Going From E30 To E36, Just Need Some Tips

[marduk]

I'm going to be getting a e36 325is in the spring. I've been able to find them around the country for less then 6k with around 150-170k on the clock. High mile cars dont bother me sicne I will end up replaceing almost everything on it any way. But what I want to know is if there are any things to watch out for on the e36 that may cause trouble more sooner then latter. I'm more or less going to be droping all my winter savings in the just buying the car, so I want to be ready for anything that happens to come up.

I am going for a AT since it seems that it is the most common, and more then likely I will end up letting my girl freind drive it, and I refuse to try and teach her how to drive a 5spd since she blew up the e30's once already. I have full faith in BMW's trannys, but should I be ready to swap it out sice it is so high on age? Should I just go right ahead and put in a new TQ converter on it as soon as I can?

Thanks for any and all help.

Scott

[mech9T8]

Don't know how much I can help but here goes.
There are alot of things that may need to be replaced but if you can get your hands on service records they may have already been replaced.
Some things that come to mind are brakes, wheel bearings, water pump, bushings and/or ball joints, exhaust, oxygen sensors, and guibo (flex disc).
Some of these items might be fine, some may not. Get the car checked out before you buy it.
Also, I don't think the e36's have a torque converter.
Hope this helps.

[drz]

There is a thread in the FAQs dedicated solely to common E36 problems. I would go and check that out.

[marduk]

Originally posted by drz328i@Jan 3 2005, 01:00 PM
There is a thread in the FAQs dedicated solely to common E36 problems. I would go and check that out.

[snapback]263220[/snapback]

Thanks alot, I'll check it out

[drz]

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

[chowder]

e36 have a TQ converter...unless i got ripped by a stealership...