Buying a 325i

[Kevin325i]

Hey this is my first posting on here so please don't go off on me if i do it wrong.
I've been reading the forums for a few months and finally think it's time for me to pick up a BMW of my own.

I've been looking at the 325i, I was wondering if anyone has or knows of a complete list of problems with the E36s from 92/93.

Also, if anyone has opinions on 92 vs 93 with regards to the vanos system I'd like more info on that.

Anything else you can think of for buying one would also be helpful.

Thanks,
Kevin

[jrhaile]

I have a 95 325i with 140k miles which I've had almost a year. I'll tell you what I've had issues with:

First car ran great all the way until winter. Once winter hit, shit broke down!

My altanator went out, but this could be because I added 2 JL Audio W3's with a couple huge amps and then a really sophisicated alarm.. I was probably asking for it..

Then I was having issues when turning slowly. Ended up being bad water pump which I'm told needs to be replaced all the time in e36s.

Then car started and then died immediatly on my one time and wouldn't start backup. Ended up spending 1000 on new plugs and wiring, new mass air flow sensor which needs to be replaced once every 75k miles.

Then about a month after that, car died on me again and wouldn't start. Found out that the car was randomly flooding either because of a fuel pump relay (which I replaced) or a sticky valve which I was told happens quite in bit with these cars in the cold. got a block heater and car has ran smoothe for 2.5 months now...

Brake light circuit error... spend 20 bucks on a new one and replace it...

The only advice I can give you is this: BMW's are the best cars on earth without a doubt, but be prepared to spend money if they break unless you do the repairs yourself. I know enough to be dangerous, yet I still perfer taking it to someone I trust. I owned a pos ford because of this and I've found that this is the easiest car to work on if you're familiar with cars. Go buy a chiltons manual for $20 and it'll save you a ton of money.

Also mechanically, these cars are the best, electrically, they have problems. Check EACH and every fuse in the car and I would recommend spending $50 and replace all of them with really good ones anyways. Good luck and post pics.

[Kevin325i]

Thanks for your insite jrhaile, but unfortunately the '95s look a little outa my price range ( hopefully less than 6500 something with around 140k miles.) Anyone else with similar stories about repairs of their e36?

I also found the FAQs section and was wondering if anyone could tell me how to check for the problems if the people have no idea what I'm talking about?

Taking it to a dealer each time I look at a car would be too much $$$ for me, but i definetly would if it was getting down to having the cash in hand working out a deal.

Thanks again

[lsmbino17]

i have 1993 325i and it has never had ay major problems accept little things with windows(not going up short circuit), it also has 93 k miles on it. It all depends on how the previous owner treated the car and how they drove it. I say go for it you will not be disappointed!!!

[Furious]

here is a link to the FAQ on this. .

*remember guys we have an FAQ forum*


http://www.bmw-forums.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=681

[Andrewsd1985]

I have a 93 and love it. If you get one replace the waterpump if it hasn't been done.

[Kevin325i]

Alrite thanks for the link Furious.
How can i check to see if the following are going bad:

-Sub frame failure
-ignition coils cracking
-rear shock mounts
-tranny mounts
- Outer ball joints go bad
- leaking or sticky VANOS unit
-rear toe in bushings
-broken fog light
-control arm and bushings