Looking for advice on buying 91/92 BMW 318

[dmenace]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum, looking for advice on buying 91'-94' BMW 318. I just went to look at some cars at Textile Centre, Iguakarz and saw this nice looking 91' BMW 318. The company looked quite reliable too.

But when i asked around, people i asked all advised me against buying a BMW, because of very high maintenance costs, problems etc....they all said, get a mercedes instead...

However, i see so many old >10 yrs BMW's around nowadays, even in Malaysia, surely not everyone is that dumb to waste money on a car that gives them tons of problems right? Please advise.

I personally love the BMW and it has always been a dream.

Also, can anyone here help by sharing some advice on the difference between splurging on a NEW BMW and a >10year old one? What i mean is the new cars in singapore now go by ARF value at 75% below 5 years and goes down after 5 years whereas the second hand cars before May 2002 still have scrap value? for >10years old cars, can we get back cash for the COE rebate?

I don't quite understand the whole concept and difference. If I want to drive a car in Singapore and I wish to take a high loan with low downpayment eg. a BMW, is it more economical to splurge on a new car or a 2nd hand or a >10years COE car? Which makes more $$$ sense?

Thanks hope to hear from all of you

 

[ethanwendy]

well...as the fact is....those 91/94 car...they are reliable...part are cheap...cos there is a lot of recondition spare parts in the market...and as i noe..iguakarz are specialise in bmw and mercedes...if u got any prob...try ask the salesman for advice over there..personally..i noe a few guy there myself

 

[zamrin07]

dmenace,

Hi.....

If having a bmw is your dream, well mate i reckon u should go for it!! I'm driving a bimmer too. its my dream as well. currently driving 92 320i. For the maintenance, parts and stuff its not really a big deal man. Theres a lot of places whereby u can go and get cheap parts. Besides, the cost of the maintenance of the car depends on the way u drive too.

Btw, how long do u intend to drive a bimmer? if u intend to drive more than 5 yrs than getting a new one would be ok. For cars more than 10 yrs i think u can get a coe rebate. U can check with LTA for details.

Cheers.

 

[russo]

try not to go for a 91 model. Here are the reasons
Engine: overheating problems
Brakes: ABS hydraulic pump might fail
Gearbox: Starts to fail at 200,000km
Aircon: Evaporator coil leak
Steering: Bushings give way with slip ring squeaking noise
Front axle: Control arm bush and arm needs replacing
Rear axle: Wheel bearing noise
Fuel: Fuel pump failure with petrol needle shows zero

If possible always go for a brand new BMW.

 

[gwumpkus]

try not to go for a 91 model. Here are the reasons
Engine: overheating problems
Brakes: ABS hydraulic pump might fail
Gearbox: Starts to fail at 200,000km
Aircon: Evaporator coil leak
Steering: Bushings give way with slip ring squeaking noise
Front axle: Control arm bush and arm needs replacing
Rear axle: Wheel bearing noise
Fuel: Fuel pump failure with petrol needle shows zero

If possible always go for a brand new BMW.

'91 E36 got ABS?
gear box prob is DUE to fail...200,000 kms alrady..all seem to be nothing more than wear and tear problems that can be progressively done. if u're buying an E36 because of aesthetic rasons, and intend to keep the car, of course go get one thats properly upkept..otherwise just go buy a new car. after all the silly policies in sinapore means that we never keep our cars beyond its warranty period. a shame if u ask me.

good luck with your search.

cheers!

 

[loveE3series]

dmenace
i had the same trouble as u. friends kept saying its exp to maint. and upkeep. parts very exp....eg he told me brake pads cost a lot more than jap cars.........that is what keeping me away

 

[Julian877]

Re: Looking for advice on buying 91/92 BMW 318

Hi guys,

I have owned a 92 E36 320i for 06mths now so i can comments:

Generally,

1. maintainance for wear & tear parts like tyres the same as other cars, depends on the size, my is 225/...so cost a bit more. 2. Servicing can be done at BVO/Juz/ etc... for very reasonable price., but again for my 320, engine oil is 7lt, so cost a bit more. (I would assume 318 consume less engine oil)
3. Generally, BMW drink more petrol (I like the power..) therefore, burn a bit more fuel.
4. If you like modification, then $ is whatever u spend.

Operating Cost is definitely higher...then Japanese car *but nvr buy a Jap over 10years!~!

PROS:
BMW is BMW regardless of age, it give u the POWER on demand.

For me, I talk BMW all the time, so I have to have a BM. Once, you done it. then, you can move on...

 

[Bulls_is_back]

Re: Looking for advice on buying 91/92 BMW 318

I am also toying with the idea of getting a COE 318i manual. Like you say get the BM experience and move on.
How to tell a 91 from a 92?
Can you recommend good dealers for COE BMs?

 

[johnhiggin]

Re: Looking for advice on buying 91/92 BMW 318

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum, looking for advice on buying 91'-94' BMW 318. I just went to look at some cars at Textile Centre, Iguakarz and saw this nice looking 91' BMW 318. The company looked quite reliable too.

