Car Help - United Bimmer Community

**Orefus** · 06-12-2006, 12:00 AM

My mom is getting a new job and she will be using the car from now, a car which i became overly dependant on. I will be working a summer job paying 14 dollars a hour, and getting a substantial amount of hours. I am 17, and in need of a car. My mom didint say much, but Im sure she will be of some help. I was wondering of what car Id like to buy, I want a good looking car. Ive researched a lot actually, and during that very research ive come accros this forum. I like bimmers, mostly all of german cars actually, but bimmers in majority. Particulairly the e36 bimmers. Im fond of the e36 m3, and i can get a deal on insurance to pay less than 600 dollars for half a year with the M. I need a pretty reliable car, but one I can tinker with since im fond of autos. I also dont want it to be underpowered, my old civic was, and it wasnt a thrill. I also want the car to be sexy.

My choice, even tho its very out there, is the e36 M3, but a more realisic one is like a 240sx or like a old civic.

Post what you recommend, and also tell me are old bimmers reliable or what, and how much do they usually go for, etc, and please info on the e36 m3.

**brien4787** · 06-12-2006, 12:23 AM

240 and civics are obviously going to be lower in power. 325 and 328 e36 cars are great. by no means are they powerful, but they have enough to get you around and have fun in. there are a few common problems to look out for, but usually nothing serious.

civics are reliable, but not too sure about their power or sexiness.

You can get an e36 for ~14-20k... sometimes more, sometimes less... all considering on who is selling it, and what condition it is in.
325s and 328s can be found from 6k-15k....

good luck on your search! keep checking autotrader, ect.... if you see something, show it to us and we can help you out.

**Orefus** · 06-12-2006, 12:27 AM

See i want stuff i can tinker with, I took autos, and i love it. Im more interested in the reliability of bimers, which i heard are not great at all. Were all bimmer owners here, and Id like to know if there problmeatic, especially the e36.

**xsperf** · 06-12-2006, 12:31 AM

honestly, the only thing you should be worried about in teh e36 is the cooling system, and if it was already replaced due to scheduled maintence, i think the engine and the trannys are pretty solid, so you should be OK, and if it wasnt already replaced, then you can replace it yourself and be a happy camper

**Dudesky** · 06-12-2006, 06:42 AM

I always say this, and it's worth mentioning again: don't get freaked out by all the stuff people talk about on the forum boards. It's human nature that people complain more than they give praise. There's a reason why the E36 consistently made Car & Driver's top 10 list through the '90's. They do have their share of problems, but I really don't think it's any worse than your average car of the same age. A lot of guys are replacing this and that all the time because they're getting up in the mileage, and naturally the car's gonna need some things.

If you haven't seen my writeup yet, take a look at it:
http://www.unitedbimmer.com/kb-e36-c...faults-faq.php

If you wanna avoid the cooling system problems, go for a mid '97 production date or newer. Even if not, it isn't difficult to deal with anyway . . take care of it once you get the car, and you're good to go. If you can't afford an M3, the 328 is a good alternative; they're gonna be more reliable than the 325's that started the E36 lineup.

But you might also consider an E30 . . great car you can beat to sh**, and it'll still kick you in the a** right back