Zoid 0 Report post Posted September 23, 2008 Hi folks! I'm looking at a 93 320i Auto with about 170Ks on the clock. Service history is through local garage and is pretty standard, nothing majors been done or needed to be done apparantly. Body looks rust free from what I tell and interior is okay, door panel is loose and theres some rattles but not too bad. Air con needs recharging and theres a dent on the passengers rear door thats the only defects so far. I'm thinking about getting it AA inspected, it drives fine but never driven a 320 before so want to be sure its not gunna die in a few months. He's looking for 3000 dollars for it...sound okay? Any specific problems with this year/series I should look out for? I've heard the radiators and water pumps can go so i'd be checking that..anything else? Cheers-advice appreciated Z Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greenday-rulz21 6 Report post Posted September 23, 2008 This is a checklist I have. It has most of the things to look out for. CHECKLIST.pdf Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zoid 0 Report post Posted September 23, 2008 This is a checklist I have. It has most of the things to look out for. CHECKLIST.pdf Awsome mate thanks very much So I was right about the water pumps at least. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark 178 Report post Posted September 23, 2008 If you're going for an auto... consider buying either a 318, which has similar performance to the 320 auto (and costs less to run fuel-wise), or go for a 323,325,328 as the extra power from the larger engined 6 cylinder cars is well worth it. Oh, and if the car is a Jap import (it will have "JPN" stamped in the centre of the speedometer) then check that the gearbox isn't jerky when cold. It's a costly problem to fix, however it's not something that will break the gearbox so you can live with it. Good luck! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zoid 0 Report post Posted September 24, 2008 If you're going for an auto... consider buying either a 318, which has similar performance to the 320 auto (and costs less to run fuel-wise), or go for a 323,325,328 as the extra power from the larger engined 6 cylinder cars is well worth it. Oh, and if the car is a Jap import (it will have "JPN" stamped in the centre of the speedometer) then check that the gearbox isn't jerky when cold. It's a costly problem to fix, however it's not something that will break the gearbox so you can live with it. Good luck! I'd honestly much rather a 325 or 328, I drove a 330 e46 and was blown away by its speed...just havent been able to find any e36 325s or 328s and i've only got about 5K to spend at the moment. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zoid 0 Report post Posted September 28, 2008 (edited) Went with this 94 320i, 180k, auto, jap, heated leather seats, good service history, working air con, 10 cd, sunroof and in great condition from aa insepction. Paid $4K. Went up to napier and back over the weekend and got 600km from one tank. I can see how much it can drink if you push it and yeah the 320 does have poor low end torque and needs to be kept above 4K for fun. I put 91 octane in it on friday but then realised 95 was much better so got a tank of that instead. Took it pretty easy except for a few sport mode boosts I love it allready. feels gorgeous to drive Only thing wrong is the check control isnt working but hopefully bulb change will sort that. Also needs brake pads. Anyone recommend a good wellington based independent bmw garage? Edited September 28, 2008 by Zoid Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
