Advice for standing e36

[cratix]

Hi All,


I am considering taking over my dad's e36 328i but am wondering if it would be worth while.

The car has been standing in place for 7 years now. Initially there was an issue with alternator belt and she was just left there.

I have a sentimental attachment to this car and I am really leaning in to taking it over but don't know what kind of work would be required considering the car has been standing for so long.

So basically my question is:

What work would you recommend / advise be done to the car and is it worth while financially?

Many thanks all!

 

[Xeqtr]

Def gonna need new tyres,

Other than that i cant help you bud. Good luck

 

[danieljames]

Drain all the fluids. Cheap oil with engine flush, before using your decent oil. Coolant system flush. Brake and clutch fluid replacement. New filters all round. you'd have to check ALL fluid pipes for cracks. Most likely have to replace majority of them.

7 years.....Shu.....Wheel bearing might Be shot aswell. Wipers will be hard. Belts will need replacement. Tensioners will need replacement.

Check shocks for leaks.

Don't mean to put you off but that's just off the top of my head

Sent from my HUAWEI GRA-L09 using Tapatalk

 

[ChefDJ]

A car standing for 7 years because of a belt? Wha-?

 

[Nick]

Battery - just dead
bearings - grease dry
shocks - leaking or colapsted
disks - rusted
brake pads - brittle
tyres - cracked
ac gas - just gone
filters - all probably toast
sparkplugs - just
tank clean - old fuel is kak
exhaust - probably rusted
engine flush - old oil is probably sludge now

No telling what electrics might be like.


where was the car standing?

 

[Nikhil]

Drain all the fluids. Cheap oil with engine flush, before using your decent oil. Coolant system flush. Brake and clutch fluid replacement. New filters all round. you'd have to check ALL fluid pipes for cracks. Most likely have to replace majority of them.

7 years.....Shu.....Wheel bearing might Be shot aswell. Wipers will be hard. Belts will need replacement. Tensioners will need replacement.

Check shocks for leaks.

Don't mean to put you off but that's just off the top of my head

Sent from my HUAWEI GRA-L09 using Tapatalk

:withStu:

 

[Blert]

dont forget all the rubber bushes, diff carrier, suspension bushes ball joints control arm bushes etc etc.

 

[cratix]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

It's been standing in his garage.

It's a long story why it was left if it was just the belt, but we all know how things get amongst family.

From reading the comments I think it would be cheaper to buy another second hand car than take that one over.

I will go check the car myself this weekend, keeping in mind all the points mentioned.

Still though, I don't want it to go to waste seeing it also had the full motor sport kit too... :blueCry:

 

[ChefDJ]

Keep it as a project. Park it off and save up and DIY fix and save her :rollsmile:

 

[Nick]

Yea, if you dont have to pay for the car, fix her up slowly.

She was in a garage so at least the elements didnt get too her.

 

[Nikhil]

Agreed! buy it keep it under covers and restore it slowly. :coolShake:

 

[VictorMike]

I need pics before I make a diagnosis.

 

[Straight six]

Don't loose hope on her as yet broer...

Yes things will need changing here and there....

But if you going to pay 40-45k for another car....I'm sure 30k will get her up to scratch....

 

[uncle j]

I inherited my dad's E36 325i last year, also been standing for several years as he couldn't drive. I started her up, fixed a fuel leak and drove her slowly at first and seems okay. Battery and wipers are buggered but the rest seems okay for now.

Regards

J

 

[kilotango]

i would totally keep it and make a plan to get it sorted out slowly and in your own time. i've been looking around for a decent e36 the last few years..and they are getting rare now (at least where i am).

good luck, and post some pics if you can

 

[Pfw28]

Keep it and restore it, even if it takes ages. There is no way you will get that much car for what it will cost to fix and once it's done, you're good for many years to come. Can the same be said of some other vehicles?
All depends on the purchase price though, may make the investment too high!:ty:

 

[zippy320]

Hay bud!

I'm going through the same thing right now with my Mom/Dads W124 E320 thats been standing for more then 12 years in our garage .

The petrol is gone that's for sure , the Fuel level gauge might be stuck, the pump might be frozen . First most important step is to get it started . And see from there . But make sure you check out the cooling system as well , Change all the oils filters and fluids, Flush the cooling system . Put in a new battery . Clean up the spark plugs etc.

Its not all doom and gloom . The car can surprise you , for better or the worst . My E30 sat for years in the garage and it didnt take much for me to get it restarted . I even managed to solve its non starting issue and update its radio system to that of an E36! Many of the parts that were mentioned above might still be good , I had no issues with the shocks, brake pads , Bearings, etc So you may not need to replace these things right away.

If you have patience It can be a really fun enjoyable and educational project .

I know im having a lot of fun right now with the 124 . Take your time and restore her slowly .

 

[444YYY]

I agree with zippy!

It's a 328i, which has been standing for 7 years, the mileage must be low, and if garaged must be in decent condition!

For me, I would definitely take the plunge and get her up and running.

It's like a 'barn find'

Post some pics, would like to see interior condition etc.

Good luck

 

[KarshS]

We need pics :cartel:

 

[VictorMike]

We need pics :cartel:

:withStu: