1998 BMW 328i - High Mileage

I am going to look at this car tomorrow morning. Just wondering what kinds of problems the 1998 328i is known for at 90k miles.

Any comments will be appreciated.

Allan

90k is high mileage?




Ok, now that that's out of my system. I'd check to see if the cooling system overhaul has been done, if not, expect to change that out fairly soon.
Always get a PPI done, its usually about $100 and the dealer will know best what to look for.

I was expecting 200k+

Originally Posted by r33p04s

I was expecting 200k+

heck, I consider 250+ high mileage, anything near 100k is just a baby IMO

Ha ha.

A PPI is good advice.

I found these videos about the Cooling System Overhaul.

How much does a cooling system overhaul cost?

High mileage!? Bought my first 525i off the lot with 88k. It has 190k now and my e36 has close to 194k. Both are bullet proof. (post cooling system overhaul)

I was also prepared for at least 250k or so. When I see high mileage on CL now I assume we are at least over 220k. I was happy to find one at 158,000!

Originally Posted by philly2000

Ha ha.

A PPI is good advice.

I found these videos about the Cooling System Overhaul.

How much does a cooling system overhaul cost?

Allan

It all depends on how much work you can do yourself. I haven't had an e36 for a while, but I'm sure one of the other members could easily fill you in on prices for labor and parts.

I have a choice between a garage and a dealer for repairs.

The dealership does outstanding work and sometimes has free cars to borrow while your car is being repaired. http://www.bmwofmtlaurel.com/

Also, could get the work done here:

Oversea's Motor Works
1501 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 763-2300 ***8206;
Pre-Sale $120 + tax - 2-3 hours

People rarely bring these cars to dealers at this point in their lives, its simply not worth it for something as straight forward as a cooling system overhaul. A good Indy shop should be able to pump something like this out very easily.

Parts for an M54 cooling system overhaul run about $600-$750 (that menas EVERYTHING). Labor would be between 3-5 hours. $1,000 be good price.

And 90K is just broken in!

heh, guess I missed the party. My 328 is pushing 211,000k right now and still kicking. at 90k id say look into doing a lot of maintenance, cooling system, bushings, suspension(shocks struts) draining and refilling all the fluids, spark plugs/ any small engine gaskets that may be convenient to replace at the time. If it's a 5 speed check the feel of the clutch, the slave cylinders like to poop the bed.

That all said, if you're not comfortable checking this yourself get a pre purchase inspection by a mechanic you trust

I saw the car this morning.

-Good shocks
-Initials engraved on both doors (I guess one would have to paint the whole car to really get this removed?
-New Radiator
-New Brakes all four wheels
-Brake indicator light is still on. Owner said computer needs to be reset.
-What does the OEM driver side mirror look like? Does it have any words on the mirror or logo?
-Computer is occasionally displaying a warning that the dealer cannot get rid of.

I did not make an offer.

Will be checking out a 740iL on Saturday.
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=660665

Originally Posted by philly2000

I saw the car this morning.

-Good shocks
-Initials engraved on both doors (I guess one would have to paint the whole car to really get this removed?
-New Radiator
-New Brakes all four wheels
-Brake indicator light is still on. Owner said computer needs to be reset.
-What does the OEM driver side mirror look like? Does it have any words on the mirror or logo?
-Computer is occasionally displaying a warning that the dealer cannot get rid of.

I did not make an offer.

Will be checking out a 740iL on Saturday.
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=660665

I can't speak for the paint but if the rest of the car's paint is fair enough they can probably just spray the doors. The brake indicator light is not a reset-able computer but rather a small magnetic sensor on the brake pad that most often breaks when removing the old brakes, giving you the "low brake lining" light. The OEM mirrors don't say anything as far as i know especially on the 328 they should be paint matched to the body of the car with no logos.
also what's this warning that the dealer "can't" get rid of

Engraved initials in the door? Blasphemy.

Originally Posted by SCJon

Engraved initials in the door? Blasphemy.

See: ignition key pinstriping

Originally Posted by SCJon

Engraved initials in the door? Blasphemy.

this... Just go slap a priest... Cheaper than engraving and less tasteless. Eye for an eye. Slap the PO, then make an offer on the car.