E36 318is - Any thoughts?

E36 318is - Any thoughts?

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Discussion

kenny320

Original Poster:

1,598 posts

251 months

Sunday 5th June 2005
quotequote all
I'm seriously tempted by a 99 e36 318is I've seen at a local garage. Only 26k on the clock. Is there anything I should know or watch out for with this beast?

I'm getting a test drive tomorrow and unless something is seriously up with the car I may well buy it, but I could do with a heads up about any model-specific issues.

Cheers
Kenny320

PS The 325i I tried was a no-go. The paintwork was bad enough to suggest that it was resprayed accident damage.

>> Edited by kenny320 on Sunday 5th June 00:35

douglasr

1,092 posts

278 months

Sunday 5th June 2005
quotequote all
Drive slowly over speed bumps - any clonks and you may need suspension bushes.

Check rear window seals for perishing

Check rear of front wing for corrosion (especially if mudflaps fitted).

Brake discs and pads are expensive.

Check for even tyre wear.

Check window drops and rises when door is opened/closed. Slow electric windows are a bad sign as the motors are expensive (but can go on slow for ages).

Check that the service history is genuine (phone the BMW dealer) - you can buy a reset tool on e-bay.

I bought a 5 year old example and ran it for three years. My Dad has used it for a further 4 years. Its now over 12 years old and apart from a little cosmetic rust, looks and drives like a car half its age and mileage - the benefit of a FBMWSH for the first 8 years.

Mmm - said the same thing a couple of years ago...
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=93251&f=72&h=0&hw=318is



>> Edited by douglasr on Sunday 5th June 22:41