is this a big problem or a minor thing????

[comrade1]

i went to look at a 96 328i sedan yesterday. test drove and WOW, a huge difference with my 318. anyways, i really like it and am looking to maybe get it either today or tomorrow. problem is, when you turn the A/C on, it makes a high pitch sound. everything else seems ok and i did a carfax...thats also ok. i guess i will take it to a mechanic, but i just figured that if you guys knew what it was and it was a big problem, why bother proceding futher. Thanks (once again) guys!

by the way, i had posted something about one with like 120K before....this is not it. this one has only 72K anyways, here is the link.............328

 

[Abdoman]

It could be the fan motor. The 3 series E36 is known for fan motors that go out regularly. I have had 2-3 series E36 and have had to replace both of the fan motors. I think it's about a $300 job (at the dealer).

 

[ra328i]

that car looks good... but i think he won't go any lower than 10 for it...(hence the kbb reference). since you're in the bay area, you should check out these dealers. hillsboroautomart.com, carcollectiontampa.com. my whole family has purchased 3 cars from hillsboro and i myself got 2 bmws from them!!! if there are any problems with the car before you buy, they'll fix them for you. an e36 328 from either one of these dealers shouldn't get any higher than 13000, regardless of mileage. both places sell much more newer and upscale models that they let these e36 gems go for lower prices!!!!
oh yeah, you might want to go accross the street from hillsboro also and check out the new dealer there. word is he's got lots of luxury rides also.

by the way, if you get a car from hillsboro, tell them Seth kIM sent ya. i'll get 200 bucks for referring a buyer to them!!!

 

[carcus]

It could be the fan motor. The 3 series E36 is known for fan motors that go out regularly. I have had 2-3 series E36 and have had to replace both of the fan motors. I think it's about a $300 job (at the dealer).

As long as it is in the interior, the sound, it could be a fan motor...if it is in the engine, could be the compressor.....I suspect it is a interior fan motor. When you blast the AC, does the whine go away? Nice car and good price by the way.