CL find: 1993 325i, cheap with rough running problem.

[nedfunnell]

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/3234613566.html

I am considering it for a DD if the rough running issue can be sorted out. In communication with the seller, the story is it was bought with an overheated engine and a good engine/trans combo was swapped in. It runs rough (since the swap, I presume) and the seller wants to be rid of the project. Seller suspects a wiring or ECU problem. Doesn't seem too shady- has not been put off by me asking a ton of questions by text message. Seller says he went over the car completely and replaced some other stuff- if all this is true, sounds like he wanted to make it a nice car but is frustrated with the rough running and wants to ditch it.

Thoughts on how to fix? Should I risk it?

 

[Doppel]

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/3234613566.html

I am considering it for a DD if the rough running issue can be sorted out. In communication with the seller, the story is it was bought with an overheated engine and a good engine/trans combo was swapped in. It runs rough (since the swap, I presume) and the seller wants to be rid of the project. Seller suspects a wiring or ECU problem. Doesn't seem too shady- has not been put off by me asking a ton of questions by text message. Seller says he went over the car completely and replaced some other stuff- if all this is true, sounds like he wanted to make it a nice car but is frustrated with the rough running and wants to ditch it.

Thoughts on how to fix? Should I risk it?

Bolded for truth. IMO if you don't know what you're doing/have a great idea on how to fix this i'd not bother with it. Is a great price, though.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Don't know about the running problem but there are a few things you might want to look for.

-Rear shock mounts, these are a weak spot on those cars. Replacements are cheap though.
-Sunroof, if it rattles you'll likely have to replace the entire thing. This was over $1000 at the dealership.
-Radiator, it has plastic inlet/outlet that is prone to cracking. Check for leaks. If it leaks, you'll have to replace the entire radiator.
-Dash computer, these are prone to failure but I don't think they were overly expensive.
-Make sure you run BMW spec coolant in the car or you might run into issues with the cylinder head and blown seals.

You'll definitely want to replace the shocks and struts if they are original too.

Overall, it's a decent car. Paint those grey lower rocker panels the body color for a more updated look. Paint looks quite faded too.

 

[manimal]

Did he say exactly what was swapped in? Was it same as stock? Check for cracks in the elbow past the MAF. Those can cause those symptons though I doubt someone who can swap a E36 engine would miss that. What would worry me is if all the low hanging fruit is gone the problem may suck.....

 

[SSSnail]

I'm probably the biggest BMW whore on this board but I'm gonna say stay away from this particular car, especially if you're going to count on it as a DD.

What proof does the seller has for the swap?

 

[nedfunnell]

I'm probably the biggest BMW whore on this board but I'm gonna say stay away from this particular car, especially if you're going to count on it as a DD.

What proof does the seller has for the swap?

Old engine in the garage?

 

[thedarkwolf]

automatic so pass The problem with these kinds of deals is it could be anything. Can you do a compression test and/or leak down test on the engine?

One of the guys I autox with bought an old red 318is that was faded to hell like that. He spent a day with a porter cable 7424 on it and it looked great afterwords.

 

[nedfunnell]

The seller says a compression test shows 160 on all six cylinders.

 

[halik]

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/3234613566.html

I am considering it for a DD if the rough running issue can be sorted out. In communication with the seller, the story is it was bought with an overheated engine and a good engine/trans combo was swapped in. It runs rough (since the swap, I presume) and the seller wants to be rid of the project. Seller suspects a wiring or ECU problem. Doesn't seem too shady- has not been put off by me asking a ton of questions by text message. Seller says he went over the car completely and replaced some other stuff- if all this is true, sounds like he wanted to make it a nice car but is frustrated with the rough running and wants to ditch it.

Thoughts on how to fix? Should I risk it?

He clearly knows what he's doing if he swapped the drive train/ checked compression etc etc and still can't track down the issue. Whatever the issue is, it won't be a simple fix, otherwise the current owner would've found it. It's also pre-OBD2, so not super easy to debug.

What makes you think you know more about bmws that this guy?