Need advice on buying a BMW - United Bimmer Community

**klg0143** · 12-02-2006, 05:37 PM

Hi I am new to these forums and I was hoping there would be some people with answers to my questions. I am probably going to be purchasing a 1998 BMW E36 328i sport this summer.

I don't have any pictures of it but it is a 1 owner car driven by my friends sisters mom. It has under 95,000 miles. My father keeps saying BMW's are a ton of money to fix blah blah. I know he has a point but I am wondering if this car is worth it. 95,000 miles is a lot on a car but how long to BMW's last?

I know this topic is long but these answers would help me a ton.

Thanks

craig · 12-02-2006, 06:04 PM

95,000 is NOTHING to a bmw. expect it to last more then 250K miles. i know of several e30's with more then 400K on the original engine and is still raced on the tracks. as far as the repairs, i wouldnt say they are too bad but they arnt the cheapest things to own. if it has been taken care of like it should have been then you dont have to worry about too much.

**klg0143** · 12-02-2006, 06:06 PM

Thanks man, I knew BMW's are pretty reliable but didn't know how long to expect them to last. How are the transmissions on them too?

**RSF5** · 12-02-2006, 06:06 PM

Under 100,000 miles on a car like that isn't bad at all especially on a 98 328i. How much is she selling it for? Is it a special price because they know you?

Transmission should be okay unless you put an unusual amount of wear and tear on it.

Check if the A/C compressor and the water pump have been replaced yet. Look for wear around the front and rear shock towers. And make sure the radiator is in good shape. Test drive it, check everything to make sure it all works, drive around for a bit and lisen for rattles or unusual car nosies or shaking. Other than that it should be okay!

Welcome to Ub.c, Hope to see pictures and posts from you in the future if you decide to buy!

witeshark · 12-02-2006, 06:09 PM

One thing I have heard is to make sure the water pump has been or soon will be replaced. Welcome to the forums

**klg0143** · 12-02-2006, 06:29 PM

Yeah I have heard that the water pumps on them is something for concern. My dad's porsche had to have the water pump replaced and it was $900 in 1990. We haven't talked price yet but she said she'd call me first when she decides to sell it. Blue book on it is like 9k so idk what shes gonna want for it. I will make sure to look for all of that stuff when the time comes around.

**celsdogg** · 12-02-2006, 08:14 PM

look in the knowledge base for a inspection/faults article on the E36.

**klg0143** · 12-02-2006, 10:47 PM

Sorry to keep bothering you guys here but I go to college here in Texas and I live in NJ. I would be buying it in NJ and making the drive down to Texas (3000 mile roundtrip) twice a year. Nothing to worry about or is it?

witeshark · 12-02-2006, 10:54 PM

Does the car come with full service records? IMO A well serviced car can be relied on.

**klg0143** · 12-02-2006, 10:59 PM

I would most definetely check on all of that before I bought but I am pretty sure I remember her telling me she did have the records. I know the car hasn't been mistreated or anything so that makes me feel safer too.

**Numark318i** · 12-03-2006, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klg0143

Sorry to keep bothering you guys here but I go to college here in Texas and I live in NJ. I would be buying it in NJ and making the drive down to Texas (3000 mile roundtrip) twice a year. Nothing to worry about or is it?

I have a 1991 318. I drove it from San Francisco Area CA to the border of washington state 3 times this summer..everything was fine. Meaning a 1998 would prolly be fine also.

thermostat and water pump, as said abov is the only thingto worry about.

I think an E36 waterpump (wholesale) is like $40..so no where near $900

**RSF5** · 12-03-2006, 11:55 AM

^^^ yeah, an e36 water pump would probably be a lot less than a porshes.

**mullethunter3** · 12-03-2006, 12:08 PM

I drive the crap out of my car. It's a 1993 318is, other than maitenence (like having the rear diff serviced when I bought it two years ago, upgrading the shocks/struts and upgrading the brakes), I have had one of the best relationships with my car that I can ask.

**klg0143** · 12-03-2006, 03:00 PM

Haha yeah $40 for a waterpump is a far cry from a porsche's. My dad said it was because they had to lift the engine up to get to it and some other bs like that. I am glad to hear that though.

**Numark318i** · 12-04-2006, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klg0143

Haha yeah $40 for a waterpump is a far cry from a porsche's. My dad said it was because they had to lift the engine up to get to it and some other bs like that. I am glad to hear that though.

porshce maintenance ftl.

U gotta drop out the engine on those things for everything. I was suprised when the could do an oil change without dropping the dam engine.