What To Look For When Buying E36?
Wanting to buy an E36 at some point in the somewhat near future and wondering what all I should keep a special look out for? What km range would I be ideally after? I’ll probably be getting a 4 cylinder manual, then maybe consider a swap once I’ve finished uni and can financially support 2 cars more comfortably haha
Comments
The usual things like rust on the boot/trunk and the area around it especially on the piece between the bumper and the boot, the gap between the rear window and the boot collects dirt and moisture turning it into a rust recipe. I’d suggest a 6 cylinder engine they’re bulletproof and much more fun. If you get a newer one with vanos make sure it doesn’t make a ticking noise as that will need rebuilding. Suspension rubbers and joints will be an issue if they haven’t been changed recently as it’s an older car and these will become brittle. Vacuum hoses need to in good condition or new as they crack and you’ll spend ages trying to find why the car runs like junk. Check every switch and knob to make sure they work because some systems are pricey to repair or replace.
So definitely worth spending the extra few thousand for a 6?
Also, im looking at ones from 1997 or earlier, these mostly good years ir are they all the same? First time ive ever really shopped for anything other than JDM’s or Australian makes haha
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I think it was 1995 up that the engines came with vanos (the M52) someone will have to correct me on that, any bmw owner will tell you that the 6 is much more fun to own than the 4.
6 it is then!
Yeah i agree, get the 95’ with the OBD1 and a 6 cylinder!
M50 has vanos too , mine has :D
Not only the 6 cyl is more fun , but also more reliable and durable
93 and up
The the m50tu had vanos
Then they switched to m52 in 96
I drive a 6 cyl at the moment but I have to say the 318is 4 cyl is also fun. (Had one of them) Rust is unfortunately a big issue. Check also the side skirts and the areas around the camber plates. As Wesley Marx said, make sure everything is working (power windows, aircon, etc…) it can be really annoing and expensive to repair/raplace hat stuff…
Get the 6 cyl. It has waayy more potential. Look out for rust, the window regulators, cooling system, rear subframe cracks, maint history
Seriously worth looking at the cooling system if there is any white residue it IS leaking so find another one or knock the price down accordingly. If it’s an auto if there’s a flare or rough shift between 2nd and 3rd RUN. And check out the rear subframe and all shock towers all around for cracks. I’ve had the backs and fronts crack.
I have a 98 323IS and it’s the most fun I’ve ever had in a car. I’ve heard these cars have issues when anything other than Bosch plugs are used. They also have problems with the fuel pressure regulator.
Check that the gear knob isn’t moving. My 318is has its plastic dried and cracked so I hot glued it back on again. Which is an awesome fix by the way. The steering wheel can also squeak which isn’t only annoying but is also a sign of worn steering collum bearings.