Need buying input

[dtom4]

Newbie here. Looking at buying a 96 328i with 160K and A/T. Car looks good, seems to run fine and good price ($2,700). Engine bay is really clean and engine is real quiet and smooth. Tranny seems to shift nicely and everything works. What should I look for in this model? Any inherent problems to watch out for? Is the mileage too high and it'll be nothing but a money pit even if its well cared for? Will these cars run to 250K without major repairs (like blown tranny/engine overhaul). General advise? May close on the deal today so any input would be appreciated. TIA

Dave

[Jim Spence]

Welcome to the wonderful world of BMW ownership. Read this link; it's a great place to start:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=191293

But most here will tell you to completely check the cooling system first.

Have fun.

[sillycar]

replace water pump, rad, expansion unit asap

check steering, suspension, and muffler

my car is at 200 k no worries

damn bmws are money pits, buy a sunfire

[the_brouhaha]

DO NOT BUY.


It's automatic, keep looking.

[Ryawee]

it seems like a great deal for the money. Have it checked by a mechanic. Read the post attached to the link in the first post and have the mechanic focas on some of those things, like cooling system. You can also look at sellers receipts and see what all has been replaced/fixed on the car. you can look and see if they're the type of person who fixes every little thing from the receipts. That's the type of seller I want to buy from personally.

[Ryawee]

Oh, and most of us here prefer manuals but it's a preference thing so if you want an auto get an auto, but if you're looking for a manual then don't compromise for an auto because you wont be happy.

[E36 Phantom]

Welcome to the Fest.

These cars will require a little more maintenance than most to keep them running, but it's all simple DIY stuff. If you're not a retard and can keep up on your fluids, the engine will be running when it rusts to the ground. It's pretty much bulletproof unless you overheat it. Which, of course, if you aren't a retard and pull over if it starts to overheat you'll be fine.

The auto is the major failure point. It's an old GM 4 spd. Look for a manual, and the drivetrain will never fail on you. A maintained E36 5spd will last several hundred thousand miles without an issue.

On the flip side, $2700 is a damn good price. Expect cooling system and suspension repairs to need to be done.

Get a PPI at a qualified BMW mechanic before you even consider buying any car. Period.