Help! I wanna buy a 328is but I need advice!

[Shawn Wright]

Hello.

I am new to this forum and the whole BMW thing.

I test drove a 328is two weeks ago and am hooked.

I am considering the puchase of a used 96-97 328is.

Does anyone suggest looking for particular flaws?

What's the deal on the water pumps? My mechanic says that the BMW water pumps have a cheap plastic propeller that can break and must be replaced before it breaks and overheats. Does anyone know of such things? Is there a better water pump made with a metal propeller so I could put a better one on once I bought mine?

I am looking at a 5 speed black on black. Does the transmission hold up? How offten to replace clutch with regular use? Is black on black crazy hot during the summer? If so does it help to use window shade or park in shade?

Once I get mine what are some of the best things to do in increasing performance in regards to horsepower and handling?

Can a tilt sterring wheel be added on to a 96 or 97? I hate the way it is so high up in the dash. If so, how much $$ and how hard to do it? Would it still be safe?

Thanks for any advice!!!

Shawn


Oh also: Where is a better place to buy parts? Is there a better brand than BMW or at least as good? Where is the best internet parts dealer?

 

[frolf]

welcome Shawn

i have a 96 328iS

check the service records on the car you are about to buy and see if the impeller has been changed yet, its kind of a must as most of them are faulty. black on black is gonna be sweet, but yeah it will get hot. even my black on grey gets hot, i just got my windows tinted to 38% and it cooled my car down considerably. tilt steering... well crap, i've never known anyone to do it, but it sounds expensive.

 

[Shawn Wright]

Thanks!

I am going to look at one tomarrow.

Shawn

 

[bmwboy]

i have a black 328i i know thats not what you are looking at but it is the smae engine and mine is black. what a beyutiful color black is and i am buying two mods that should give me 30 horsepower. a conforti chip and air intake. the air intake is carbon fiber and looks really sick.

 

[Shawn Wright]

bmw boy: Where did you buy these mods? Are you installing them yourself? How much $$?

Thanks

 

[frolf]

30hp is wrong, not to knock ya dude, but you are looking at 5-7hp

 

[bmwboy]

not true i saw a dyno test of about 30 horspower in a 328. and i am not mad that you knocked me

 

[bmwboy]

its about 7 hp for just theair intake but both comined gives you much more. also the site uis the mods site on the main page of the forum. but almsot any webiste will have them.

 

[manuel]

7HP from an intake? no way. maybe 2 or 3.