E36 316i Purchase advice

[Dishen]

Hi All

i found this on gum last nite.

http://durban.gumtree.co.za/c-Cars-Vehicles-cars-BMW-E36-316i-Manual-1998-model-W0QQAdIdZ395683401

whats your guys opinion on this buy?

what should i look out for when viewing the car?
should i buy , what are the commons issues and tissues with this model?cost etc etc

thanks in advance :ty::ty:

 

[LordPhoenix]

I've got an E36, there are a few quick things you can check.

Test all the electronics, Lock and Unlock the car, switch on the headlights (common issue) make sure they working, test the hooter,

Test drive it, Make a few full lock turns and listen if you hear anything from the Power steering motor, Check for oil around the power steering fluid tank,

Inspect the radiator cap for wear(Check the rubber inside the cap) Look for oil leaks where the car has been standing,

Rev the motor a few times and check for blueish smoke from the exhaust, Get the car up to speed and try stopping, do you hear any squeel, feel the pedal does it feel as if the pressure disappears under heavy braking. Does the car shudder or the steering vibrate during braking.

Check the control arm bushes, Test all windows an ensure they work and align correctly,

Inspect the interior, is the interior lining starting to bubble or peal on the ceiling.

Listen to the motor does it idle erratically or is it consistent

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

damn this car is neat, go check it out.

 

[Dishen]

I've got an E36, there are a few quick things you can check.

Test all the electronics, Lock and Unlock the car, switch on the headlights (common issue) make sure they working, test the hooter,

Test drive it, Make a few full lock turns and listen if you hear anything from the Power steering motor, Check for oil around the power steering fluid tank,

Inspect the radiator cap for wear(Check the rubber inside the cap) Look for oil leaks where the car has been standing,

Rev the motor a few times and check for blueish smoke from the exhaust, Get the car up to speed and try stopping, do you hear any squeel, feel the pedal does it feel as if the pressure disappears under heavy braking. Does the car shudder or the steering vibrate during braking.

Check the control arm bushes, Test all windows an ensure they work and align correctly,

Inspect the interior, is the interior lining starting to bubble or peal on the ceiling.

Listen to the motor does it idle erratically or is it consistent

shew thats a grocery list :rollsmile:

thanks bro, i will go check it out and report tomorrow. fingers crossed

---

damn this car is neat, go check it out.

i am going this PM.:thumbs:

 

[LPM320]

Howzit

I have already had a look at this particular vehicle some time back.

The car is quite neat, but if like me, you are after a mint example, then you are gonna be abit dissapointed.

The interior is exceptionally neat, with the leather in the back like brand new. Front seats are in really good condition, taking the colour (cream) into account.

What put me off:

- The clear coat on the car at a couple of places is starting to show minor sunburn, and hence some discolouration. It is not so noticeable because of the paint colour.

- The car was bumped in the front. The nose panel on the car is a pirate item, as it does not line up with the headlights 100%. Looks like panel replacement only though. No structural damage.

- There are oil leaks from the sump and oil filter housing.

- There was a lack of power on the test drive, with my foot being buried in the carpet 80% of the time.

- The owner thinks his car is gold and didnt want to negotiate very much.

Other than the above, it is a solid e36. Which is rare these days.

It is a good buy. But there is work to be done...

Hope this helps

 

[Dishen]

Howzit

I have already had a look at this particular vehicle some time back.

The car is quite neat, but if like me, you are after a mint example, then you are gonna be abit dissapointed.

The interior is exceptionally neat, with the leather in the back like brand new. Front seats are in really good condition, taking the colour (cream) into account.

What put me off:

- The clear coat on the car at a couple of places is starting to show minor sunburn, and hence some discolouration. It is not so noticeable because of the paint colour.

- The car was bumped in the front. The nose panel on the car is a pirate item, as it does not line up with the headlights 100%. Looks like panel replacement only though. No structural damage.

- There are oil leaks from the sump and oil filter housing.

- There was a lack of power on the test drive, with my foot being buried in the carpet 80% of the time.

- The owner thinks his car is gold and didnt want to negotiate very much.

Other than the above, it is a solid e36. Which is rare these days.

It is a good buy. But there is work to be done...

Hope this helps

howzit

thank you for the information bro.:ty:

after reading the review on this car, i think i will pass on this one.:thumbdo:

i rather wait for the right one.

please guys keep an eye out for me?i need a car ASAP.

:ty:

 

[Raybimmer]

If you wait for the right one ......They are around 15 years old so a bit of wotk will be needed .
Good luck .