URGENT: Advice needed - Viewing the car Tomorrow morning

[Phoenix]

Hey guys,

I'm going to view a possible replacement for my vert tomorrow morning. I wasn't planning on selling her anymore but i've been wanting this 325i for quite a while and it's eventually become availabe.

It's a e36 325i 178000 km's, Vanos head, m coupe 6 speed gearbox, Custom sound install, m3 kit, 318is II wheels.

I know the current owner personally, but would just like to know if there is anything that i should watch out for on the car in terms of problems related to 325i motors?

Any help would be great!

 

[Salohcin]

Buying from friends..... I avoid that

 

[Phoenix]

Not a friend. My mechanic.

 

[///M335]

worse

 

[Coisman]

imp:
... and we all know what they say about a mechanics car... :mmm:
same as the preachers son, he's the naughtiest,
same as the panelbeater, his car is full of dents,
same as the dentist, his teeth are the most rotten,
same as the gynecologist... never mind on that one... :mmm:

 

[Phoenix]

It's not the first car we've bought from him and he honours come backs about stuff that was wrong before the purchase.

I REALLY just need advice about stuff that could be wrong with THE CAR.

---

@ Coisman, Not actually his car, It's his wifes. And she's a real :whip:

So the car is in great condition. I'm more worried about things that break on the car as a model, like 325 specific problems? Anything that you know to look out for on e36 325 motors?

Performance wise it leaves my 328 behind.

 

[Coisman]

imp:
Well you say there has been some tinkering with the head and tranny...
so I don't know, maybe someone else on the forum that knows the e36's better. :thumb:

 

[Threetwoeight]

Nothing you and he can't fix.
Stuff will go wrong from time to time
Enjoy it, fix it, enjoy it.

 

[Peejay]

325i motors are notorious for having head gasket problems so check the oil. Maybe ask for an AA test to be done. Also that check the control arm bushes front n back. And check the rear shock mounts, make sure that their not torn away from the body.

 

[Jandre]

The 2.5 from the e36 325 was really a strong motor.

I believe it is more reliable than the 328i. (Someone will flame me now).

lower control arms (same as any other bmw)

bothersome is the 1.5 star Euro NCAP on the e36.

I would love to upgrade my e36 to a e46 soon.

 

[Salohcin]

From my personal experience:

Check the VANOS, water and petrol pumps, thermostat housing.

At this age the cooling system likes to let you down.

Thats all I have from my side man, hope it helps you out.

Kind Regards,

 

[Phoenix]

Will write that down. Thanks Heven. Did you get the gearnob?

---

Thanks guys!

 

[Peejay]

Nope not as yet. I put in the track no on the post office website and its says its still at the Pretoria hub. So still waiting.
Good luck with this car bra. Its seem like its realy nice. Is the 6speed of the m coupe same as the m3 gearbox?

 

[Phoenix]

As far as i know it is yes. It's a close ratio box with a nice long 6th. Tried to buy this car last year and he wouldn't sell because he said he's nervous about my age but i've proved that i can handle power with my 328 and now he's willing. Please let me know when it arrives!

 

[Technician]

i would keep the vert-
serious.

 

[Phoenix]

Baby on the way......I know i can make it work with the baby, but add the condition of the 325 and the fact that it's 4 door convenience and it's outweighing the vert at the moment.

 

[JustNN]

:thumbsup: Family comes first, i love those 325i's motors

 

[Peejay]

Ok cool. Just make sure the gears take smooth especially when your pulling. M3 syncros arent very strong

 

[moranor@axis]

imp:
... and we all know what they say about a mechanics car... :mmm:
same as the preachers son, he's the naughtiest,
same as the panelbeater, his car is full of dents,
same as the dentist, his teeth are the most rotten,
same as the gynecologist... never mind on that one... :mmm:

Nothing wrong with the preacher daughter thou

 

[Coisman]

imp:
AMEN!!! Brother Moranor!!! :clap: