looking to buy a high miler e36 328i msport
Discussion
Hi,
I have been looking around for a 328i touring for a while now and have come across one that has everything going for it beside the mileage and some minor corrosion.
Its a late '99 msport touring with a manual gearbox, it has a full and comprehensive BMW/Indy service history, including inspection 1 & 2, religiously every year. It also has a very clean MOT history, passing the majority without advisories. It's had the brakes and cooling system replaced in 2014/15.
From the pictures and speaking to the seller it doesn't have any visible rot, though there is some slight corrosion under the car (this popped up as an MOT advisory in Oct 2016, but didn't come up on it's most recent test), "offside body has slight corrosion", I have spoken to the seller about this as he says the car is booked in for a service on the 22nd and they are going to look at it and take pictures for me.
Inside and out looks very clean and well looked after, it has A/C, heated seats, parking sensors, the lot. My only worry about it is, he is asking over 4k for it and its on 150,000 miles.
What would be your guys thoughts on this? It that mileage OK, as its fully backed up by very good service history, or is it too much money for a 150k+ car?
Is there any thing else I should be looking at with those sort of miles?
Thanks for taking the time to read.
I have been looking around for a 328i touring for a while now and have come across one that has everything going for it beside the mileage and some minor corrosion.
Its a late '99 msport touring with a manual gearbox, it has a full and comprehensive BMW/Indy service history, including inspection 1 & 2, religiously every year. It also has a very clean MOT history, passing the majority without advisories. It's had the brakes and cooling system replaced in 2014/15.
From the pictures and speaking to the seller it doesn't have any visible rot, though there is some slight corrosion under the car (this popped up as an MOT advisory in Oct 2016, but didn't come up on it's most recent test), "offside body has slight corrosion", I have spoken to the seller about this as he says the car is booked in for a service on the 22nd and they are going to look at it and take pictures for me.
Inside and out looks very clean and well looked after, it has A/C, heated seats, parking sensors, the lot. My only worry about it is, he is asking over 4k for it and its on 150,000 miles.
What would be your guys thoughts on this? It that mileage OK, as its fully backed up by very good service history, or is it too much money for a 150k+ car?
Is there any thing else I should be looking at with those sort of miles?
Thanks for taking the time to read.
Mint ones with less than 60k miles are going for around 10k currently, and thats the non touring versions which are less rare. So I think you'd be hard pressed to find a mint one for 4k. Just have a look in the PH classified right now.
Here's the ad FYI,
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Here's the ad FYI,
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Edited by tomo530d on Saturday 9th December 22:09
Edited by tomo530d on Saturday 9th December 22:15
I was expecting 200k+ from the title. It's only averaged 8k a year, far from 'high miles' really.
The above post is correct, it's an SE but I doubt there are many cars of that age that have been looked after and with that kind of history to back it up. I've always bought cars on history and condition and it's served me well, I've owned a Fabia vRS and Octavia vRS, both were 170k + and still running well when I moved them on.
This car has the history, you just need to look at it to see if the condition matches if it does then I'd have no worries going for it. I cant imagine many having less than 100k on them these days anyway and even less with that history. I'd rather this than one with 100k on but patchy history thats for sure.
Price wise I wouldn't have a clue but it sounds like you have that side worked out.
The above post is correct, it's an SE but I doubt there are many cars of that age that have been looked after and with that kind of history to back it up. I've always bought cars on history and condition and it's served me well, I've owned a Fabia vRS and Octavia vRS, both were 170k + and still running well when I moved them on.
This car has the history, you just need to look at it to see if the condition matches if it does then I'd have no worries going for it. I cant imagine many having less than 100k on them these days anyway and even less with that history. I'd rather this than one with 100k on but patchy history thats for sure.
Price wise I wouldn't have a clue but it sounds like you have that side worked out.
It's a 328i SE but had lots of options.
