E36 Buyers Guide

[Big Foot]

The April/05 edition of Bimmer Magazine has a buyers guide for E36's.
It is very comprehensice and, I think, discouraging to anyoned presently either owining or purchasing a E36 Series.
I traded in my 1999 328i CAB just before the BMW Certified Series Warrenty expired and I will definately purchase a Extended Warrenty with my new E90 300i.

 

[Big Daddy]

Why is it "discouraging to anyoned presently either owining or purchasing a E36"? Is there some bad review?

 

[newguy]

I have read the article, and the info was very good. It details some of the things to expect when shopping. If anything it can really keep you from being surprised, as well as offer some questions to ask when buying one..honestly, articles like this on any used model of car seem very helpful...

 

[Big Daddy]

Do you know why Big Foot thought it was discouraging?

 

[Wadula]

nope...a good guiding should normally work the other way, right?

 

[newguy]

It was not a sales brochure. It was an objective look ay the E-36 models that you would see on the used market.

 

[Big Foot]

After reading trhe article in Bimmer Magazine, I don't think I would but one IMHO.
I can't remember everything, but I do remember to watch out for the following:
Body cracking or breaking behind the front seats (Body or Fraqme weak?)
Weak seats
Electrical problems (I had some with my 1999 328 Cab, but apparently this is common with all Bimmers.
Replace Radiator
I strongly suggest ordering a back issue from Bimmer Magazine and judge for yourself.
Big Foot

 

[Big Daddy]

Thanks I was just curious!

 

[chief]

My biggest problem has been an oil leak from the supercharger to the inlet tube to the aftercooler. Nothing has been done since noticing the leakage. About 1 qt. per 2000 miles. An oil pan under the car in the garage, some kitty litter spread under and in the pan, controls the oil threading in the garage.
Have checked the oil line between the s/c and the oil pressure switch. have replaced the drain line from the s/c and the oil pan. Currently receive oil presure idiot light with rpm falling below 600rpm at stop lights.
Run 20w-50w oil.
Have new piston bearings. Just waiting for the right weekend to raise the engine, drop the front end, remove the oil pan, change the bearings and put it all together again.
Not complaining. Just noting the problem here.
Any suggestions to shorten the workload would and is appreciated.

Cheers,

 

[manuel]

check the oil return line at the s/c...

 

[BMWbry]

300i?