[email protected] 0 Report post Posted October 3, 2010 Hi I'm new. And looking at buying my first BMW. Does any one have any helpful hints on what to check when looking at buying an E36. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
APT 194 Report post Posted October 3, 2010 What sort of e36 are you after ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lucan 196 Report post Posted October 3, 2010 Have everything checked in a pre purchase, somewhere reputable. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dalzone 0 Report post Posted October 18, 2010 Hi I'm new. And looking at buying my first BMW. Does any one have any helpful hints on what to check when looking at buying an E36. Hi - I'm only on my first BMW (an E36) and I would recommend Car Inspection Services for a thorough check over assuming you are in Auckland or Wellington. My personal opinion is get one with a decent motor and then over time work on other things like wheels , stereo , body etc... I bought mine cheaply but my first service was $1700!!! Just a little bit more pricy than my old Toyota was!! Common issues seem to be saggy door and roofs , and according to a guy I saw today , air conditioning. I have heard of others having troubles with electrics - I'm unsure how much of that can be checked pre purchase. Good luck!! They are awesome cars - you won't regret it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michael. 2313 Report post Posted October 18, 2010 I bought mine cheaply but my first service was $1700!!! Just a little bit more pricy than my old Toyota was!! Wow, what did you get done to it? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmpower 3 Report post Posted October 18, 2010 Get one with 3 pedals - i have one for sale! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
briancol 3 Report post Posted October 18, 2010 Hi - I'm only on my first BMW (an E36) and I would recommend Car Inspection Services for a thorough check over assuming you are in Auckland or Wellington It is far better to go to a BMW service centre for an inspection. Car Inspection Services are fine when it comes to your run of the mill car, but BMW's are a little different. An inspection by someone who is very familiar with what you are buying will give you a good idea of the quality of the vehicle and what future problems you might encounter. One note, BMW's are NOT overly expensive to maintain contrary to the general opinion. If you keep it well maintained, it will give you years of happy motoring. Best of luck in your purchase. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. M 10 Report post Posted October 18, 2010 Have everything checked in a pre purchase, somewhere reputable. +1. There are plenty of buyers guides that will help you get familiar with the common stuff. Decide what engine and trim level you want and wait it out for the right one. There are so many around online turnover is pretty high. When you find one you like, post it in the TM discussion forum for comments. Stay away from dealers! Good luck! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kaz 64 Report post Posted October 18, 2010 Welcome to Bimmersport! I have an e36 328 for sale if your interested. Its in the for sale section. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CamB 48 Report post Posted October 19, 2010 Since no-ones mentioned it, approach the Jatco auto transmission with caution, there are lots of bushings that can need replacing, its common for the headlining to start falling down and window problems seem to be common too. Oh yeah, and M3 water pumps are $650+GST if you need one in a hurry. Haha Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kiwi535 538 Report post Posted October 19, 2010 dont do it,everyone knows e 36s are an ugly BMW Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mikal 4 Report post Posted October 19, 2010 ^ Lies!!!! Get at least a 325i, Manual because you know eventually you're gonna want a third pedal. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tristan 338 Report post Posted October 20, 2010 ^ Lies!!!! Get at least a 325i, Manual because you know eventually you're gonna want a third pedal. Agreed. For the record, I love Michael's car. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pjay 8 Report post Posted October 20, 2010 Get at least a Manual 328i beacause they are as economical and cheap as a 325i with extra newton metres. Just buy an M3 and be done with it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thorburn 121 Report post Posted October 20, 2010 Like what has all ready been said watch out for cooling system problems and Jatco jerk What do you want from the car? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
[email protected] 0 Report post Posted October 21, 2010 What sort of e36 are you after ?Looking at an E30 to track race any hints what model engine to go for Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
[email protected] 0 Report post Posted October 21, 2010 Hi - I'm only on my first BMW (an E36) and I would recommend Car Inspection Services for a thorough check over assuming you are in Auckland or Wellington. My personal opinion is get one with a decent motor and then over time work on other things like wheels , stereo , body etc... I bought mine cheaply but my first service was $1700!!! Just a little bit more pricy than my old Toyota was!! Common issues seem to be saggy door and roofs , and according to a guy I saw today , air conditioning. I have heard of others having troubles with electrics - I'm unsure how much of that can be checked pre purchase. Good luck!! They are awesome cars - you won't regret it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
[email protected] 0 Report post Posted October 21, 2010 Thanks great tips. Just getting used to this forum stuff but impressed so far Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
[email protected] 0 Report post Posted October 21, 2010 Get one with 3 pedals - i have one for sale! I like that tell me more. But I'm also keen on doing up one myself from scratch Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
[email protected] 0 Report post Posted October 21, 2010 dont do it,everyone knows e 36s are an ugly BMW Yeah I think your right I decided to go with an E30 more agile Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
[email protected] 0 Report post Posted October 21, 2010 Like what has all ready been said watch out for cooling system problems and Jatco jerk What do you want from the car? Hi I want to use it as a track/ road car. Maybe do Targa. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
[email protected] 0 Report post Posted October 21, 2010 Get one with 3 pedals - i have one for sale!I think that car looks awesome I will look at. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dalzone 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2010 Wow, what did you get done to it? ah , lets see - just asked for the full service combo , no upscaling - oil/filter/bulbs/ drive belt/ drive belt tensioner/ball joints/bust set/rack end/spark plugs..i think for labour they just pick a phone number out of the white pages and double it !! :-) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
