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BMW E36 328I

M

MikeMike

Lifer
just looking to see what your personal feelings were for them, reliabiilty etc.

right now im looking for them and finding quite a few in my price range, but not many are just I's and a LOT are 2 doors, im looking for 4 doors which is much harder to find.
 
Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
My 2 door has space for 4 and the trunk is pretty big. The seats even fold down hatchback style for big loads.
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im not sayin theres a back seat difference, just ease of access to the rear seat is much better in almost any 4 door, and insurance is cheaper.

im not completely against a 2 door, if price is right, im not against it at all.
 
Originally posted by: DougK62
You'll spend a ton on repairs. BMWs are for people with money - even the cheaper ones.
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Agreed. If you can get a car in for warranty work, do it ASAP. We generally replace stuff left and right that cost a fortune. I mean, even the cup holders are worth a couple hundred dollars.
 
That's a solid car, the M50 engine is almost bulletproof. The only issue you may have would be the water pump, if it's the old plastic one. Try to get a manual, the slushboxes tend to go at around 150k miles if not serviced properly.
 
Originally posted by: joedrake
Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
practicality > looks to me, and the 4 doors look fine to me.
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So why are you getting a BMW?
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since when is a BMW not practical?

anyways, Loke, are you talking about any and all BMW's or have you had experience with better maintained E36's because from what ive heard, proper maintnence makes them run forever, plus the engine doesnt die.

most common issues are the early model E36's had plastic water pump impellers, and the fan can possibly shatter inside the bay... other than that, theres the normal issues any car can get, and then the weak rear shock mounts(i think thats right)

and someone i know has said his M3 costs less to run than his Subaru.
 
Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
anyways, Loke, are you talking about any and all BMW's or have you had experience with better maintained E36's because from what ive heard, proper maintnence makes them run forever, plus the engine doesnt die.
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I've had experience with any and all, but I can recall having a decent few E36's in. They're solid cars, as you and others have said. If you know how to maintain a car as it should be, you'll be fine.

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
most common issues are the early model E36's had plastic water pump impellers, and the fan can possibly shatter inside the bay... other than that, theres the normal issues any car can get, and then the weak rear shock mounts(i think thats right)
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Agreed with you and Asharus here. That plastic waterpump can be a PITA, but it's nothing compared to the overall cost of the car. It's a great vehicle, don't hesistate to buy it if you know how to care for it.

 
Originally posted by: LoKe
Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
anyways, Loke, are you talking about any and all BMW's or have you had experience with better maintained E36's because from what ive heard, proper maintnence makes them run forever, plus the engine doesnt die.
Click to expand...

I've had experience with any and all, but I can recall having a decent few E36's in. They're solid cars, as you and others have said. If you know how to maintain a car as it should be, you'll be fine.

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
most common issues are the early model E36's had plastic water pump impellers, and the fan can possibly shatter inside the bay... other than that, theres the normal issues any car can get, and then the weak rear shock mounts(i think thats right)
Click to expand...

Agreed with you and Asharus here. That plastic waterpump can be a PITA, but it's nothing compared to the overall cost of the car. It's a great vehicle, don't hesistate to buy it if you know how to care for it.
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i think im capable of caring for any vehicle, as long as it doesnt require me rebuilding the transmission or something, but even then, icould do that with help of my father. i have tools to do anything and access to anything else. but im looking for a car that wont be "in the shop" once a month, and it seems BMW's really dont have that many HUGE issues to worry about.
 
No, you shouldn't have problems like that. All I've ever seen them come in for are just brake servicing and that damn water pump, the latter doesn't happen that often either.
 
Originally posted by: LoKe
No, you shouldn't have problems like that. All I've ever seen them come in for are just brake servicing and that damn water pump, the latter doesn't happen that often either.
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yea, i believe the replacement for the old water pump is also now a metal impeller.
 
Originally posted by: LoKe
Originally posted by: Aimster
Those of you saying BMWs cost a lot to repair and are not reliable.. have you ever owned a BMW?
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They do cost a lot to repair, though problems don't often arise with them.
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Yes BMW do cost a lot to maintain. For the last 2 years I spend about $4000 on parts to maintenance and preventive maintenance on my E39 with 90K miles. I am probably good for another 60K miles without another major repair. I DIY most of the repairs. I can't phantom the labor cost associated with all those repairs. With being said, my BMW has not leave me stranded on the road. The key is maintenance and preventive maintenance. BMW's are not as forgiven as Honda or Toyota when it comes to maintenance. If you do plan on getting an E36 besure to find one with all maintenance records. One final note, BMW's are a blast to drive especially with a sport suspension.
 
Originally posted by: V00DOO
Originally posted by: LoKe
Originally posted by: Aimster
Those of you saying BMWs cost a lot to repair and are not reliable.. have you ever owned a BMW?
Click to expand...

They do cost a lot to repair, though problems don't often arise with them.
Click to expand...

Yes BMW do cost a lot to maintain. For the last 2 years I spend about $4000 on parts to maintenance and preventive maintenance on my E39 with 90K miles. I am probably good for another 60K miles without another major repair. I DIY most of the repairs. I can't phantom the labor cost associated with all those repairs. With being said, my BMW has not leave me stranded on the road. The key is maintenance and preventive maintenance. BMW's are not as forgiven as Honda or Toyota when it comes to maintenance. If you do plan on getting an E36 besure to find one with all maintenance records. One final note, BMW's are a blast to drive especially with a sport suspension.
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the weather outside today is scaring me... its making me want a convertible.

and yes, i will be looking for one with Maint Records, and will have a shop look at it prior to purchasing.
 
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