Purchasing HELP! 1995 318i Auto. Opinions? Should I buy?!

[jchoi09]

Hi, I'm new to this forum.. but I need some help please! This is for all the experienced BMW drivers (which is most likely everybody on this forum haha )

Below is a link to the current ad.
1995 BMW 318i widebody

this is a craigslist ad that is in my area (Seattle) and I thought it is a decent deal. It has a wide body kit on it which I really like and regarding the scratches on hood and roof... I can get paint done for a pretty cheap price (friends that work in the autobody business) and thought that this car was really nice (for its price).

The owner is asking for $3500 (USD) but I'm sure I can cut it down.
But a few concerns I do have is how much should I expect on maintenance? I hear oil changes cost quite a lot for BMW's but I'm not an experienced BMW owner so some insight will be helpful. The interior looks quite clean and the gas mileage isn't that bad (much better than my current 1998 4runner).

Can I get your opinions on this car? If I should go for it or not. I am currently in talks with the owner (I have not seen the car yet but I will keep everybody updated on what he says).

Thanks a bunch!! The help is very much appreciated!

[Lord Vader]

The car looms great. The ACS front lip is worth a lot of ts a legit ACS one. Their are tons of reproductions out their though. The Reiger body kit is nice and not seen very often. He says he has done all the oil changes and regular services then he should have receipts. Ask to see them. If he claims he doesn't have any I would be very leary. You spend that much on your car, you should keep the reciepts.

For me, and oil change costs me $100 CDN. The oil filter is $15 at the Dealership and 7L of Mobile 1 0w-40 costs me $85.the oil capacity may be different on the 318. I get better fuel economy in my 328i then my wife's MPV minivan, which is also 6 cyl. Maintence costs are on par with what my truck costs. Basic things like filters and spark plugs are no difference. As long as lobg as you stay on top of the service intervals you will be fine i have seen an E36 with 600,000+ miles on it, so its proof they last forever. However the 318 is a 4 cyl and very underpowered. You will look cool but get beat by everyone and their civic.

Their are plenty of knowledgable people here who can help you with any maintenance or other questions you may have about the car. I personally find the 6 cylinder motors easier to work on but that's just my opinion.

As for price, unless the body kit and ACS lip is genuine and not a repro I think the price is too high. You can find in modded 325's for $1,000 sometimes. Keep checking classifieds and see what other E36's are selling for. If theirs a local BMW club ask them how much their cars have been selling for latley. The BMW club if America has chapters all over the US

[jchoi09]

on the ad it states that theres no front bumper currently...
do you still think the car is worth it? or should i try waiting for a different deal to come along...?

[Lord Vader]

I would find out why their is currently no front bumper. Its been in an accident get copies of the accident report. Find out if it was reported to insurance or of he's fixing it himself. Where I live any damage over $2,000 is required by law to be reported to the Police. When I t-boned a guy when he failed to stop the only damage was to my front bumper and trim, and the cost to replace and re paint everything was $2,500~.

Personally I would my buy a 318, because after owning a 328 it feels really slow. They made 325,000 E36's per model year, so their are plenty of em out their. Just do your research and get as much information as you can. If it seems fishy, it probably is.

[acid86]

I bought my '92 318is back in 2008 for $4500. I shouldn't have paid so much for it, as it's been a mechanical nightmare. Doesn't mean I don't love her though.

The price they are asking isn't bad IMHO, as long as you love the car. Try and see if you can take it to a mechanic and have them give it the once over and see if there are any suprise traps waiting for you in her.

Even if there are a few blemishes, as long as you think/know you can fix and or deal with them, go for it man.

Owning a car is about enjoying it, wether that means you haven't had to do a damn bit of maintenance to it, or if it's never left your garage.