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      11-07-2007, 06:57 PM   #1
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buying an E36

Oh well, there are many used E36s out there, and I would appreciate if you could tell me some stuff that are needed to be checked before I buy.

Thanks
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      11-07-2007, 10:15 PM   #2
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have you tried searching the e36 forums for some common problems issues:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...splay.php?f=14
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      11-08-2007, 08:32 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWGermany View Post
Oh well, there are many used E36s out there, and I would appreciate if you could tell me some stuff that are needed to be checked before I buy.

Thanks
Cooling system is a POS. Inquire about when the last time the h20 pump was replaced and if radiator has ever been. Rear-sub frame was a weak spot too!
Good Luck.

btw..I saw a beautiful red E36M3 this morning.
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      11-08-2007, 09:37 AM   #4
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Rear upper shock absorber mounts tend to break and plastic parts of radiator should be checked.
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      11-08-2007, 06:09 PM   #5
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What kind of E36, an M3 or 318/325/328? Sedan, coupe or hatchback?

Hopefully one day I'll get to build one of my favorite project cars, a 97 318ti with a supercharged M3 engine and Dinan stage III suspension.

good luck in your search, check out the E36 boards, ebay and craigslist.
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      11-08-2007, 11:07 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by keysopendoors View Post
What kind of E36, an M3 or 318/325/328? Sedan, coupe or hatchback?

Hopefully one day I'll get to build one of my favorite project cars, a 97 318ti with a supercharged M3 engine and Dinan stage III suspension.

good luck in your search, check out the E36 boards, ebay and craigslist.
I am not really sure, but it could be an M3 I hope.


But thanks for all these, guys
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      11-09-2007, 03:42 PM   #7
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why an e36?
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      11-23-2007, 11:44 PM   #8
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My first BMW: '96 318ti ///M sport. Loved that car.
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      11-24-2007, 12:31 AM   #9
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hmm, a few things, mainly depending on mileage.

first off, tranny fluid. if the car is automatic, especially. bmw says the tranny fluid lasts "forever" but they really mean 100,000 miles. i had to flush mine at 90,000.

2. AC. make sure the refrigerant is still there and that the car is blowing *cold* (not cool) air. this can be easily overlooked (especially in the winter) on an older car and can be quite pricey to refill.

3. moonroof. there have been some problems with them on E36s. make sure it opens fully both vertically and horizontally (whenever just the back of it opens up).

4. if the car has power windows, make sure you try them multiple times. same goes for power locks and seats. i had some major problems with mine when i found the window mechanism (especially in the winter) can easily break.

5. other stuff you'd check on any other car. ask if/when the clutch was replaced (if manual car), shocks, brakes, etc. those are the things that you'll immediately feel are worn out when you test drive the car. you don't have to ask to replace them but you can bargain the price a bit more.

good luck!
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      11-28-2007, 08:50 AM   #10
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Check the rear subframe.
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