help a brother out

[danieljames]

Hi guys and girls. I've recently been looking at purchasing a second hand E36 325i. The car looks to be in good condition with a neat interior. Can anyone give me some advice as to what I should look out for in terms of whether its a good but or not. Any input will be much appreciated. Thanks. You're welcome to email me at anytime. [email protected]

 

[Raybimmer]

Drivers door window mechanism working ok ? These give trouble , sometimes a R20.00 plastic clip broken !!
Noisy front suspension over bumps ? Lower control arm bushes and ball joints .
Engine temperature normal ? Water pump , visco fan unit , thermostat , thermostat housing , top water hoses , anti freeze used ?
These are a few , heater control issues , rust are also areas to check .

 

[abmi0000]

Looky here for general items

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=30550

 

[Doomsdaya]

Is it really worth buying a 325i when 328i prices are low right now ??? Depending on your budget I say check around for a 328i

 

[abmi0000]

Is it really worth buying a 325i when 328i prices are low right now ??? Depending on your budget I say check around for a 328i

True dat! :thumbs:

 

[mo_s]

sometimes if lower control arms not noisy..if they gone the wheel can vibrate as its not held tightly..can pick up the movement wen parked also jus push and pull the wheel...also wheel alignment probs...with e36's check alarm sensors...the boot sensor sometimes gets faulty due to worn wires between bood lid and car..not a difficult fix tho...I had a prob wit srs sensors on the seatbelts...check the oil sump plug if it isnt jus sealed on..the threads on the sump wear out and gotta re-machine them or get a new sump..and check the rear light bracket inside...these e36's had a prob with the bulb holders gettin too hot and meltin the fitting they fit into...if they tight and workin and u take the car cover the terminals on the bulb holders with foil...lol it worked for me...other than that jus look over the motor..fan...those hav 2 fans if im not mistaken..radiator..check theres no rust in the water..etc...noisy aircon can mean compressor pins worn which can cost aroun 5k at Harracks to get back to good condition..other than wear and tear the 325 and 328 E36's were awesome cars ...GL wit the buy

 

[danieljames]

Thanks a lot for the input guys. I'll make a note of all that. I'll see if I can find a 328 in as good nick as this 325