Newbie needs help picking first

[RhinoScores]

I recently decided to look for a used BMW 3 series. I have never owned one, but drove my brother-in-law's completely restored 2002 model for an extended period back in the the late 90's. He was away for a while and I drove it to keep it in good shape. From then on I have always wanted a bimmer, but family consideration forced me into an SUV. Now the kids are grown it is time to find a fun ride.

Now to my point... I need to know where & how to learn everthing I need to know to help my search for my first bimmer. I know I want a 3series, but which one? I understand what each number in the model name stands for, but what are the letters. Which engines are good -which are not as good. I figure based on prices I have seen, I'm somewhere between a 1994 and 1997 depending on mileage and such. I would like to spend in the $8k neighborhood. Just saw a '95 325is convertible, 109,000 miles, sell on ebay for $8k. But I don't know if 109K mikes is alot or what problems start to presenting themselves in that mileage range. Or should I be looking at a different series?

I like to learn as much as possible before deciding on what to get, so if anyone wants to provide me with a bimmer education I will be most appreciative.

Greg

[operknockity]

I understand what each number in the model name stands for, but what are the letters. I KNOW we have a list somewhere of what all the various letters mean, but for the life of me I can't figure out what a good search key would be to find it, since just about all the letter combinations and such are used way way way too many times in many many posts. And I thought we had stickied that thread too. Argh!!!

So lets see it we can reproduce it now...

i = Fuel Injection
C = Coupe
c = Convertible
T = Touring (eg. wagon)
t = Compact
s = ?????
e = Economy

That's all my brain can handle now :cry:

[kelli]

I have a 1998 318i. I wasn't looking to acquire a BMW, but it sort of fell into my lap. I REALLY have learned to like BMWs, especially the 318i. My only complaint is it lags in terms of power. The M44 engine is very sound and am pleased with the minimal maintenance I've done so far. If you're looking at a 90's BMWs, I'd highly recommend the 318 series in terms of engine reliability. I'd recommend you find one with less than 85,000 miles -- mine has 73,000 and I have yet to incur any huge maintenance costs. Below the 85,000 mile mark, you're sure to have a long time before any major maintenance. Good luck!

[operknockity]

Found it.... http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1100

[RhinoScores]

Thanks for the link and other info. Does the 325i in the 1994-1996 range have any know problems?

[xeurom]

Bimmer magazine has an issue with good description of the E36 models. I have that Issue. Once I have time I'll scan and send to you. Email me at xeurom(at)yahoo.ca to remind me.

[iverson2k10]

i would get a 93, basically its the same till 99, i mean 8k? i got my 323i 2000 for 10k

[981273]

Greg,

Coming from someone who was in your boat, you have to decide what you want first, without the objection with money..

you have to decide on what you want more, Budget Bimmer or Sport Bimmer, or Family Bmw..

You sound like you have decided on the 3 series. Now since you did some research figure out what you wanna spend as far as fuel ecomony. Since you had an SUV, any BMW will be better on fuel. The M3 is if you want pure performance, sacrificing ride comfort. .. So I would say that the 325i is prolly as low are you wanna go. If you could find a 328 or 330.. i'm sure your be happy with your choice. The 325i is known as the best Fuel Economy / Ride comfort, and well average pick-up and go.. That is why the 325i 's are common. but the 330i these days is becoming very common on the road

You also have to consider what do you want as far as interior features, Leather, Cloth, etc..

Then Blue book the cars.. As far as Milage is concerned, you really should find out if it comes with service Records. Service Recorded cars are not cheap.. Thats because the bmw client has proof of service, which is like a garentee that the car is in okay kept condition. And if all the records are from a known BMW dealership... Awesome.

I would shop around your neighbourhood, There has got to be used BMW's that are not on Ebay. Test Drive ... Test Drive ... Test Drive.

