Re: Thinking of buying an E36 328is...any opinions?

["Ron Buchalski" <rbuchals@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Al,

Considering that the E36 engines have hydraulic valve tappets, and are 
self-adjusting, why did you pay to have the valves adjusted?

Known issues with E36s include:

Rear Shock Mounts - these tend to wear out at 30-40k miles
Rear Trailing Arm Bushings - these tend to loosen up after 40k miles
Rear Trailing Arm mounting bolts - these can pull out of the chassis.
Upper radiator hose neck - plastic, will crack after 60k miles.  Check it, 
since age may also be a factor
Seat belt switch - when this fails, your SRS light will come on.  The switch 
tends to go bad over time.
Water pump - your car's water pump may have a plastic impeller, which WILL 
fail after 60k miles.

Change all lubricants - engine oil and filter, diff oil, trans oil.  That 
way, you'll have a starting point for your own maintenance.



Ron Buchalski
BMWCCA #76387
1995 E36 M3
1993 E34 525iT
1999 Mazda Miata


> Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2003 23:16:51 -0400
> From: "Al Floer" <cybercord@domain.elided>
> Subject: Re: Thinking of buying an E36 328is...any opinions?
>
> I'll add this to Alex's comments.  Since I have owned one since 98 with 26k
> miles on it, I can give personnel experience.  First of all, a car w/22k on
> it is good for some respects, yet problems waiting to happen.
>
> First:
> We have had little problems with our car, now at 86k miles.  Always did the
> Service as required and I took care of the other things that came up.  Like
> washing and waxing,  Brakes go out every 25-28k miles.  No engine  or 
> tranny
> problems what do ever.  I have just had the valves adjusted and the tranny
> serviced for fluids and filters.  Have had a couple of bulbs go out that 
> the
> dealer wanted $200 for that I fixed in 10 minutes and $1 for the bulb.
> Radio went out, but got fixed for $75.  Replaced the shocks at 82k.  Bilt
> all around.
>
> Now what to watch for.  The car has not been driven much so parts have not
> been used much.  Not good.  This car liked to be driven every day or so.
> Rubber, gaskets, and hoses wear out faster not being used than being used.
> If that makes sense.  So watch out for the stuff that has not been done.
> Check for all service records, if any, and all repair records for
> replacement parts.  Have a mach look over the car real good.
>
> $16k is a little high, but if is in great shape, it will last many years.
>
> Good luck
>
> Al Floer
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