VIN WBACF12040EV16523
Type Code CF12
E Series E36 (3)
Series 3
Type TOUR
Model 328I (EUR)
Steering RL
Doors 5
Engine M52
Displacement 2.80
Power 142
Drive HECK
Transmission MECH
Colour FARNGRUEN METALLIC (386)
Upholstery LEDER CASUAL/BEIGE (P7SN)
Prod. Date 1999-04-22
Available upgardes
Spare/replacement key fob Check compatibility
Vehicle options
L812A National version Great Britain
P337A M Sports package
S214A Automatic stability control (ASC+T)
S246A Manually adjust. steering column
S277A BMW LA wheel/double spoke
S314A Door mirror / driver's lock, heated
S386A Roof railing
S401A Lift-up-and-slide-back sunroof, electric
S411A Window lifts,electric,front/rear
S423A Floor mats, velours
S428A Warning triangle and first aid kit
S431A Interior mirror with automatic-dip
S441A Smoker package
S465A Through-loading system
S473A Armrest front
S481A Sports seat
S494A Seat heating driver/passenger
S497A Centre armrest, rear
S498A Headrests, rear, mechanically adjustable
S502A Headlight cleaning system
S508A Park Distance Control (PDC)
S510A Headlight aim control
S520A Fog lights
S534A Automatic air conditioning
S542A Check Control
S554A On-board computer V with remote control
S669A Radio BMW Business RDS
S686A Antenna-Diversity
S694A Provisions for BMW 6 CD changer
S704A M Sports suspension
S710A M sports steering wheel, multifunction
S785A White direction indicator lights
VIN WBACF12040EV16523
Type Code CF12
E Series E36 (3)
Series 3
Type TOUR
Model 328I (EUR)
Steering RL
Doors 5
Engine M52
Displacement 2.80
Power 142
Drive HECK
Transmission MECH
Colour FARNGRUEN METALLIC (386)
Upholstery LEDER CASUAL/BEIGE (P7SN)
Prod. Date 1999-04-22
Available upgardes
Spare/replacement key fob Check compatibility
Vehicle options
L812A National version Great Britain
P337A M Sports package
S214A Automatic stability control (ASC+T)
S246A Manually adjust. steering column
S277A BMW LA wheel/double spoke
S314A Door mirror / driver's lock, heated
S386A Roof railing
S401A Lift-up-and-slide-back sunroof, electric
S411A Window lifts,electric,front/rear
S423A Floor mats, velours
S428A Warning triangle and first aid kit
S431A Interior mirror with automatic-dip
S441A Smoker package
S465A Through-loading system
S473A Armrest front
S481A Sports seat
S494A Seat heating driver/passenger
S497A Centre armrest, rear
S498A Headrests, rear, mechanically adjustable
S502A Headlight cleaning system
S508A Park Distance Control (PDC)
S510A Headlight aim control
S520A Fog lights
S534A Automatic air conditioning
S542A Check Control
S554A On-board computer V with remote control
S669A Radio BMW Business RDS
S686A Antenna-Diversity
S694A Provisions for BMW 6 CD changer
S704A M Sports suspension
S710A M sports steering wheel, multifunction
S785A White direction indicator lights
Thank you for above two comments,
The condition and history is what originally drew me to the car, however, it's will be the highest miler I've ever owned and buying it already at that mileage does sit at the back of my mind a little.
So its had most of the m sport bits added from the factory, does that include the body kit or has that been added by an owner at a later date?
The condition and history is what originally drew me to the car, however, it's will be the highest miler I've ever owned and buying it already at that mileage does sit at the back of my mind a little.
So its had most of the m sport bits added from the factory, does that include the body kit or has that been added by an owner at a later date?
Edited by tomo530d on Sunday 10th December 00:15
tomo530d said:
Thank you for above two comments,
The condition and history is what originally drew me to the car, however, it's will be the highest miler I've ever owned and buying it already at that mileage does sit at the back of my mind a little.
So its had most of the m sport bits added from the factory, does that include the body kit or has that been added by an owner at a later date?
I'd be far more concerned about the age than the mileage - if you're happy with an almost 20 year old car the mileage seems immaterial.The condition and history is what originally drew me to the car, however, it's will be the highest miler I've ever owned and buying it already at that mileage does sit at the back of my mind a little.