As far as my Story, My BMW is a 1993 BMW 320i, 153K (Canadian) no history records, but yet to this day, I will never trade it for any 2005 on the road. I'm not an abusive driver, but I have had it upto 180 Km/h.

The BMW are known for their quality so if you could afford it, pay a little extra.

sorry if this post makes no sense ... lol

[328iBursche]

As the owner of a 98 328i and knowing a little about the 96-99 e36's, I would recommend getting the newest you can for your money. There are some "issues" that come with every model e36, although most of those were worked out by '98. The water pump and thermostat housing are two of the better known issues. I think the water pump has a part that when it breaks apart can cause expensive damage, but is an inexpensive thing to change to a newer non-damaging pump--if I'm not mistaken. Also, the thermostat housing was changed for the 98 model. If you buy an earlier model, then replace the plastic housing for the thermostat with a metal one. Understeer.com has the info and part.
Rear shock mounts (RSM's) are another weak point, so clunking from the rear shock tower is what would indicate this. Again, you can find info at understeer.com or other sites (not sure about this site--i'm new to it) regarding hte remedy. But I think of these issues as relatively small ones and easily fixed by a competent BMW mechanic. Also, avoid service at the dealer--otherwise not so fondly referred to as the stealer--for good reason. Find an independent BMw specialist. I found mine through my local BMWCCA chapter.


I like the added torque and power of the 328 vs the 325. "Higher miles" (like 109K) is not a problem in itself. The most important factor, as with any car, is how well it has been maintained. These engines are known for longevity. Also, get a stick shift. The Auto's are GM units and Ok, but not that good from what I've read and heard. I would avoid ebay for buying a car, since you can't "see" it and really know what kind of maintenance has been done. There's a reason they're cheaper on ebay, and occassionally people get good deals. Also, I have 2 little ones (and a volvo wagon) and 2 car seats fit reasonably well in my e36.
Have FUn!

[Cheslavo]

I'm quite new on BMW's world, indeed, just got my first last February and, besides of the known issue with the break light signal in the OBC (which I've fixed changing the bulb socket) and replacing the front brakes, haven't had any issues...Immediately after purchased brought it to my mechanic and they did the maintenace II...I'm really happy with my first BMW regardless of th 82k miles when I bought it; transmission, asc, engine, clutch...everything works really nice...Just 2 weeks ago change the standard wheels for 17" ones and looks really impressive...I'll recommend you to go for a 328i from late '97 to '99; I don't like too much new shape for '00 on models. :thumbup:

[my_e36]

I agree on the post-96 3-series part~

buy a car as late in the series production as you can afford~
milage is not a major thing as long as they have receipts for maintenance
(but it's a good excuse for bargaining hard on the price)

modern cars are well design enough to last you 200,000+ miles if maintained properly
it's always the little niggles that kill the cars (or annoy the hell out of you)

[maxreco]

In 1994 I bought my wife a red/black 325i sedan with asc, heated seats, fold down seats, full trip computer, and security system (for Valentine's Day). Big mistake boys. She always expected me to do better. We sold the car to a good friend a year and a half ago with 115k. It still had the original clutch! No electrical, thermostat, water pump, or any major problems.

Last fall, I bought a 1994 325ic red/black with heated seats, full trip computer, and security system with 115k for $6k. (I stole it.) This car is my toy, my wife has her S4. I have added: a TMC chip, Conforti intake, ACS stress bar, Bilstein sport shocks and new springs from Bavarian autosport (1.25" lower), and a short shifter topped by a carbon fiber knob. Next week I'll add the Remus exhaust I just bought on Ebay. I drive it every sunny day, with the top down above 40 degrees, and I'm having a blast!!! To date I have under $3k into it and it's worth every cent. And I still get 24 mpg overall with my foot to the floor as much as possible.

I didn't have a lot of history on this car, but I checked out (leak down compression test highly reccommended). I have no doubt that it will go strong for as long as I want to keep it.

Good luck!