Advice on buying an E36 328i (previously overheated)

[J-Peter]

Hey guys,

Hopefully someone can help? I'm looking at purchasing an E36 328i but it had blown a head gasket due to failed water pipe and overheated, the owner says the head is not warped and all is okay (head gasket is being replaced) but there is always a possibility. I'm really tempted as I sold my E36 325i and really shouldn't have, miss that car alot and this 328i is kind of my last hope - if this doesn't work out i'll probably buy a small Corsa/Bantam bakkie as it's what I should do but...

Am i biting off more than i can chew with this? Reason I'm interested in the car was because it is relatively cheap and supposedly in pretty good condition interior and exterior wise (haven't seen it yet though).

Parts for the bm's are expensive and finding a second hand head could be an issue plus fitting it is quite a job.

Any known symptoms of a warped/ cracked head I can look out for? I know if the head is cracked it would probably smoke and maybe have a sweet-ish smell and if the head is warped the new head gasket won't seal and will probably blow again but it could still last awhile before doing that which is not good for me as I wont be able to detect it before I purchase.

My budget is unfortunately very tight, granted the car will be running and all and supposedly in pretty good nic just knowing that it overheated makes me nervous, any idea on what you guys would pay and if I should just walk?

Any advice would be appreciated:ty:

 

[Oldman]

The National Consumer act basically says you need to disclose everything to the new buyer, who will have recourse in the 1St six months, as there is no longer a footstoets clause. As long as the seller is aware that should it leak during this time that he would be liable for the damages, unless he excludes that specifically in your contract and you agree to accept that there may be an issue. As he has disclose this Iam sure this would be an exclusion. You may want to draw up an agreement with the seller in this regard.


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[J-Peter]

This doesn't apply to private sales though does it? Even if, the ordeal of getting the owner to pay for an expense should anything happen would probably just end up costing me more money and time.

 

[Nikhil]

If its a cast block you will be ok. If its an aluminium block it will be very expensive. What are you getting the car for? If its like 25k and you willing to drop another 15k in it on condition its a cast block that should cover a secondhand head and some sundry items:coolShake:

 

[Oldman]

Yes it does apply to private sales if not excluded in the contract of sale and agreed that the buyer accepts the risk.


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[wikked]

tight budget + project car = :RedNo:

golden rule is always buy something is as good condition as you can possibly get it at. I can guarantee that you're going to need to redo the entire cooling system, sort a few oil leaks, replace suspension bushings and possible shocks... and that's just where the list starts on E36s...

 

[J-Peter]

Ahh okay, yea it's more like 35k... Plus wikked is right, I'm only budgeting for a possible head problem where there could actually be other things wrong. I mean I could be overthinking this (my E36 325 was solid, only thing that went out on me was a relay, never had any other immediate issues in the 2 years I owned it) and it could be fine and I could score but you never know, I could get burned plus for a student who's not working this is probably too much for me.

Corsa here I come:cartel:
Shot for the info guys:thumbs: