BMW Newbie seeks advice on 3-Series before purchase

[john888]

Hello,

I am considering purchasing a 1994 BMW 318tds (4-door diesel engine) here in Europe. The car has approx 240,000km or 149,000miles. I’m sure that many forum members have loads of experience with 3-Series in general and perhaps this model in particular.

Is there a short checklist of problems (mechanical, electrical) that I should be looking for in this car?

Also, as it has 149,000 miles, what would you expect would need to be done in the next 50,000 miles?

As I have never purchased a Bimmer before, I don’t want to just buy the car without some knowledge of what I’m buying.

Many thanks,

--John

[karlos]

hi john . depends on how its been driven ive had 4 e36s in the past ten years and never had any probs although none of them had that sort of mileage . had my 328i now for 5 years and cant fault it thats on a 96 plate with 90.000 miles. i would shop around a bit i am sure u could find one with less miles . ps how many owners has it had?

[kepper2020]

I agree with the above post....

149,000 is a ton of milage if you don't know how it was maintained.

I would look for something with less milage.