BMW experts? Some help...

[shaolinmonk]

Hey guys,

Wifey has always had an obsession with oldee BMW's (90's).. the boxier ones... white, 3 series, black leather, standard etc...

well before these suckers get too old for me to find.. what do i really need to know about getting one of them... i'm assuming 5000-8000 bucks..

i've never been much of a car buff.. i just care that it works.. this would really be a second summer (fun) car...

any with some advice on where to start...

i always here about the horror stories of BMW's costing a fortune to fix...

[booblehead]

I used to own 1991 7series ... very costly to maintain due to many problems with electrical issues. Got rid of it after 3 years.

If I were you .. move on to something else (with less headaches and wallet will thank you)

[bythehour]

I think that you're referring to the E36 platform? They are solid cars.

The stealership will definitely bend you over. But, if you have a good indy mechanic, the upkeep is quite reasonable. (Mind you, don't expect Honda/Toyota reliability.) There are certain "recurring" problems that are common for each platform (e.g., Rear strut mounts and autobox failures are problems for the E46). I'm not that familiar with the E36.

I highly recommend RMP Motors. Ask for Rocco. He is a stand up guy, very fair prices and very skilled work. Maybe he can set you up with one of his other customers who is looking to unload an E36.

Otherwise, you'll just have to surf Autotrader (but have Rocco do a pre-purchase inspection before you pull the trigger).

As a resource, you can check out www.bimmerfest.com, and look in the E36 forum. There is also a wiki for each platform.

[achanna]

hmm.. 3 series.. which one ?

318i
320i
323i
325i
325xi
328i
328xi
330xi
330.........

[001Stunna]

Hey guys,

Wifey has always had an obsession with oldee BMW's (90's).. the boxier ones... white, 3 series, black leather, standard etc...

well before these suckers get too old for me to find.. what do i really need to know about getting one of them... i'm assuming 5000-8000 bucks..

i've never been much of a car buff.. i just care that it works.. this would really be a second summer (fun) car...

any with some advice on where to start...

i always here about the horror stories of BMW's costing a fortune to fix...

Check this site out and you should find more info compared to in here...
BimmerForums (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/index.php?)

Problems wise it all depends how the car was maintained up to the point since chances are its going to have around 200xxxkm when you buy it

[Neb]

You lookin at the E30? or E36?

E30 ended in 1991, and E36 1992-1999.

[shaolinmonk]

hmm.. 3 series.. which one ?

318i
320i
323i
325i
325xi
328i
328xi
330xi
330.........

reality is it doesn't really matter as long as it's the best bang for the buck.. i'm not too familar with all the differences.. but aren't the 3 series all more of less the same besides some cosmetics.. or are the engines and parts signifigantly different?

and yes i'm pretty sure i'm looking e36 series... thanks everyone for your help so far...

[bythehour]

reality is it doesn't really matter as long as it's the best bang for the buck.. i'm not too familar with all the differences.. but aren't the 3 series all more of less the same besides some cosmetics.. or are the engines and parts signifigantly different?


oh no, they are much different (engines, drive system, features). you have a lot of research to do. happy surfing!

[shaolinmonk]

oh no, they are much different (engines, drive system, features). you have a lot of research to do. happy surfing!

i guess 318 and 328's because they seem like the most common so should be easier to find... well i have till the summer to find it lol...

[Pete_Coach]

I used to own 1991 7series ... very costly to maintain due to many problems with electrical issues. Got rid of it after 3 years.

If I were you .. move on to something else (with less headaches and wallet will thank you)
The OP was lookig for a 3 series, not 7 series. Different car eh?
hmm.. 3 series.. which one ?

318i
320i
323i
325i
325xi
328i
328xi
330xi
330.........
The difference is the drive train. He explained he wanted the 3 series "the boxier ones". The model is inconsequential to a person shopping for the body shape. There are all models out there for sale, with all the powertrains. I do believe thought that the most popular model was the 325.
I know dealerships may be asking more, but it is a very good place to start. You can ask the dealer to verify the maintenance and history of the car and they can often show you. This is not always possible from a private buyer. Sometimes, you get what you pay for.
When you are shopping, don't get hung up on BMW speak. E30, E36, E46 etc. You don't care. Because a person can use those model numbers does not make them a BMW expert. You just want the best used BMW for your money. I have owned a couple (a 1975 2002 and a 2005 325) and can say that a well maintained BMW, even if old, is a pleasure to drive. But you need to "drive" it if you want the get the best out of it. It is not a basic grocery getter.

