3-Series (E36)Chat relating to the BMW 3-Series from 1992-1999. Autodoodad
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Hello! First post here. I've been looking for a Porsche 944 for a club car (I live near No Problem Raceway) but today a 1993 BMW 325i fell into my lap.
It has 148,000 miles, but the engine and clutch feel good. Interior and exterior cosmetics are good to very good. A/C is cold, the windows work, etc.
I can buy the car for $2000 - I know a dealer taking it in on trade.
Is this a good year? I would use it as a semi-dail driver, as it would be a third car. I would probably NOT use this as a track car but would get some private track tutorial time in it as my other two cars are... less than high performance Volvos (S70 and 240).
Cheeeep, for the way your going to use it, if a mechanic says everything looks ok, then I'd go for it.
Ask if the water pump is plastic or metal, the plastic ones fail without warning so you need to put a metal one in there regardless if it's 'working fine now' or not.
Other than that, I'd check the control arm and RTAB bushings, and rear shock mounts (which are all semi-cheep replacements anyways)
Normally, when someone talks about a too good to be true deal on a Bimmer I always encourage extreme caution. But at that price, I would almost buy it automatically. IF it does wind up being a complete hunk of crap, you could part it out and still make money.
BTW, as the prior owner of Porsche cars, they are not to be taken lightly. While the normally aspirated 944 is much cheaper than most, one of those cars purchased for track use would be expensive to maintain...
My car is a 325i 4dr sedan/// and it almost has the same mileage as your potential car... anyway,, i would never let my car go for that price,, i wouldn't let it go for any less then 6k.. i know the car should be worth more then that, but from the fair market value//kelley blue book, u can't get any more cash for it... so, to answer ur question,,, i think what u have, is a salvaged car... u better check it out before purchasing,,, a mechanic won't be able to do this for u.. u have to look elswhere for the details.. like a vin#???
Seems like the type of car you buy out in the middle of nowhere in cash, no names. And when you ask for the keys they hand you a couple paper clips and a wire cutters...
Kevin
__________________ Kevin (President TBEA)
"WAAAAAAARRRRRIORS, come out to plaaaaay."
I have purchased the car. A little more background -
It is not a salvage or rebuild title, but it has been in two "minor" - carfaxes words - wrecks. No indication - welds or wrinkles - of said wrecks. Can see some well done repaint. I can't fault the car for two wrecks - in the past 11 years I've had more than two of those myself ghead
The A/C compressor took a dump. I have a good relationship with said dealer, who has a tech who used to be a BMW tech - parts and labor for a compressor (real BMW compressor, chinese drier, R-134) for $606.20 out the door.
No mechanical problems, no leaks. The radio & trip computer are crap, need replacing, it has two bad window switches (both rear windows on the master board) and it has bad tint.
Understand the dealer "gave" a lot more for the car on paper, but its "AC" = actual cash value is about $1500-1700 TO ANOTHER DEALER that deals in BMWs. At $2000 to me he made $300-500 over that, we both won. I figure I'll be in the car for $3K with the new A/C, radio and probably new tint, pretty necessary in southern Louisiana with a black leather interior.
All in all this looks to hae worked out well for me. Oh, and it has the metal impeller water pump
never buy a car that has been in a wreck. (and.. to infinity)...oh well, good luck to you.. now your paint is not oem paint.. so the chemistry balance is distorted.. i bet your alignment is not null center either,, too many issues, sell it and buy a used 1998 325i in good condition ,(from an old grandma or something)
This cars are great and dont have many issues i owned mine for 3 years and loved it. At this price consider no frame damage or ecessive work done to it sownds like a done deal.
Only thing 92-93 E36 are not good for are very weak floors. I pull the differential of my floor twice due to launching the car too much w/ very sticky tires. Bushings go bad, rubber connection at drive shaft engine side as well. Most complains I have heard and experience was weak floor.
Good luck to You. In general E36 is a great car. Now i own two M3s and a 325is and i love them.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pangris
Hello! First post here. I've been looking for a Porsche 944 for a club car (I live near No Problem Raceway) but today a 1993 BMW 325i fell into my lap.
It has 148,000 miles, but the engine and clutch feel good. Interior and exterior cosmetics are good to very good. A/C is cold, the windows work, etc.
I can buy the car for $2000 - I know a dealer taking it in on trade.
Is this a good year? I would use it as a semi-dail driver, as it would be a third car. I would probably NOT use this as a track car but would get some private track tutorial time in it as my other two cars are... less than high performance Volvos (S70 and 240).
Before you take the care to a track I would replace the rear strut mounts with E46 rear strut mounts or aftermarket ones, such as from Rogue Engineering or some other reputable BMW tuner/racer. You can split your rear strut towers open like cans especially if you are a "good" track driver.
This cars are great and dont have many issues i owned mine for 3 years and loved it. At this price consider no frame damage or ecessive work done to it sownds like a done deal.
Only thing 92-93 E36 are not good for are very weak floors. I pull the differential of my floor twice due to launching the car too much w/ very sticky tires. Bushings go bad, rubber connection at drive shaft engine side as well. Most complains I have heard and experience was weak floor.
Good luck to You. In general E36 is a great car. Now i own two M3s and a 325is and i love them.
nice to see you trying to help, too bad it's 3 years too late, i hope you all aren't that dumb lol
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