denemc 0 Report post Posted September 21, 2010 Hi all, Just signed up to the forums as I'm looking for a 328i and found this site doing a Google search. My wife had a 1995 318ti years ago and I liked the car (even if underpowered a little) so I thought it's time to get another BMW. I'm looking at getting an e36 328i - can anyone give me any advice on what to look out for? They seem like pretty solid cars, and I've taken a few out for a test drive and was blown away! A lot of car for not much money! Dene Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
*Glenn* 854 Report post Posted September 21, 2010 Welcome to the forum... without knowing where your from makes it hard to offer suggestions. I would suggest that you get any car your thinking of purchasing checked by either a dealer or an independant BMW specialist Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thorburn 120 Report post Posted September 21, 2010 Welcome, Only expensive problems that seem to be a comman occurance are: Jatco transmission problems-http://www.bimmersport.co.nz/forums/index.php?showtopic=18567&hl=jatco+jerk Waterpump failure or other cooling system failure which destroys engines I'm sure someone with more experience will add some other problems Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michael. 2312 Report post Posted September 21, 2010 If you're happy with manual, go for a manual example. Much more enjoyable. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
denemc 0 Report post Posted September 22, 2010 Anyone know this car: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=314979577 Going to look at it today. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
briancol 3 Report post Posted September 22, 2010 Anyone know this car: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=314979577 Going to look at it today. I notice it's a Japanese import so it will have a Jatco transmission and that can mean trouble. In order to sell their cars in Japan, BMW were forced to include Japanese made content and the Jatco is a Japanese sourced Trans. Unfortunately these do cause a lot of problems, viz the Jatco jerk. When you take the car for a test drive keep a close eye on the gear changes. If there is any flaring or delay between gear changes then the car has transmission problems. If not, then with 212,000kms on the clock, it will do shortly. Solution is too either rebuild the trans, cost about $2,500.00 or do a manual conversion, cost approx $2,000.00. Don't let me put you off. I'm a retired car dealer and have an E36 coupe with a Jatco that has had the jerk now for 4 years and I'm only just doing the manual conversion, and remember by doing this you are adding value to your car. Manuals are worth about a grand more than Autos. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
denemc 0 Report post Posted September 23, 2010 Unfortunately these do cause a lot of problems, viz the Jatco jerk. When you take the car for a test drive keep a close eye on the gear changes. If there is any flaring or delay between gear changes then the car has transmission problems. If not, then with 212,000kms on the clock, it will do shortly. Thanks for this C0SM0S The listing states 121,000 kms - will this actually be miles (being a German built car) or a typo from you? I notice he mentions certified miles later in the listing. Sorry if this is a dumb question - just not sure if the speedo will be in miles or km! Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sp8s 1 Report post Posted September 23, 2010 I notice it's a Japanese import so it will have a Jatco transmission and that can mean trouble. In order to sell their cars in Japan, BMW were forced to include Japanese made content and the Jatco is a Japanese sourced Trans. Unfortunately these do cause a lot of problems, viz the Jatco jerk. Not all imports had the jatco trans. Mine has a GM trans. Do a check on the chassis number. You need the last 7 characters and go here decoder Thsi will tell you what "stuff" this Bmw has Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
denemc 0 Report post Posted September 23, 2010 Not all imports had the jatco trans. Mine has a GM trans. Do a check on the chassis number. You need the last 7 characters and go here decoder Thsi will tell you what "stuff" this Bmw has Would this be a jatco? Transmission Model: A5S 310Z Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JFry 1 Report post Posted September 23, 2010 (edited) It was only the 6 cylinder cars that had the Jatco. So anything from a 320i, up will have one, unless its been replaced at some stage edit: more than likely it has the jatco Edited September 23, 2010 by JFry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
briancol 3 Report post Posted September 23, 2010 Thanks for this C0SM0S The listing states 121,000 kms - will this actually be miles (being a German built car) or a typo from you? I notice he mentions certified miles later in the listing. Sorry if this is a dumb question - just not sure if the speedo will be in miles or km! Thanks! All Japanese cars are in kms. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
