I'll add this to Alex's comments. Since I have owned one since 98 with 26k
miles on it, I can give personnel experience. First of all, a car w/22k on
it is good for some respects, yet problems waiting to happen.
First:
We have had little problems with our car, now at 86k miles. Always did the
Service as required and I took care of the other things that came up. Like
washing and waxing, Brakes go out every 25-28k miles. No engine or tranny
problems what do ever. I have just had the valves adjusted and the tranny
serviced for fluids and filters. Have had a couple of bulbs go out that the
dealer wanted $200 for that I fixed in 10 minutes and $1 for the bulb.
Radio went out, but got fixed for $75. Replaced the shocks at 82k. Bilt
all around.
Now what to watch for. The car has not been driven much so parts have not
been used much. Not good. This car liked to be driven every day or so.
Rubber, gaskets, and hoses wear out faster not being used than being used.
If that makes sense. So watch out for the stuff that has not been done.
Check for all service records, if any, and all repair records for
replacement parts. Have a mach look over the car real good.
$16k is a little high, but if is in great shape, it will last many years.
Good luck
Al Floer
----- Original Message -----
From: <alex.fadeev@domain.elided>
To: <bmw@domain.elided>
Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2003 4:42 PM
Subject: Re: Thinking of buying an E36 328is...any opinions?
> Richbauch@domain.elided wrote:
> > I've been driving an 87 535i for 7 years now and am looking for
> > something newer and more sporty. I test drove a 96 328is last
> > night with 22,000 miles on the odometer and was very impressed
> > with its ride, fit and finish, and of course its looks. It's
> > in excellent shape.
>
> Hi Richard,
>
> It is a bit of a sad statement, but the E36 and E28 cars a virtually
> identical in size. However, E36 is much newer, has stiffer chasis, better
> vehicle dynamics and more advanced engine.
>
> Unfortunately, it's not nearly as bullet proof as old E30/E28 cars.
> The electronics are one obvious weak link. The $300 climate control HVAC
> will flake out and eventually need a replacement. The DME compartment may
> get flooded and fry the electronics unless you religiously clear the
> sunroof drains wisely plumbed right by it.
> E36 cooling systems are weak. The pre 6/96 plastic impeller water pump
> will need to be replaced or will disintegrate at 50-80K miles. Plastic
> radiator upper neck will get brittle with age and crack/fall-off at
> 40-60K miles. The plastic thermostat housing is *drum roll* plastic. You
> get my drift.
> Avoid slush boxes. BMW started experimenting with 'lifetime' tranny
> fluids with very mixed results.
>
> Other than that, it's a fun little car requiring the usual BMW
> maintenance.
>
> > Are there any major issues with this car I should be concerned with? I
> can
> > probably get it for $16,000. Is that too much to pay?
>
> Not sure. I've been careful to ignore the recent used car prices not
> spare the heartache ;-)
>
> Good luck
> alex f
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