BMW 3 series owners!!! HELP

[topher91]

Hey guys, I'm looking to get a 3 Series bimmer around 90-94. Generally, how much is the maintanence for these cars?? Like how much for gas, oil change, fixing small problems.....most expensive problems. As well, can you tell me what to look for in a 3 series when I go look for one like what are some problems that maybe hidden, or where can I get an honest vehicle inspection for one when I find one!!!

Thanks for the help guys, as well.....is anyone selling their bimmer that you know???

-Chris

[ryder_23]

Very expensive maintenance...arnt 90-94s completly different? Like arnt early 90s last era of the e30s, then after that like 93 or whateve e36? i cant think of it right now, but if so, it would be pretty diffeent.

[topher91]

Originally posted by ryder_23
Very expensive maintenance...arnt 90-94s completly different? Like arnt early 90s last era of the e30s, then after that like 93 or whateve e36? i cant think of it right now, but if so, it would be pretty diffeent.

I dunno I'm new to the BMW scene......as you can see in my Sig below that I used to drive a Honda Just moving up the car ladder slowly but surely buddy!!! Im asking cuz the ones I saw in the trader were 91's to 94's and they don't look too different from each other .........

[ACS-e36]

92 was the beginning of the e36's. the style in my sig below.
gas: premium ALWAYS
oil: dont goto dealer unless u got extended warranty or something. other than that you could doit your self or get somelese to do it. shouldnt cost too much more that changing oil on a honda.

main repairs:
new water pump, radiatior, thermostat
ball joints/tierods
rear shock mounts
rear trailing arm bushings

[ryder_23]

^^

ya i thought so...i'd recommend going with an e36, if you have the cash 95 m3 E36 are a pretty good bet on being reliable, but if u get something with high milage, just get ready to repair numerous basic things, like timing belt, and possible repairs like acs-e36 had. ANd its german, so fairly expensive, unless you know someone, or ur a DIU man.

[ACS-e36]

oh no...that repair list is common for all e36s
so far i had the first 2 happen both NIGHTMARES. the last two ill be doing when my suspension is done.
i dont reccomend getting the 92's because they did not have VANOS(bmw vtec) and there is less aftermarket support for the 92's

pm me!

[topher91]

So I found a 92 325 L for $9800, 5spd all pwr options, sun roof and it only has 134000 kms on it. Is that any good ??? price wise as well as kms ??? Also found a 92 318i for $9900 obo with 148000 kms. Let me know what I should be looking for!!!

Thanks for your help buddy!!!

-Chris

[ACS-e36]

check if the repairs listed above were done... get the I6 if anything

[Seanith]

does the 325 have a better engine than the 318? bump for my homey
btw chris you should get the all trac! turbo yo

[max_boost]

325 is 189hp 181ft llbs torque
318 is 140hp and 138 torque?

Anyway, just swap in a Euro spec M3 motor and you'll start kicking serious ass. Just talk to Rob aka E36S50B32

[three.eighteen.]

not a 318i, thats like 115 hp in canada, its a single cam
the 318is is 138hp, 129lb-ft...but still arse slow, so yeah get a 93+ 325, or just an m3

[three.eighteen.]

Originally posted by ACS-e36

rear shock mounts
rear trailing arm bushings

is this why the back of my car gets dumpy over speed bumps?

[Weapon_R]

Don't get a 318, the 325 is a world of difference.

Oh ya, don't buy the BMW if you've gotten used to the reliability of the Honda...

[topher91]

Originally posted by Weapon_R
Oh ya, don't buy the BMW if you've gotten used to the reliability of the Honda...

Good call, I still love all that is honda but I just don't want to drive them anymore. That's all i've driven all my life!! I've heard good and bad about BMWs so I'm willing to take a risk (that's what makes me different from the rest of my family!!!)

Thank for all the help guys, looks like if I'm to buy a Bimmer, its gonna be a 325i for sure!!

[ryder_23]

yeah, just remember if u get a 318 it will be like ur honda, only more expensive to repair. atleast with the 325i ur gettin alot more with same repair type thingy. Make sure its a stick, my friend had a 98 325 and a 99 328...i believe, both e36s anyways, and the 325 stick was quicker than the 328 believe it or not. Or alteast it felt that way :thumpsup:

[topher91]

Originally posted by ryder_23
yeah, just remember if u get a 318 it will be like ur honda, only more expensive to repair. atleast with the 325i ur gettin alot more with same repair type thingy. Make sure its a stick, my friend had a 98 325 and a 99 328...i believe, both e36s anyways, and the 325 stick was quicker than the 328 believe it or not. Or alteast it felt that way :thumpsup:

OH YEA, its Manual tranny!!!

Other than the engine can someone also tell me the major differences between the 318i and 325i??

[ryder_23]

Well any special packages with it? Possibly suspension, handles a bit better, better rims i think, most 318s i've seen even in summer have stock hub caps, unless u get others as an option when u buy.

[topher91]

This is a pic of the car I'm gonna look at tomorrow.......priced a little higher than the other 2 I found but hopefully the guy will give a better deal when he realizes that there are 2 other bimmers for less then his with less kms also!!! what do you guys think??

[ACS-e36]

Originally posted by three.eighteen.


is this why the back of my car gets dumpy over speed bumps?

probably! get it checked out

[ACS-e36]

Originally posted by topher91


OH YEA, its Manual tranny!!!

Other than the engine can someone also tell me the major differences between the 318i and 325i??

4 cyl vs 6 cyl
more power!