[bythehour]

The OP was lookig for a 3 series, not 7 series. Different car eh?

The difference is the drive train. He explained he wanted the 3 series "the boxier ones". The model is inconsequential to a person shopping for the body shape. There are all models out there for sale, with all the powertrains. I do believe thought that the most popular model was the 325.
I know dealerships may be asking more, but it is a very good place to start. You can ask the dealer to verify the maintenance and history of the car and they can often show you. This is not always possible from a private buyer. Sometimes, you get what you pay for.
When you are shopping, don't get hung up on BMW speak. E30, E36, E46 etc. You don't care. Because a person can use those model numbers does not make them a BMW expert. You just want the best used BMW for your money. I have owned a couple (a 1975 2002 and a 2005 325) and can say that a well maintained BMW, even if old, is a pleasure to drive. But you need to "drive" it if you want the get the best out of it. It is not a basic grocery getter.

Not likely to get an E30 or E36 from a BMW stealer. They generally only remarket 3 or 4 year old cars; older trade-ins go directly to wholesale. If you want to buy an "internal" car (a vehicle that was sold and serviced by the dealer), you would be well-advised to establish a relationship with your dealer and ask him/her to keep an eye out for you.

No one is trying to impress with BMW-speak; Bimmer enthusiasts generally use platform numbers rather than model designations because the model numbers span multiple platforms and multiple years. It's just easier.

I wouldn't worry about encouraging the OP to "drive it". I find that I can't help but find reasons to drive. Even the grocery run puts a smile on my face :)

[BMWWW]

If you ever need someone to do a once-over for any BMW, the guys at RMPmotors are THE best guys to do it. They're far (etobicoke), but their track record is so worth the piece of mind.

Cross avenue auto's is another top-shop.

Cheers.

[bythehour]

If you ever need someone to do a once-over for any BMW, the guys at RMPmotors are THE best guys to do it. They're far (etobicoke), but their track record is so worth the piece of mind.

Cross avenue auto's is another top-shop.

Cheers.

RMP is in Etobicoke? I thought that the shop was in Milton (last I went in the Spring)?

Edit: Never mind, I just jumped on RMP's website. 427 and Steeles. Awesome, more convenient location.

[SkylineR34X]

I assume you are talking about E36. As many have mentioned, there are loads of models between 318i and 328i.

If your wife wants to get everything a BMW has to offer here are some very basic advices:

Get a Inline-6 engine (that's what makes a BMW BMW)
Get a manual (some of the autos (depending on which engine which year) are not as reliable) and afterall, it's driver's car.
DON'T get too much gadgets. more things there are, more things to break. After it's a BMW, you buy for the driving pleasure, not luxury items (luxury = Mercedes)

Some of the E36's do suffer from the rear subframe crack issue, make sure you get that checked. It is best to take the car to RMP Motors before you make the purchase, and the guys there are honest experts. Check e46toronto.ca and maxbimmer.com for their feedbacks

Other BMW problems are more electrical related (so not that big of a deal), and few of them do suffer from suspension problems.

I hope this is somewhat helpful.

[shaolinmonk]

thanks for the advice everyone...

http://www.trader.ca/powerpage/details.aspx?vlotid=1812821&adid=7417949

something like this i guess... but manual... looks like most of these are 4 bangers....

[bahasad]

I am also looking at the E36 as my next car. Based on what I found, the later years (1996+) are the best. Also I heard the 318I had more problems than the other series.
Overall maintenance is most important. Also minor electrical niggles are common, so don't be surprised.

Overall definitely not a Honda or Toyota, but imo the driving experience makes up for that. As soon as I move, I am planning on buying a sportier car, and the E36 and E46 are on my list. Most of the models you will be looking at will at least have 175K. Make sure they have been maintained (regular oil changes, brake changes, engine maintenance)

[BobyYoo]

my suggestion, dont buy anything lower than 325

I would love to get one of those e30 convertable. they are so hot.

[TenzoR]

my suggestion, dont buy anything lower than 325

I would love to get one of those e30 convertable. they are so hot.

something like this
http://www.maxbimmer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=113410