328SE w/159,000mls. Buying advice?

[mekondelta]

Looking at a 328SE with 159k miles on the clock. It's an S reg so it's done a lot of motorway miles I'm guessing and has a full BMW history. Anyone have any links to buying advice on 328's and high mileage ones in particular?

Also, anyone know a BMW specialist near Basingstoke that will look over a car for a fee?

Any help greatly appreciated! Really want a 328, can't wait to get my hands on one but don't want to dive into the first car I see. This hurts! ;-)

[dell.k]

Do you know how late an "S" plate it is?

Basically, the 328 lump is pretty bulletproof as long as its been services according to what it wants.

The only thing to look out for is if it was made up until about May 1998 as it may be a Nikasil engine. It should have been replaced or fixed, but you never know.

Do a search on the web for M52 & Nikasil problems and you'll soon see what I am talking about / how to identify if it is or not.

Good luck mate, you'll love it when you get one.

[Church]

My old man has a 728i (1998 'S') and he's coming upto 160k in it's still going strong. Being heavier car would put more strain on it as well. Its serviced on the dot so just make sure the one your looking it has and it should be fine.

[vesuvius996]

To be honest I'd shell out a little more cash and buy something with half the mileage...

[mekondelta]

vesuvius996 said:

To be honest I'd shell out a little more cash and buy something with half the mileage...

It's up for sale at 2995 which is why it caught my eye....

[mekondelta]

dell.k said:

Do you know how late an "S" plate it is?

No idea but I'll check! Thanks very much!

[emicen]

Quick search on autotrader reveals there are a LOT of 96 model year 328's with under 100,000 miles going for 2995 or less. Is there something in the spec makes this one extra special or particularly desireable for you?

[Hereward]

E36 or E46?

[emicen]

Hereward said:

E36 or E46?

If its an E46, ask if you can get the real cars identity too

:edited cos i really need to learn my alphabet!:

>> Edited by emicen on Friday 21st April 14:33

[mekondelta]

emicen said:

Quick search on autotrader reveals there are a LOT of 96 model year 328's with under 100,000 miles going for 2995 or less. Is there something in the spec makes this one extra special or particularly desireable for you?

It was an SE basically...

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/

I'm also after a manual. There aren't many around...

[turbo tim]

dell.k said:

Basically, the 328 lump is pretty bulletproof as long as its been services according to what it wants.

This is right. As with pretty much any decent marque, buy on condition and service history. As long as it’s been well maintained, high mileage is nothing to be scared of.

dell.k said:

The only thing to look out for is if it was made up until about May 1998 as it may be a Nikasil engine. It should have been replaced or fixed, but you never know. Do a search on the web for M52 & Nikasil problems and you'll soon see what I am talking about / how to identify if it is or not.

Useful Nikasil info here….
http://web.archive.org/web/2004100919www.lestac.co.uk/bmw/nikasil.htm


“How to spot one” from our friends over at e36coupe.co.uk…..
www.e36coupe.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1770

Good luck

[stub]

I sold a top spec E36 328iSE manual for £1k last year with 214k miles as a trade in. The car you mention should come cheaper than £3k as it's be worth peanuts to the trade if you wanted to move it on. It should be a great motor, but will need a fair few wear and tear items budgeting for, like suspension bushes, wheel bearings, shocks etc.. if it's not been very well maintained. I had a history file with mine that was over a lever arch files worth plus a BMW SH.