Need advice urgently on buying a 328i

[LPM320]

Hi Guys.

I have recently sold my 320i e46 and decided on an e36 328i.

I have been to see quite a few and have basically shortlisted 2.

One is a 1996 Manual with sunroof. Mileage is 174000km. This one has fsh until 2004. It does need some attention however. It needs gear linkage bushes, a new windscreen, the power steering has a minor leak and the handbrake needs abit of att. Its in excellent condition.
The guy wants R35000 for it.

The other is a 1998 auto with sunroof. 1 Owner from brand new, but has a mileage of 200 000km with fsh up to date. There is not much to do on this vehicle. This car is almost mint.

I am seriously considering the auto, the only thing thats creating doubts in my mind is the auto box. How reliable are these auto boxes at these mileages? My main concern is reliability and maintainance of these auto boxes.

Your feedback will be greatly appreciated guys.

Thanks

 

[Kisho135i]

For maintenance and performance you will have to get manual, you have no choice. With auto you will regret it. Just my 2c, use or buy a chappie with it, its upto you.

 

[Phoenix]

Manual, no questions asked. The Auto is going to more than likely start giving issues, will be heavier on fuel and much less fun to drive.

i Owned a 328i manual (the one in my sig), it has to be the most awesome value for money car ever! :thumbsup:

 

[BMW M]

Had 328i manual, drove the crap out of it, and only had to replace lower control arm bushes. Very bulletproof cars! Mine had 220000km on the odo when I sold her and all was still well and working 100%.

 

[LPM320]

Thanks for all the valuble input guys.

It seems that in the 328i, manual is king.

I think my mind is more or less made up now

Manual it is:thumb:

 

[MikeR]

AVOID AUTO.

I would also be careful with the older 328's, check out the hosing and cooling systems carefully.

 

[Diablo Jnr]

by the auto and convert t o manual dude...not a big slep to convert

 

[MFD 187]

buy auto and convert to manual , im sure that motor is more healthy

 

[Snoop328i]

I have an Auto 328i had no problems since i got it and it`s sitting on 327 000km. Plus i get about 500km to 550km on a tank :thumb:

 

[CraigD]

I've heard the following, and I'm not sure if it's true:

"Try and get '97 upwards if possible. Pre '97 had the aluminum block, which was sometimes prone to problems up around the 200 000 - 250 000 km mark, where resleeving, etc needed to be done to ensure longevity.

'97 and upwards come with a cast-iron block, which eliminates the problem."

True / False?

 

[Phoenix]

I've heard the following, and I'm not sure if it's true:

"Try and get '97 upwards if possible. Pre '97 had the aluminum block, which was sometimes prone to problems up around the 200 000 - 250 000 km mark, where resleeving, etc needed to be done to ensure longevity.

'97 and upwards come with a cast-iron block, which eliminates the problem."

True / False?

True.

 

[sidewayz]

(Today 01:35 PM)Silver_325i Wrote:
I've heard the following, and I'm not sure if it's true:

"Try and get '97 upwards if possible. Pre '97 had the aluminum block, which was sometimes prone to problems up around the 200 000 - 250 000 km mark, where resleeving, etc needed to be done to ensure longevity.

'97 and upwards come with a cast-iron block, which eliminates the problem."

True / False?



that is true, my advice would be to but the auto and convert to manual, it costs about R9K in total

 

[328ii]

Price of the auto..?

Get the automatic gearbox model and replace it with a M3 6-speed box

I drive a e36 1998 328iM manual and r happy with it

U will probably have to replace some suspension parts after purchase

8?>

 

[LPM320]

Hi guys.

Thanks for the speedy responses.

I had no idea that the pre 97 328i's had those aluminium block problems. This new infomation is a bit startling as the mileage on the 96 manual is 174000km.

The price of the auto is R40 000 but the mileage is 200 000km. Although it does have fsh up to current. I am buying the car as an everyday car so reliability is of great importance, and it is my only vehicle at this point, so converting from auto to manual is not really an option for the near future.

I am in a bit of a dillema as the 98 328i is an auto and (Auto box issues) the 96 328i (Engine block problems) is a manual. Most of the people i have spoken to advised me to stay away from the auto box. Is it true that the e36 came with 2 types of auto boxes, a 4 speed (pre 8/97) and a 5 speed (post 8/97).

Im due to pick up the 96 manual on thursday:dunno:

Your advice is greatly appreciated

 

[Snoop328i]

Post some pics if you decide which one you going to take
If you take care of your car it will take care of you :thumbsup:

 

[STREETRACER]

Price of the auto..?

Get the automatic gearbox model and replace it with a M3 6-speed box

I drive a e36 1998 328iM manual and r happy with it

U will probably have to replace some suspension parts after purchase

8?>

I would personaly go for the 5speed ZF box! you will shit your self if you knew how many GETRAG 6 speed boxes ive broken! They cant take the punishment of spirited snap changes! then here comes the joke its R2500 per syncro and R6000 for the selector shaft! ZF box you can flat foot shift every day the whole day and have no problems!

 

[PRAVEEN M]

Price of the auto..?

Get the automatic gearbox model and replace it with a M3 6-speed box

I drive a e36 1998 328iM manual and r happy with it

U will probably have to replace some suspension parts after purchase

8?>

I would personaly go for the 5speed ZF box! you will shit your self if you knew how many GETRAG 6 speed boxes ive broken! They cant take the punishment of spirited snap changes! then here comes the joke its R2500 per syncro and R6000 for the selector shaft! ZF box you can flat foot shift every day the whole day and have no problems!

I agree with you

 

[moranor@axis]

you could get an e90 or 1 series zf box but im not should how they fit the e36 if you can fit an e46 box to the e36 without any other changes then i can tell you exactly what you need to do...

 

[jagged]

I have an Auto 328i had no problems since i got it and it`s sitting on 327 000km. Plus i get about 500km to 550km on a tank :thumb:

:shocked: :shocked: :shocked: This car really is value for money...:thumb:

 

[Snoop328i]

I have an Auto 328i had no problems since i got it and it`s sitting on 327 000km. Plus i get about 500km to 550km on a tank :thumb:

:shocked: :shocked: :shocked: This car really is value for money...:thumb:

And the SAD :bawling: part about it i need to sell her to get a Family car.
Looking at getting a Touring, still a bit unsure :dunno: