I am new to this forum and joined because I need some honest advice from experienced bimmerheads.
I have a 96 328i with 146,000 miles on it. I've had it for five years and really like the car. I've taken good care of it and put up with the expensive repairs because I love the way it drives. I've had quite a bit of brake work done, wiper motor, ball joints, tie rods, HVAC interface, electrical gremlins, water pump etc...
But now it failed emissions test and mechanic (whom I trust) says it needs a new cat for $1570 and rear springs for $306 just to pass inspection. On the horizon is an Inspection II at 150,000 miles, and he thinks the clutch is going ($671), the original radiator may not last much longer ($562) and the struts are tired ($635).
So is it worth dumping $4000 into this car? Or should I cut my losses and move on. Just how durable are these E36s? His E30 has over 500,000 miles on it and thinks it's a much more solid car. If I fix this car up will it last 300,000 miles? Or will more and more problems creep up? How long does the timing chain last, for example.
I need to make a decision soon. Any advice would be appreciated.
I have a 96 328i with 146,000 miles on it. I've had it for five years and really like the car. I've taken good care of it and put up with the expensive repairs because I love the way it drives. I've had quite a bit of brake work done, wiper motor, ball joints, tie rods, HVAC interface, electrical gremlins, water pump etc...
But now it failed emissions test and mechanic (whom I trust) says it needs a new cat for $1570 and rear springs for $306 just to pass inspection. On the horizon is an Inspection II at 150,000 miles, and he thinks the clutch is going ($671), the original radiator may not last much longer ($562) and the struts are tired ($635).
So is it worth dumping $4000 into this car? Or should I cut my losses and move on. Just how durable are these E36s? His E30 has over 500,000 miles on it and thinks it's a much more solid car. If I fix this car up will it last 300,000 miles? Or will more and more problems creep up? How long does the timing chain last, for example.
I need to make a decision soon. Any advice would be appreciated.