92 E36 325i flaws?????

[hibshman25]

I'm looking to purchase a bmw, and have found quite a few 92's at reasonable prices. Being the 92's were the first of the E36's i was wandering what bugs they had. As with any new design it takes a little time to get the bugs worked out. I've been told to stay away from 92's, but want some facts. Thanks in advance for any imput.

 

[polar]

i have one and haven't had any of the problems supposedly associated with that year, except for the headlight covers going foggy and, of course, the misaligned glove box!

here's something i found:

Driveline:

- Water pump will need replacement because of the plastic impeller (M50)
- Radiator - look for cracks in the plastic neck
- Defective ignition coils in some of the '91 and '92.
- Drive belt tensioner
- Profile gasket on the earlier 318's (M42)
- cracks in plastic thermostat cover (M50)
- sticking thermostats (M50)

Suspension:

- Outer ball joints go bad
- Rear shock mounts go bad

Interior:

- Window switches
- Door panels seperate because of insufficient glueing
- Dashboard vinyl can seperate over the center vent
- Seat heater elements break
- Glove boxes misaligned - especially earlier models
- chipping trim around the tweeters in the front door panels

Exterior:
- Plastic headlight covers get foggy over time

Misc:
- brake light switch

 

[flyinH]

92's didn't have vanos(bmw's variable valve timing system),93's and later do. you can expect alittle more torque from the vanos engines and they're also more responsive to engine mods.

 

[polar]

i was told that the 1992's are better because the car is equiped with hotter cams and a more free flowing exhaust. furthermore, i've also heard that the Non-Vanos is excellent for providing more torque in the high revs.

then again i happen to own one, so i guess it depends who you ask!

 

[flip213]

polar in the list of problems you mentioned with the early e36 325's what does it say the drive belt tensioner does? does it break or squeek? cause right now my car is squeeking from the pulley area and i dont know whats wrong?
thanks

 

[gbf1lm]

i was told that the 1992's are better because the car is equiped with hotter cams and a more free flowing exhaust. furthermore, i've also heard that the Non-Vanos is excellent for providing more torque in the high revs.

then again i happen to own one, so i guess it depends who you ask!

yes i think thats true. the 92's have a more free flowing exhaust and are a bit louder, its a very distinct soundthatn any other year. then again ive only driven my 92. anyways here the things i've done.

ive got 151,000 miles and at about 146-7 i replaced the compressor and clutch. replaced the radiator and shocks few years ago. thers the e36 brake light and the lights in the obc and clock are strating to go but, other than that its fine.

 

[SKycity_BMW]

Hey hibshman25,

Check out this site: http://www.alldata.com/techtips/2003/20030602e.html

Carwash problems.

Since the weather been gettin nice just food for thought.