probably wont need to replace the water pump right away. All 97/98 E36's came with a metal impeller instead of the cheap plastic one. So the chance of the impeller failing is quite low. Although by now the seals might, key word being might, be starting to go.

[bas]

I still own my '98 328i. I've had it twelve years. Had 20k miles when purchased, now has 190k. My repairs/problems:

1. Serpentine belt broke last year (common in all cars--$175 repair).

2. Wiring on trunk had to be fixed for brake lights ($250 repair).

That's it. 'Friggin amazing car. Would never own anything else. I updated to an '05 a while back, but my E36 is so awesome I couldn't bring myself to sell it. I still drive it because I get 34mpg on the freeway and I flat love the car.

[DEATH2000]

Originally Posted by bas

I still own my '98 328i. I've had it twelve years. Had 20k miles when purchased, now has 190k. My repairs/problems:

1. Serpentine belt broke last year (common in all cars--$175 repair).

2. Wiring on trunk had to be fixed for brake lights ($250 repair).

That's it. 'Friggin amazing car. Would never own anything else. I updated to an '05 a while back, but my E36 is so awesome I couldn't bring myself to sell it. I still drive it because I get 34mpg on the freeway and I flat love the car.

Why did you have to pay $175 for a serpentine belt? Their $30 at my local parts store.