Urgent Query on E36 (316i Manual)

Paikia44

Member
Hi Guys,

I was looking at this used 316i manual at a used car centre which was laid up and for sale.

The car (COE Aug 2011) condition was 'so-so' but for a 13 year old car, it is rather good. The chassis was in good condition and most of the knobs and handles are still intact. But the idling seems to be erractic but the engine wasn't vibrating. The dealer told me as the car had not been started for quite awhile.

Anyone can help me what to look out for such model? I reckon manual shift will be better than to get a autogear 318?

Thanks!
 
Re: Urgent Query on E36 (316i Manual)

depends on your preference....lazybums like me go for the auto...hassle free...hehe

well, u gotta decide what u want first
1.6 vs 1.8
auto vs manual
then u gotta consider your road tax payable
whats your budget anyway?

lastly, get some experienced bros to go shop with u.....the e36 guys i guess
can refer to our threads for the common prob we get, wear n tear and stuff
 
Re: Urgent Query on E36 (316i Manual)

Hi, Paikia

Why not consider getting a post 96 model if you are looking at 316. The post 96 model is using timing chain engine which is more responsive and can "loot" hard and not worrying belt snap for those older model.

There's lot of e36 with 10yr COE just renewed, yearly depreciate ard $4k. Best of all road tax is still less than $1k a year for the start comparing to those older bimmer.

Paikia44;153518 said:
Hi Guys,

I was looking at this used 316i manual at a used car centre which was laid up and for sale.

The car (COE Aug 2011) condition was 'so-so' but for a 13 year old car, it is rather good. The chassis was in good condition and most of the knobs and handles are still intact. But the idling seems to be erractic but the engine wasn't vibrating. The dealer told me as the car had not been started for quite awhile.

Anyone can help me what to look out for such model? I reckon manual shift will be better than to get a autogear 318?

Thanks!
 
Re: Urgent Query on E36 (316i Manual)

Paikia44;153518 said:
But the idling seems to be erractic but the engine wasn't vibrating. The dealer told me as the car had not been started for quite awhile.

Erractic idling could be due to the air flow sensor. Either its faulty or the adjustments are off. Another cause could be the intake hoses - If they're worn and cracked, it may also lead to erractic idling.

If you wish to get this car, you may wanna get the dealer to rectify this problem first. A new air flow sensor could cost over $600!
 
Re: Urgent Query on E36 (316i Manual)

OT a bit....
am having problem too with my car

only occasionally, I get the engine difficult to keep the engine running when starting up!!
then just giving it a good blow-job of above 4000rpm....
okie liao... what sort of problem is that??

Air Flow Meter too?? 600 bucks?? piangz...

thanks for your advise in advance!!!
 
Re: Urgent Query on E36 (316i Manual)

Thanks guys!

I actually like the e36 series outlook. Squarish to some but I personally find it very macho.

The car I saw body is in good shape, interior is decent enough, but as what was mentioned, what matters most is underneath the bonnet. I am not au fait with continentals and worried the repair costs will be a bomb.

I know there's some bahru renewed 3 series selling at only $4k dep per year, but I have doubts on owning any car for that long and being a COE'ed car, Im worried about the penalty the bank will impose as in my current ride.
 
Re: Urgent Query on E36 (316i Manual)

Anybody knows a thing or two on this particular E36 for sale? Anyone knows its history? I was told it served 6 owners before. Hmmm.... 13yrs 6 owners, not very healthy figure.

BMW 316I (COE till 07/2011) Details - sgCarMart

So tempting cos I always like this model. And being a manual shift! Wow!

But...... the gearshifter like very 'loose', can move side to side almost 8cm. And the driver side wing mirror control upside down. Press down it goes up, press right it went left, why's dat so? I'm worried on the engine part as I am a retard in Beemers. Any kind soul to advise?
 
Re: Urgent Query on E36 (316i Manual)

welcome to the E36 lovers club.....i love my black beauty to death but alas only got 5 yrs left.
thinking whether can extend to keep the car when its into its 20th year 5 yrs down the road cos its a real beauty.....hopefully got alot of idle cash to spare then to afford that and also to stop my wife from nagging
 
Re: Urgent Query on E36 (316i Manual)

it was advertised for $22800 in the begining without musking the number plate.now $18800 but number plate kena musked.I dont know why.
 
Re: Urgent Query on E36 (316i Manual)

dunno....could be prob car or else its dealer trying to cover up that fact that they been trying to sell off the car since long long time ago....
dun get fixed on just one car bro.....go see see look look
i got mine after looking for dunno how many months....
 
Re: Urgent Query on E36 (316i Manual)

map;153647 said:
it was advertised for $22800 in the begining without musking the number plate.now $18800 but number plate kena musked.I dont know why.

Maybe it's Red Colour Plate???
 
Re: Urgent Query on E36 (316i Manual)

Bro,
if manual then go for it. I was like you, thought old beemers could give headeache. Then i got my Manual 318 E36, and i love it too bits. Love her soo much. listen to our bruders and you;ll find the ride better than the present ones..just my 5 cents.
Runner71
 
Re: Urgent Query on E36 (316i Manual)

dealers like to claim low mileage, press the reset button and hold for your meter and turn the ignition switch n see whether meter reading have been tampered or not..
Happy searching :)
 
Re: Urgent Query on E36 (316i Manual)

To be honest the cost is more than 600 dollars,

To get it right ,i changed the whole system of the airflow ssensor,air intake,spark plugs...

it cost me 1300+
 
Re: Urgent Query on E36 (316i Manual)

From my personal experience.

I got my 1991 E36 318 since February 2007. Rapairs that I have done:

1. Gear Box, water pump and timing belt - $2,100 at Top Speed Motor
2. Aircon Coil - $500 at Shell Proserve

While doing trouble shooting for my intermittent gear problems:
1. ATF Flush - $400 at Shell Proserve

I am informed by my mechanic that my radiator has a slight leackage......there goes $$$$$

But ultimately, I had the most enjoyable ride with the E36 318. The feeling is even better than my wife's Mazdz 3.
 
Re: Urgent Query on E36 (316i Manual)

jin teck;153871 said:
dealers like to claim low mileage, press the reset button and hold for your meter and turn the ignition switch n see whether meter reading have been tampered or not..
Happy searching :)

Bro, the whole meter could be change to a lower mileage ones..........:uhhh:
 

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