Any feedback on E36 320 ?

[eokh]

Hi All

I am considering to buy a E36 320 whcih is about 12 yrs old

Any opinions to share about this car ??

Reliable ? Not reliable ?
High Fuel consumption ?
Aircon breaks down often ?
Drive shaft or gear box problems ?

any f/b will be heartfelt appreciated !!

thanks very much !!

 

[taizi_dominic]

Re: Any feedback on E36 320 ?

just got my e36 320 3 mths back and these are some feedback...

Reliable ? Not reliable ?
can be reliable...except for some wear and tear probs...

High Fuel consumption ?
definitely high consumption....

Aircon breaks down often ?
any 12 yr old aircon sure gotta replace one la...=)

Drive shaft or gear box problems
gearbox shd be still ok but probably have to re-con soon too...that is for auto...if manual shd be ok...

on the whole, its a nice car to drive and mod of cos...=)
wear and tear parts definitely have to replace after getting the car...

 

[gwumpkus]

Re: Any feedback on E36 320 ?

u just named the potential problems of any 12 yr old car!

the E36 320i should get around 8~8.5km/ltr consumption wise, auto tranny; depending on your driving patterns it could get better or worse..(usually worse..)

a properly maintained engine shouuld be generally prob free and a joy to drive (ask our friend Dominic here on the forum, who also owns an E30..)

same with aircon... which will set u back about $800 to repair (assuming a new compressor,cooling coil,dryer etc..)

auto-tranny wear is a major issue at this point of time in the car's life (ask me how i know...)..so get a manual tranny version if u can.. if u cant, well... recon boxes are about $3k..

that said, its still a blast to drive up and down the N-S, chasing E65's.....okok..i'm poking fun at Dominic for his recent brazen audacity on our trip up...

pick ur car carefully...u dun wanna end up with a lemon E36...it will be one huge lemon to restore.....

hope this helps.. if u wanna have a go at our cars, let me know.. my place has sorta become an unofficial gathering place, to zhng car, and relac one corner..

cheers

michael

 

[gwumpkus]

Re: Any feedback on E36 320 ?

hahha...2 replies at exactly the same time!!

 

[opvaulet]

Re: Any feedback on E36 320 ?

Thay are great cars. The M50 engine also lasts well, mine has done 330k, just run in I think. the structure is not quite as rigid as other BMW's , they twist and flex a little here and there. Handling and ride was state of the art then, and above average now ( Yes, they were way ahead of their time). Engine responds well to chipping, FC so so, had to find original condition car. That's why i went e34 instead.

 

[taizi_dominic]

Re: Any feedback on E36 320 ?

wah...hmmm...tt post have to be targeted at my 745iL stunt ah...hahaha...but well...do up the car nicely and it will be a great car to drive...like my e30...hahaha

 

[Ronkovic]

Re: Any feedback on E36 320 ?

wah...hmmm...tt post have to be targeted at my 745iL stunt ah...hahaha...but well...do up the car nicely and it will be a great car to drive...like my e30...hahaha

Oh yes... and if the 745iL wasn't enough, there was the X5 pursuit as well!
Hiyah, dude, for the meantime ar, we pick on Camrys that hog the N-S first lah OK?
Kekekekekeke !

So any programme at the Siglap "workshop" this Saturday?

Back to the Topic ...
Eokh, our E36 brothers have given you some feedback on the queries you asked. But just to add on, there may be some other aspects that you'd like to take note of as well:

- Check the condition of the rubber door and boot seals. Nowadays, the dealers always like to respray the car to give it a 'new' look, but its mostly at cheapo spray shops and when the seals and not put back properly in place or pulled out, they might loosen and deteriorate and you may find water dripping in when it rains or when you wash your car.

- As the car is about 12yrs old, you may also want to check the condition of the undercarriage bushings as well. Some may be due for replacement due to wear-and-tear.

- Like Dom has mentioned, there will be some wear and tear stuff to replace (depending on how 'on' the previous owner was in maintaining his ride) - These can include starter solenoids, fuel regulator , fuel pump, hoses etc.

 

[InFlames]

Re: Any feedback on E36 320 ?

Hahaha.... another one falls to the dark side.... set aside 5k for replacement of wear and tear stuff

But after you've gotten it running well, its a joy to drive!

Cheers.