HELP! Advice needed on 325coupe (e36)

[sean19]

Hi,

New to the BMW section as I dont own a BMW (yet?)

I am in the process of finalising a swop for a 1994 325 coupe, 130,000 with full M-tec kit. Quite a nice looking machine, for a Saxo VTS 73,000 miles (99)

Questions I need help with are:-

1) MOST IMPORTANT Am I right in thinking these engines are chain driven? (not belt) Do they require changing?
2) Are there any common mechanical problems to look for on these?
3) Is it possible to repair worn or torn leather bolsters on the drivers seat?

Sorry for the random questions but I tried searching and found no answers.

Thanks!

[sean19]

To add more detail the car has no service history.
Is this a no, no? it has 5 green lights on, so I assume thats a good sign?

Again sorry for all the questions, just a little lost on knowledge on 3series.

[E30M3SE]

Yes they are chaindriven, the chain does not need any maintenance UNLESS, it is rattling, either on start up or all the time.

Ordinarily if a car had no history at all I would walk away.... but your swopping it for a Saxo, so I may be tempted.

Five green lights are usully a good sign, but as the car has no history it could just be that someone has reset the service computer/lights without servicing the car.

[sean19]

Well I was going to walk away, but as far as servicing goes theres not much more than plugs/filters/oils are there?
So If I do these at a cost of about £80 (guess) for parts and I will do them.

I have verified the mileage on the car, HPI'd it and well,... Im swopping a Saxo for it.

Thanks for the advice, the biggy was if it was belt driven with no history.

[E30M3SE]

sean19 said:

Well I was going to walk away, but as far as servicing goes theres not much more than plugs/filters/oils are there?
So If I do these at a cost of about £80 (guess) for parts and I will do them.

Yes, but remember the service history shows a car had been serviced regularly as the manufacturere recommends, a car without any history and 130k may have only had 4 oil changes in which case trouble may be round the next corner.

[sean19]

E30M3SE said:

sean19 said:

Well I was going to walk away, but as far as servicing goes theres not much more than plugs/filters/oils are there?
So If I do these at a cost of about £80 (guess) for parts and I will do them.

Yes, but remember the service history shows a car had been serviced regularly as the manufacturere recommends, a car without any history and 130k may have only had 4 oil changes in which case trouble may be round the next corner.

Well I guess theres no real way of checking that out, other than judgement when I see the car. I know on paper it doesnt sound great, but I think heart is ruling head at the moment.

Just hope it doesn't end in tears!