Good deal? my first e36 - 1996 328is 5spd

[z0lt3c]

Hey All-

Well I took a look at an e36 today... I've owned many other BMW's, but this would be;

A) My first e36 B) My first coupe C) My first 5spd.

Looking forward towards leaving the 4 door automatic world behind! Anyway, this will be my 3rd car, more of a weekend car and a 5 speed learner car. I don't need anything incredible but I was looking for a good deal and something that will hold it's value as I improve it. Here are the specs;

1996 328is 5 speed, Alpine White and Black, 112k miles, Lux Package, CW Package, Rear fold downs, traction control, climate control... Seller is 2nd owner and has all receipts from past 6 years and 90k miles. Only non OE replacement part was a set of Bilstein struts about 1000 miles ago.

OK the bad part- Cracked front bumper and foglight, still on the original clutch and it's shot, needs new tires, interior door panels plastic parts are falling off, some very minor rust spots on the exterior (smaller then a dime, maybe 3 spots) and some wear on the leather on the interior (not awful but present). The power steering fluid was low and it was making noise as a result which may mean a leak but not terrible considering the car hadn't been driven in a few weeks.

I figure I'll put about $1500 into it immediately to fix the above issues (and maybe a little more). What do you think a fair price would be?

Here are some pics;

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p148/z0lt3c/DSC00051.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p148/z0lt3c/DSC00050.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p148/z0lt3c/DSC00049.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p148/z0lt3c/DSC00048.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p148/z0lt3c/DSC00045.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p148/z0lt3c/DSC00052.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p148/z0lt3c/DSC00054.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p148/z0lt3c/DSC00055.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p148/z0lt3c/DSC00056.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p148/z0lt3c/DSC00043.jpg

[guitarliketom]

aside from the clutch those are just weekend diy's.
how much did you get her for?

[SCANDINAVIAN13]

I would say for that mileage and and condition, I'd go for around $5000-6500, but with the damage, I'd knock off the cost of repairs at around 50%. So $1500 of repairs, knock off $750 from the purchase price. I'm no appraiser, but it seems fair to me.

As for the fog, I think 'cracked' is an understatement, but all of that is an easy weekend fix.

[bounzing_soulz]

i just got my 96 328is. mine has 140k on it. I paid 7,000, but mine also had new brakes, belts, plugs, wires, waterpump, tires, and two new leather seats from BMW. but since yours has decent miles... eh.... 6ish would be fair i think.

[jason_recliner]

Drink holders???? Where are MY drink holders??? Why don't I have drink holders????

[320what?]

I know.. I want drink holders and arm rest. :(

[DominguesE30]

i want them too :(

[320what?]

going to realoem and looking at all possible extras i wish there was a store that could sell them to me at used prices...

[SCANDINAVIAN13]

Having spilt a milkshake in the car and having to get the entire interior cleaned due to the lack of cupholders, I'd say the cost of not having them outweighs the cost of purchasing them.

Just my thought anyway...

[320what?]

how much they run? Anything silly? I've seen the the cost of the armrest. rediculous!

[dberch]

I paid 9,000$US for mine '98 328is with 119K miles. Nearly mint. Love it! Wonderful car. Most fun I've had driving since the Porsche 914 2.0 I had in my eary 20's.

[z0lt3c]

Thank for the feedback guys.

I'm kinda lost with the whole cupholder thing. Do not all e36's have cupholders?

[MPT 328is]

If you know your going to have to put $1500 upfront you should expect to put more in once your more familiar with the car. My opinion is either find a cherry and pay for it as dberch did or get an incredible deal to factor in what you may end up spending.

I got a great deal but I've put in more than I expected.

I paid $5800 for my 97 328is with 120K, a year ago and I don't even want to think about how much I have actually spent....so far. It's a nice car and runs great but from 125K - 165K is when many items need to be replaced.

[320what?]

nope. not at all.

[SewerSideUp]

Oy. car look's pretty good. clean on the outside. Rust is something I completely hate!! But if it's only flash-rust then it's fixable. BUT I would advise you to getthe current owner to change or repair the steering if its damaged. Because it will cost you and it is a bitch!!

Clutch is a service part so no problem. Good luck man!!

Ow and I can't give you an approx. price because I dont live in the states !!

[guitarliketom]

I paid 9,000$US for mine '98 328is with 119K miles. Nearly mint. Love it! Wonderful car. Most fun I've had driving since the Porsche 914 2.0 I had in my eary 20's.

hahhaaaa
i thought this was in refrence to the cup holders still

*sidenote

only $4000 for my 318is with...i think 120k mi on it when i got it.

only things that need fixing so far has been the camshaft censor and im puting a new alternator in before the other calls it quits

[guitarliketom]

Thank for the feedback guys.

I'm kinda lost with the whole cupholder thing. Do not all e36's have cupholders?

open your golve box
those two little circles?

nice try bmw.

[chet470]

$6000-$7500

[Bmwcat]

I have the same car with an auto tranny. I've spent about 5K fixing all the little things. That manual tranny looks like fun. Can you have the car checked by a good mechanic? It might be a good fixer-upper. That bumper is no biggie, comes off in minutes. Good luck amigo. :bigpimp: