NEED ADVICE: Buying Used '98 328i

[SequoiaSunset]

Hi. I'm new to the BMW world and I'm looking at buying a used '98 328i.

It has great options and 88k miles. My main concern is the automatic transmission and other "querks".

Can anyone give me any insight into what I can expect with this vehicle? or if it is even a good idea to get it?

Tell me everything... even the stupid little things. I've attached a pic of the engine. Thanks.

 

[Pete K]

Welcome, I have a 96 328i with 149,000 mi and have hade it since 43,000. The first thing everyone will tell you is to make sure the original water pump has been changed. The drivetrain on these cars is pretty tough (at least my 5speed is) but I've had some electrical problems, it has an appetite for front suspension components (I like to corner hard) and brake rotors. I recently came to a crossroads where I was either going to have to dump a lot of money into the car (exhaust, clutch, radiator) or sell it and have decided to keep it. That sweet, smooth six under the hood is the main reason. I have no regrets about buying this car and plan on putting many, many more miles on it.

 

[SKycity_BMW]

Welcome SequoiaSunset,

I'm with pete on this one . . . . Here's a web site with commom E36 problems . . . don't let this site scare you . . .

http://member.rivernet.com.au/btaylor/BMWText/technical/E36CommonProblems.html


Just remember there are alot of DIY sites to help you.

 

[BMWGURL]

My aunt has a 1996 328i. She loves it. She bought it used but certified from the dealer in 1998. It has about 90k on it now, and has never had any major problems that I am aware of. She could get a new one, but she has paid hers off now and loves it enough to keep it and enjoy not having a car payment. I haven't ever heard her complain about anything. She has regular checks, etc, done on it though and has only ran Mobil 1 through it since she has had it. I'd go for it if I were you.

 

[SequoiaSunset]

How much can I actually do myself?

Thanks to everyone so far. So more on this car. I've been reading and talking to people: One guy says that automatic transmissions are something to worry about in 3 series...

Also, another guy said his wife's eats brakes like crazy....

And this water pump thing... how much am I looking at for replacing it?

How much can I actuallydo myself? Can I do my own basic service on this thing or is it not for amatuers?

Any comments?

 

[Abdoman]

With 88k, the water pump was probably already replaced. If you are purchasing from the dealer that serviced it (or an individual), you can ask the dealer for the service record if you have the VIN.

If I remember right the E36 97-98 years were the most reliable (bmw worked out most the bugs).

I don't know about the tranny, but I have heard some people had to replace it, but they had about double the mileage this one does.

As for the brakes, it is really driver dependent.

 

[SequoiaSunset]

Thanks Abdoman... I'm actually a pretty gentle driver... but this will be my first BMW so who knows if I'll stay that way.

I've offered $11,373 on the '98 328i. If it checks out at the BMW mechanic, is this a reasonable price to pay?

 

[Alpine_325IS]

I actually bought a 95 325 couple of days ago, Its got 95K miles on it, and its really clean. There are some minor problems, but its a sweet car. some of my other friends also have bmws and they are all in love with their cars. Once you drive it you will never wanna drive any other car But I think you shouldnt get an automatic trans.

 

[SKycity_BMW]

I have a 92 325i - auto

I love it ! !

There are tons of DIY sites to help in the repairs of your BMW . . . as far as the tranny is concerned, I have heard that they are one of the most reliable trannys . . . I'm on alot of forums and people don't have that many tranny problems. I say go for it ! !

You haven't driven . . until you have driven a BMW.

 

[ryanf]

I don't think the water pump is a problem on the 98s. They switch back to the metal pumps before then end of the e36s.

The biggest problems you will have are electrical. And there will be a lot of them. Random sensors failing, brake lights not working, abs computer going on the fritz. When it gets cold outside, about half the exterior lights fail. I have to go around and tap on the plastic covers one by one to get them to light up. It's pretty annoying. My check control computer lights up with a different problem every time I drive the car.

I haven't had any mechanical problems.. yet. I noticed some condensation on my oil cap last time I changed the oil, and I've been very slowly loosing engine coolant, so I'm starting to get worried, but whatever.

 

[SequoiaSunset]

Time for the moment of truth

Well I'm scheduled to go and buy this BMW today and now my husband is second guessing it. He is worried it will be a bad idea and a maintenance nightmare. What is a good price for a 98 328i? If I could convince him we are getting a good price he might still let me get it.

So in clean condition and 88k miles what would you all say is a good price?

Thanks!

 

[pcy]

$11,300 is a good price for a '98 328i with around 85K miles.
Caveat: No body damage, no major engine/trans problems identified.
As for automatic transmission "querks", have the trans fluid and filter changed, it will be fine for 80K more miles. Problems with auto trans are blown out of proportion.

For reference, I paid (a year ago) $10,000 for a '97 328i with 85K miles.
The car has 105K miles currently, no major issues. I have done all of the preventive maintenance.

Good Luck

 

[fredo328]

Sounds like a good deal to me. I bought my 98 with 57,800 miles for $14,000. I have 80,000 on it now. I've changed the valve cover gasket and plugs myself (very easy job). The climate control was acting up, just added some solder on the connection to a capacitor (another very easy job). The '98s have the metal impeller water pump so no worries there. Guess what I'm saying is that this car has not been a maintenance nightmare and most if not all the work that may need to be done on it can be done in your garage. I am no mechanical genius, we are just fortunate that these cars are very easy to work on and there are tons of DIY write-ups out there on the net. Make sure you get a carfax on it, if your mechanic gives it a clear report than I would go for it. By the way, you'll love it.

 

[saintpcr]

Welcome, I have a 96 328i with 149,000 mi and have hade it since 43,000. The first thing everyone will tell you is to make sure the original water pump has been changed. The drivetrain on these cars is pretty tough (at least my 5speed is) but I've had some electrical problems, it has an appetite for front suspension components (I like to corner hard) and brake rotors. I recently came to a crossroads where I was either going to have to dump a lot of money into the car (exhaust, clutch, radiator) or sell it and have decided to keep it. That sweet, smooth six under the hood is the main reason. I have no regrets about buying this car and plan on putting many, many more miles on it.

My water pump went at 72k miles. Apparently its very common.