Thinking of buying '96 328i

[hog1014]

I have always wanted to get a BMW, but don't know a lot about them. I found a 1996 328i for sale. The price is $7,995.00 & has 60,000 miles. It seams reasonable based on Kelly Blue Book, but the car is in good condition at best. There are mostly cosmetic problems like cracked leather on the seats & worn door trim etc...
Can anyone tell me if what to watch out for mecanically on this year or this milage? or what are typical maintenance issues for this car?
Is this a good price for this car?
Thanks

[theogill]

I just bought a 98 328i about a month ago, with 50K, sport package, manual for 14,700. Very good cosmetic condition. My advice would be to get the car checked out (by a BMW shop) before you buy it. Last week I had to put $2300 in suspension repair, brake work, and new steering rack, alignment, etc . They also charged me 80 bucks for an oil change, and 80 bucks to rotate the tires (dealer did the work). Dealer = rip off, but I needed work done quickly and they're right where I work. I also replaced the brake light switch myself, thanks to advice from this forum.
Anyway, get it checked out by a competent BMW mechanic who knows the issues these cars come with. Historically they're very reliable.
I love this car! It's wicked pissah! :P

[jrhaile]

yeah get it inspected! The signs of cosmetic damage would make me worry because that would make me think that the previous owned did a shit job taking care of this car. These cars will run forever if they're taken care of properly.

[Deloriant]

Definetely get an inspection...that is dirt cheap. I bought mine last year for 15k - 96' 328is, admittedly it was in godly condition, with 80k miles though.

[Steinkek]

I bought mine 3 months ago and i payed $8,500 for mine with 156,00 miles on it. It is in great condistion. Only thing i have had to do is replace all the breaks. I think that price is either to good to be true or the person selling it wants to get rid of it fast.

[docrobot]

Welcome to the Forums!

I bought a '92 325i off of the second owner, who had young kids that are both under 10, and the interior was spotless!

I would suggest asking why there is so much wear and tear for this low mileage Bimmer. It might be a sign of other problems that you can't see...


If you buy this or another BMW, make sure you come back. This is a great place to talk and speak Bavarian!

[fredo328]

I too just got my '98 328 last month. 55,000 miles, $14,000, immaculate condition. It was a company car so the records were complete. Anyway, even with a clean CarFax, low miles and clean interior I still took it to get inspected cause you never know. So far only new wheels and tires and the shop replaced the fan resister for free. Welcome to the forums fellow noob.