So its had most of the m sport bits added from the factory, does that include the body kit or has that been added by an owner at a later date?
Edited by tomo530d on Sunday 10th December 00:15
tomo530d said:
Thank you for above two comments,
The condition and history is what originally drew me to the car, however, it's will be the highest miler I've ever owned and buying it already at that mileage does sit at the back of my mind a little.
So its had most of the m sport bits added from the factory, does that include the body kit or has that been added by an owner at a later date?
The spec above is all factory fitted. Age doesn't matter to be honest - the E36 was designed to last a long time and with care they do. Very few F31 Tourings will make it this far. If you can really keep it clean and keep the rust out of it it'll last years.The condition and history is what originally drew me to the car, however, it's will be the highest miler I've ever owned and buying it already at that mileage does sit at the back of my mind a little.
So its had most of the m sport bits added from the factory, does that include the body kit or has that been added by an owner at a later date?
Edited by tomo530d on Sunday 10th December 00:15
£4000 is pretty salty though - a mate bought one 18 months ago (R reg 328i Auto Touring) with 75'000 miles and 1 or 2 owners for 1500 quid. I did a few bits to it (a good service really) and the A/C worked again with a shot of gas. I see this one here at £2500. It's an old E36, not the crown jewels.
iSore said:
The spec above is all factory fitted. Age doesn't matter to be honest - the E36 was designed to last a long time and with care they do. Very few F31 Tourings will make it this far. If you can really keep it clean and keep the rust out of it it'll last years.
£4000 is pretty salty though - a mate bought one 18 months ago (R reg 328i Auto Touring) with 75'000 miles and 1 or 2 owners for 1500 quid. I did a few bits to it (a good service really) and the A/C worked again with a shot of gas. I see this one here at £2500. It's an old E36, not the crown jewels.
I'm yet to see any e36 328i tourings for sale much less than 3k. The ones that are have low miles but questionable service history or exteriors that are full of rust bubbles or scrapes. £4000 is pretty salty though - a mate bought one 18 months ago (R reg 328i Auto Touring) with 75'000 miles and 1 or 2 owners for 1500 quid. I did a few bits to it (a good service really) and the A/C worked again with a shot of gas. I see this one here at £2500. It's an old E36, not the crown jewels.
Here's a few examples:
Looks clean but its an auto and the MOT history looks questionable.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1996-E36-BMW-328i-M-Spo...
No pictures but I contacted the seller and they emailed me some through, has quite bad rusting on one rear arch, plus many scuffs around the body, MOT history again questionable and doesn't have any m sport features and is generally lower spec.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
low mileage one lady owner in auto, no m sport features, questionable MOT history again, lots of exterior defects, rust and blemishes.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1997-BMW-328i-Touring-A...
Make of that what you will but I don't think the price is as cheap for these as what people think.
I know it's a newer model but I'm sure it's a similar situation as I've had with E46. They'll be 3 adverts, all three look good in pictures, say they're in good nick and well looked after. Two will be £1500 and the third will be £2500, so you look at the first two and find that they're actually a bit ropey, the pictures make them look good and they will need discs/pads/bushes and other boring stuff to tidy it up, often costing a fair wedge. The last one will have had all this stuff done and needs very little work. Majority will look to the cheaper ones, especially at the older, cheaper end of the market. Some people would rather spend the extra on a decent example in the first place. Very rarely will you get a car at 50% of the price of a tidy one and not need to spend on it.
Have you driven an E36 328i before? In all honesty, I would. I was not a fan of my 323i Coupe Manual and that was 40k less than this car with a brand new clutch and suspension. Both my mate and I reckon the E46 is a nicer car to drive. He still hasn't sold his E46 328i either; the 323i above was his.
But, it's a 20 year old car. Mileage is irrevelant at this point unless you are looking at sub 40kers. But then they would be far from perfect for daily use....
FWIW I'd dailying a Mercedes W124 250D manual with 188k on it and rising. No hassles as of yet and I've aleady put on 1300 miles in 1.5 months.