But when i asked around, people i asked all advised me against buying a BMW, because of very high maintenance costs, problems etc....they all said, get a mercedes instead...

However, i see so many old >10 yrs BMW's around nowadays, even in Malaysia, surely not everyone is that dumb to waste money on a car that gives them tons of problems right? Please advise.

I personally love the BMW and it has always been a dream.

Also, can anyone here help by sharing some advice on the difference between splurging on a NEW BMW and a >10year old one? What i mean is the new cars in singapore now go by ARF value at 75% below 5 years and goes down after 5 years whereas the second hand cars before May 2002 still have scrap value? for >10years old cars, can we get back cash for the COE rebate?

I don't quite understand the whole concept and difference. If I want to drive a car in Singapore and I wish to take a high loan with low downpayment eg. a BMW, is it more economical to splurge on a new car or a 2nd hand or a >10years COE car? Which makes more $$$ sense?

Thanks hope to hear from all of you

Hi, dmenace
I driving a 96 e36. Although currently I'm paying high monthly instalment >$1k (still with COE) and higher petrol BUT no regret as the handling and fun of driving the UDM.

U can come to join our reqular meetup for the e36 group to know more before committing yourself. (I also started from stock)

We can show you the rope for workshop, spart part etc.
As for gear box, I have posted in the bazaar folder. I have a e36 316/318 auto gearbox to let go which has just reconditioned less than 3 months ago (with proof of receipt)

 

[IS200]

Re: Looking for advice on buying 91/92 BMW 318

Get a 1992 or 1993 Mercedes Benz 190E 1.8 or 2.0. They are still made in Germany back then.

You can rest assured that these models will be less-expensive to maintain (compared to the BMW 3 series), after-market parts are more easily available from many parallel-importers of genuine parts in SG (no need to depend on C&C - perhaps more costly) ... and a Merc might even outlast any BMW built in the same year. The near end-of-cycle-life 190Es (up to circa 1993) are less problematic and have a very large SIG following too (esp. in Europe, Australia and the USA).

p.s. Do you know that Mercedes Benz Europe offers a 30-year service guarantee and any model can be brought for repair anywhere in the world. This is clearly stated in the owners' manual ... especially those parallel-imported ones here, brought in from the UK. What this means is that Daimler-Chrysler will assure 100% parts availability for even older models built in the 70's. Speaks a lot about the parts support you will get from owning a Merc.

I am not sure if the same kind of 30-years 100% parts guarantee (in writing), is being offered by BMW.

p.s. I do not currently own a Mercedes Benz, but am offering facts I am aware of.

 

[jawzsg]

Re: Looking for advice on buying 91/92 BMW 318

Demance,

I am not rich, so COE Bimmers are my choice because of its handling. I started with an E30, and try to switch to new car e.g. Japs, Ford etc. After few test drive, I took a '94 E36 and paid the COE. It's only a 316i manual but don't think the car has deteriorated too much. Still hit 195 kph top with 2 passengers (wife and kid).

Maintenance and upkeep may cost a little bit more but it is a reliable car. Power should be compatible but a bimmer is still a heavier car, so my entry level thingy won't shoot off from the lights. What prompted me initially is that I wanted a safe car when my wife gave birth. To tell you the truth, it is very additive, no other cars of similar capacity runs like a bimmer. BMW = Beats Mercedes Wholesale.

If you asked me what I will buy if I intend to change car, it will still be an E36 probably with higher BHP. No doubt about it. My wife will also give you the same reply.

 

[johnhiggin]

Re: Looking for advice on buying 91/92 BMW 318

Demance,

I am not rich, so COE Bimmers are my choice because of its handling. I started with an E30, and try to switch to new car e.g. Japs, Ford etc. After few test drive, I took a '94 E36 and paid the COE. It's only a 316i manual but don't think the car has deteriorated too much. Still hit 195 kph top with 2 passengers (wife and kid).

Maintenance and upkeep may cost a little bit more but it is a reliable car. Power should be compatible but a bimmer is still a heavier car, so my entry level thingy won't shoot off from the lights. What prompted me initially is that I wanted a safe car when my wife gave birth. To tell you the truth, it is very additive, no other cars of similar capacity runs like a bimmer. BMW = Beats Mercedes Wholesale.

If you asked me what I will buy if I intend to change car, it will still be an E36 probably with higher BHP. No doubt about it. My wife will also give you the same reply.

Mr JAW, Arrg...

What another e36 again!!! higher BHP!!!
No more mod available to your current ride (full M3 Kit liao)
BUT.......
install M3 under the bonnet
= Power

 

[jawzsg]

Re: Looking for advice on buying 91/92 BMW 318

Mr JAW, Arrg...

What another e36 again!!! higher BHP!!!
No more mod available to your current ride (full M3 Kit liao)
BUT.......
install M3 under the bonnet
= Power

Mr. Higgin, wah anyhow OT ka? How can install M3 under bonnet.. me not LTA share holder leh.... but wonder if the M5 will go in there....