So i got my first beamer...

[BMW Kraft]

and it's a '92 318i

I payed $4,250 for this 163K ride in California.
It has 5 speed manual with a sony 10 cd changer.
All the receipts are there and it's been serviced regularly.

It also has some upgrades: Bilstein sport shocks with Bavarian Autosport lowering springs, Racing Dynamics front and rear stress bars, Turner Motorsports engine performance chip, M5 rear lip spoiler, Racing Dynamics front spoiler.

Since I'm new into the grand world of BMW's please tell me what I need to know about any common problems or basically anything I should know about her.

Thanks ahead of time.

[drz]

If the records do not show it has been serviced recently, I would have a mechanic or the BMW dealership run an overall inspection for common things, such as spark plugs, fluids, etc. Check the subframe, given that early e36s have weak subframes. Check out the sticky here in the e36 section about things to check when piurchasing a used e36. Also read through the FAQs to get some more info.

Welcome to BMW ownership. Be aware that you need to pay special attention to your car, since it is 13 years old, and has many miles on it.

[theironm0nk]

chip upgrade no matter how many upgrades a 318i has it will always be bogged down by the oem chip

[Delmarco]

for a 1992...
you are looking at replacing the airflow mass sensor if it hasn't been replaced already. Cabin Microfilter, I bet your radiator is loose or sagging, Replace coolant fluids, Check Idle components, Fuel filters,

By The Way..That is alot of money for a 1992 318i with 163,000 on the odo. Can you post pics..I guessing it is in great shape...

I paid $5500 for a 1996 318i with 130,000 on the odo in june 2004...
see pictures of my car then when I took her off the lot:






and my car now:













And I probably can get about $7000 for my car if I sold it as is today...but it's worth more about $5000 in the blue book...
anyway I'm very curious to see what a 163,000 milage 1992 318i that sells for over $4000 looks like.

[BMW Kraft]

Guy was asking 5,000 for it.
Engine is in perfect condition cus his wife had driven it since 94 and we all know how "fast" women drive










I can always sell this one, what's the best place to get a good deal on a BMW like that? basically, where did you get a 96 for that price?

btw, automatics aren't too great

[thekid]

You need to check out the rear subframe and look into getting the reinforcement plates for it if they have not already been installed. They are a very weak point on the early E36s

[BMW Kraft]

where would I check the rear subframe (not sure where to exactly check for the reinforcement plates)?

got any pics?

[SpeedInfusion]

um yea subframe, my whole frame craked a few weeks ago cuz of the subframe and subfram bushings wearing out...

btw, obd1 318's are better,they actually have software upgrades, if you really want to get a better car for upgrades and speed, get a 325......

[WALSRU]

I just realized with that picture (the wheels in particular) that with my snow tires on people probably think my car is a de-badged 318 . . . hmmmm

Also if there's any clunking in the rear over bumps, then check the rear shock mounts too. They're pretty notorious as well.

Anyway, welcome! Looks like you're off to a good start.

[SpeedInfusion]

btw, is taht a dinan badge on the trunk? and a dinan strut bar?