But, it's a 20 year old car. Mileage is irrevelant at this point unless you are looking at sub 40kers. But then they would be far from perfect for daily use....
FWIW I'd dailying a Mercedes W124 250D manual with 188k on it and rising. No hassles as of yet and I've aleady put on 1300 miles in 1.5 months.
I've really only ever owned old cars, the newest car being a 2006 (MR2) about 6 years ago. I've had an e30 318i and 325i, an e36 325i and just sold a 2002 e39 530d which I had for 5 years. The e36 325i I got for £700 and was pretty tired, I was young at the time though and just used to thrash it everywhere, it was reliable though and went pretty well considering the condition.
Can a car 3 years younger than my e39 really be that much worse?
Can a car 3 years younger than my e39 really be that much worse?
Me too. Modern cars are great when they work but I have a 2007 MINI that I'm trying to sort out with various problems - at 50k the car is near enough unusable scrap unless the issues can be fixed. Thank f
k it's not mine. I did the E90 thing and after a timing chain, Vanos unit, fixing oil leaks, a diff rebuild and a new flywheel at under 100'000 miles (when a good E36 is properly run in) I realised that you cannot run one of these things on a budget - they are always one expensive fault away from the breakers. I'd on;ly buy one for breaker money. i.e what I can get back for it in bits.
Disagree on the E46 though - they drive okay but have little real quality - just a veneer, a miniature E39 and with all the nasty problems and cheap components allied to generally rubbish design that can make them an utter bd to repair.
An old C Class estate isn't a bad shout, a W202 or W203 C280 estate auto that's been well maintained. They haven't been hit with the classic stick yet and you'll get a LOT of car for 2 grand. The C250 diesel five cylinder is one of the best diesels ever made, just superb. Look also at nice, sensible mileage 2.8 A4 Avants - a nice one (esp. a Quattro) is a lovely thing even at 20 years old.
4 grand for a 150'000 mile 328i just seems too much.
k it's not mine. I did the E90 thing and after a timing chain, Vanos unit, fixing oil leaks, a diff rebuild and a new flywheel at under 100'000 miles (when a good E36 is properly run in) I realised that you cannot run one of these things on a budget - they are always one expensive fault away from the breakers. I'd on;ly buy one for breaker money. i.e what I can get back for it in bits.Disagree on the E46 though - they drive okay but have little real quality - just a veneer, a miniature E39 and with all the nasty problems and cheap components allied to generally rubbish design that can make them an utter b
d to repair.An old C Class estate isn't a bad shout, a W202 or W203 C280 estate auto that's been well maintained. They haven't been hit with the classic stick yet and you'll get a LOT of car for 2 grand. The C250 diesel five cylinder is one of the best diesels ever made, just superb. Look also at nice, sensible mileage 2.8 A4 Avants - a nice one (esp. a Quattro) is a lovely thing even at 20 years old.
4 grand for a 150'000 mile 328i just seems too much.
SebringMan said:
Mileage is irrevelant at this point unless you are looking at sub 40kers. But then they would be far from perfect for daily use....
I'd use a 40k car every day, all weathers, put 100'000 miles on it and not lose any sleep. It's car to be used and if bought for the right money and well maintained, it'd be very cheap motoring.2001 A4 Avant 1.8T, 38'000 from new and less than half the price:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
iSore said:
2001 A4 Avant 1.8T, 38'000 from new and less than half the price:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Looking at the shine on that steering wheel, I think they may have missed a "1" off the front of the mileage....https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
iSore said:
I'd use a 40k car every day, all weathers, put 100'000 miles on it and not lose any sleep. It's car to be used and if bought for the right money and well maintained, it'd be very cheap motoring.
I guess this is where we differ. Even with BMWs or Porsche etc. I've seen just the scenario happen I talked about. I don't doubt for a second low milers sell better.I would quote examples but in this case it's pointless. I take it you have done this with a 40k car previously that's getting on a bit?
As for the OP, fair enough
. As always I'd try before you buy.Edited by SebringMan on Monday 11th December 15:30
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