School me on 1994 bmw 318is E46
 

I'm planning to buy a 1994 bmw 318is E36
Never owned a bmw before and want to know
What to watch out for
Is it still worth to buy a 20yr old bmw

Thanks

1994 e46?

buy it.

wow.
much cool.
so rare.
very nice.
one and only.

A 1994 318 E46? Quite a rare car brah.

:derp:

I want a 94 e46 too. Does it have turbo?
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Sorry I mean e36

Cooling systems are maintenance items. Replace EVERYTHING every 80 to 100k. Suspension bushings/mounts are on the same schedule. Interiors are cheap and brittle. If you fall behind on the maintenance the car will basically commit suicide. If you don't the car will bring you many km's of fun, albeit, terribly slow in a straight line fun. They are easy to work on, every DIY under the sun has been documented and there is good aftermarket support. The e36 is also the best looking car in the history of the universe.:pokerface: What kind of money are you looking at spending on this e36?

just buy this one
http://www.revscene.net/forums/69279...-grey-met.html

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.n...33041742_n.jpg

Yep. Do it.

e36 owners correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the e36 line also suffer from subframe tears? I know a lot of pre-facelift e46 do and also e46 m3s need to get it welded/strengthened

I think it depends on the model. Most high power and tracked cars have had the issues, and early M3s. Late m3s were reinforced from the factory. Strut mounts should be reinforced as well as I've heard of the rear towers tearing. There are bolt in solutions though that are basically free.

Thanks for the awesome replies and advice
The car is just under 85,000k and just been serviced at a bmw
Deaer
It has a 5 speed manual, I think it will be fun even it only have a
140hp

My plan will just change to m3 front
And lowered it and rims ,not in the rush to do those yet

Very low kms. Nice. If the price is right, take it for a PPI and if it doesn't seem to be a time bomb, buy some tools, take the car home and have fun with it.

Very low for its year, I will check it out and find out more of its history and
If everything seems okay , I'll do a PPI hopefully it's in good condition,
Thanks for the replies and input

ah, the one at the bmw store?

Cloth manual sport seats... :sweetjesus: Has LSD as well. :sweetjesus:

it is a very balanced and fun car, but just to let you know.... that motor in the E36 chassis is extremely underwhelming :pokerface:

(or save the hassle with those mods and buy mine.... has all the stuff you want to mod on it. :badpokerface: )

Yes,that's the one
Selling point to me it's under 100k
Looks in good condition

hope you're getting a good deal!


the asking price is really up there!

Hopefully I could get a good deal thanks

I'll have parts for that car if you need

nice! i will let you know if i have the car soon thanks

They want $8900...? Yes a bunch more KM's but That 325i that Tofu1413 is selling has been set up way better, not to mention the 55% cheaper asking price and a 325 is obviously a much better platform than a 318...

318i is known to be less problematic than 325iS but it's a BMW you better not be a perfectionist or you have a very deep pocket and patience.

yup,they want $8900 ,thats why i havent pull the trigger yet lol
tofu1413 cars beautiful and set up nicely but it just has had lot of kms for me

this will be my first bmw and i dont want to have a bad experience, ever since i want to own one

It is a 20 year old car, honestly the mileage starts to be meaningless and recent work is more important especially things with bushings. There are things that needs to be done around this age.. just look at JAEMC's RX7.

I still have my 94 e36 that I bought new, it still put a smile on my face every time I drive it (a few times a year). A few things to take care of: make sure the AC is doesn't leak and well charged. If the shocks haven't been changed, you should do it after purchase (just simple Koni or Bilstein Yellows should be fine), also all the mounts.. which are plastic should be changed out. With a 1.8 I doubt the rear suspension mount will be torn. Try the ignition switch, make sure it is makes definite clicks and don't spin around. I find cars of that era, 16" wheels, ride the best and if you increase the aspect ratio if you want it to look "filled in".

It is such a simple car (relative to today's).. parts are plentiful and relatively cheap too. Not to mention I think there are more BMW specialized shops in town vs a lot of other marques..

If it is from BMW Store what is the warranty?