Newbie Looking To Join The Family - BMW Forum

benji84 · 03-02-2005, 08:44 PM

Hi guys, i have been reading your forums latley day dreaming of the day i will own my own E36. I have found a 1994 325is coupe 5speed with 128k on it. Its from a dealer going for 6,900. Im sure i could talk them down some, but i was wondering if you guys think this could be a good deal if it drives good. What are some key things i should look for when i check it out. What might i expect to change shortly after on this car. And also what dose the S stand for in 325is (Sport)? Any feed back would be greatly appreciated. Oh btw if your selling let me know

mmclaren · 03-02-2005, 08:48 PM

Do a search heaps of key points to look out for.

and

benji84 · 03-02-2005, 09:00 PM

ya i did but the search sort of sucks, ill dig some more.

'89 635 csi · 03-02-2005, 09:10 PM

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BMWjesterFAN · 03-02-2005, 11:19 PM

Welcome to the Forums! Check out the FAQs for advice on what to look for when buying an E36 3 series. The mileage on the 325 you are looking at seems a tiny bit high, but like all the fine folks on this forum will tell you, if the car has been well cared-for, mileage doesn't really matter. One thing to be aware of though, is the particular year you buy. Stay away from the '92s if you plan on tuning the engine. Pre-VANOS engines have very little available for them. And the "S" stands for sport. The common misconception is that the "S" means you have a coupe, but there were also Sedans available as 325is. Hope this helps,
-Tim

benji84 · 03-03-2005, 01:10 AM

thanks for the advice, i was looking at a 92 and almost bough one from someone. But he said that it had a vanos engine in it. But ill see what the 94 looks like and how it drives and make my disicions.

illwasteyou · 03-03-2005, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by '89 635 csi@Mar 3 2005, 03:10 PM
to the BMW-Forums family!

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what he said.

Cruzin 323is · 03-03-2005, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by illwasteyou+Mar 3 2005, 02:46 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(illwasteyou @ Mar 3 2005, 02:46 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-'89 635 csi@Mar 3 2005, 03:10 PM
to the BMW-Forums family!

[snapback]302861[/snapback]

what he said.

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ya what they both said!! hahahaha

jshearer · 03-03-2005, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BMWjesterFAN@Mar 2 2005, 11:19 PM
Welcome to the Forums! Check out the FAQs for advice on what to look for when buying an E36 3 series. The mileage on the 325 you are looking at seems a tiny bit high, but like all the fine folks on this forum will tell you, if the car has been well cared-for, mileage doesn't really matter. One thing to be aware of though, is the particular year you buy. Stay away from the '92s if you plan on tuning the engine. Pre-VANOS engines have very little available for them. And the "S" stands for sport. The common misconception is that the "S" means you have a coupe, but there were also Sedans available as 325is. Hope this helps,
-Tim

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I have a 1994 325is coupe 5 speed and love it. I still think the "is" means coupe not sport, I have a "is" and it doesn't have the sport package on it. Every coupe I have seen is an "is" though and kelley blue book only shows coupes with an "is".
Regardless though the price may be a bit high depending on condition. If you go to kbb.com you can get an idea of what it is worth although demand for the vehicles puts that price a little higher. Since it is from a dealer you should be able to bargain a bit. I would definately check and see when the last tune-up/maintenance was done. There is inspection I and inspenction II and you are supposed to switch back and forth between the 2. They are not real cheap to have done and you may be able to get the dealer to do it before you buy the vehicle. My dealer quoted me $800 for inspection II and I ended up paying $500 to a different bmw specialist mechanic.

93 325i · 03-03-2005, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BMWjesterFAN@Mar 3 2005, 12:19 AM
... And the "S" stands for sport. The common misconception is that the "S" means you have a coupe, but there were also Sedans available as 325is. Hope this helps,
-Tim

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Not in the States. All E36 4doors are "i" and 2 doors are "is". The different packages that were available cannot be ascertained by the badge..Therefore a 4 door E36 w/ sport package will always be an "i"..