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View Full Version : Buying my first Bimmer

SunnyD1277
06-01-2008, 03:34 PM
Ill be buying my first Bimmer here in the next couple of months, and need some help on deciding exactly which ones, gonna suit my needs. The main reason im buying it is to be a car than I can take to WSU (About 270 miles away frommy house) once or twice a month to visit my girlfriend.

I know I want an E36, and am leaning towards a 318is for gas mileage. But will that really matter since it will be pretty much ALL freeway?

What about mainatance? Ive found lots with around 100k miles for a decent price, but is there any big problems with these motors that happen in the SECOND 100k?

-Thanks
rexzilla_03
06-01-2008, 07:08 PM
there are a few stickys at the top of the forum you might want to read. the engines will run as long as you take care of them. people are going up to 200k + miles with absolutely no problems. currently my 318 has 123k and it feels like new. look for a single or 2 owner car with every single maintence record and reciept. by the way the 318 gets really great gas mileage.
PJBIMMER
06-01-2008, 08:36 PM
+1 on the Sticky, if you get 1 over 100k more than likely some parts have been replaced. Make sure you see them maintenance records like rexilla 03 said...:thumbup:
SunnyD1277
06-01-2008, 08:52 PM
What should have been replaced after 100k? Anything to do before I take a 300 mile trip?


-Thanks
PJBIMMER
06-01-2008, 10:14 PM
Anything having to do with the cooling system: waterpump, themostat, hoses.
Suspension: shocks and struts, bushings, springs....stuff like that....
SunnyD1277
06-02-2008, 08:45 PM
How long will the internals last on a well maintaned 318 with all new cooling system? Im really not looking to break down in the middle of nowhere.

-Thanks
Cams318is
06-03-2008, 12:17 AM
I drive 1997 318is and i get pretty decent gas milage. As far as how the engines internals go.. MIne had 250,000+kms on it and its running great. YOu can usually tell if an engines been overheated before. So as long as you do oil changes every 5000 and of corse your cooling system running proper you should last thousands of k's. Easy way to tell if an engine internals are running well is pull the spark plugs and take a look. They can usually tell you alot.
SunnyD1277
06-03-2008, 08:15 PM
What is a good way to check out the cooling system? Especially if they "said" they had components replaced?