325i E36 Auto advice

[Tango222]

Hi all,

I've seen an e36 325i convertible automatic on a 93 plate which is up for sale. Been to see it etc, and it seems good however I don't know much about these so would someone be able to tell me what problems these cars usually have?

I know they seem to have a headgasket problem, any other issues??

Also what kind of mpg should I expect to be getting? Is 15-20mpg usual for these cars?

thanks!!

[silverback mike]

Hi Tango,
Generally pretty robust, the only engine problems were nicasil bore wear issues which basically necessitated an engine fix as the sulphur in uk petrol would wear the liners away. If yours is ok, its either had it done or doesn't need it. It would have shown up by now.

Erm, front suspension and bushes, they tend to be an item that gets replaced lots on e36's.... along with the climate control.

I think that's about it. not sure about the roof, as only ever owned TVR convertibles, and there was no point of having a roof on those anyway

Great old Beemers though, I've an E36.

[R6dug]

A 93 325i does not have the nicasil issues and are regarded as the stronger engine of the e36. So a looked after one would go on for a awful longtime. The only thing i would change is the water pump as BMW fitted plastic impellors which can fail. Replace with a steel one for piece of mind. As said above check suspension bushes and any clunks when taking up drive.

Simon

[Tango222]

Thanks guys,

Would one of these be suitable for a lpg conversion? Will the engine be up to it??
Thanks.

[silverback mike]

yes, it will handle lpg, even the sequential set up.

[Nigel Worc's]

Have a chat with the guys on here :

http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/default.asp

I think tin worm is an issue on E36's

Edited by Nigel Worc's on Saturday 31st October 22:57

[4rephill]

Nigel Worc's said:

Have a chat with the guys on here :

http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/default.asp

I think tin worm is an issue on E36's

Edited by Nigel Worc's on Saturday 31st October 22:57

E36's don't have a reputation for any serious rust issues that I've ever heard.

Rear wheel arches can get rusty due to mud and muck getting trapped between the two skins but most other rust issues tend to minor cosmetic ones.

Have a look around and see how many rusty examples you see.

[Pentoman]

I heard rust could be a problem.
Yesterday poking around an H-plate 325i - at a scrap yard in its defense - was surprised at the rust showing at the back/rear, some major holes only visible with the boot open. And a good fair bit around other areas. To be fair at 19 years old it's not dismal but I was surprised. Still a lovely car it was, even sat in the scrappy.

192hp from the 325i, and in about '93 they got a TU after the engine number which means they have vanos, I believe that's correct. This version of Vanos not a risk/issue.

[Nigel Worc's]

4rephill said:

Nigel Worc's said:

Have a chat with the guys on here :

http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/default.asp

I think tin worm is an issue on E36's

Edited by Nigel Worc's on Saturday 31st October 22:57

E36's don't have a reputation for any serious rust issues that I've ever heard.

Rear wheel arches can get rusty due to mud and muck getting trapped between the two skins but most other rust issues tend to minor cosmetic ones.

Have a look around and see how many rusty examples you see.

I have !

Its a difficult subject, because it all depends on who has owned it, how they've looked after it or not.

I've always found the E36 to be a "bit nothing", I prefer the 5's, but its all only personal preferance.

Even my very well looked after two owner,12 year old, only 88,000 mile from new, full bmw service history E34 now has a couple of scabs appearing from inside the front wings. (it now has 138,000 miles on it, and is 13 years old)

E36's have a habit of rusting in the area between the rear arches towards the rear seat (coming forward of course), lift the rear seat cushion and make sure its bone dry under there.

[R6dug]

Nigel Worc's said:

4rephill said:

Nigel Worc's said:

Have a chat with the guys on here :

http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/default.asp

I think tin worm is an issue on E36's

Edited by Nigel Worc's on Saturday 31st October 22:57

E36's don't have a reputation for any serious rust issues that I've ever heard.

Rear wheel arches can get rusty due to mud and muck getting trapped between the two skins but most other rust issues tend to minor cosmetic ones.

Have a look around and see how many rusty examples you see.

I have !

Its a difficult subject, because it all depends on who has owned it, how they've looked after it or not.

I've always found the E36 to be a "bit nothing", I prefer the 5's, but its all only personal preferance.

Even my very well looked after two owner,12 year old, only 88,000 mile from new, full bmw service history E34 now has a couple of scabs appearing from inside the front wings. (it now has 138,000 miles on it, and is 13 years old)

E36's have a habit of rusting in the area between the rear arches towards the rear seat (coming forward of course), lift the rear seat cushion and make sure its bone dry under there.

agree with Nige always check the rear arches and the jacking points on a E36.

[Nigel Worc's]

Fancy a soft-top E21 instead ?

They are quite rare now.

http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TI...

(no connection to the seller)

[Bill Carr]

By contrast, my '98, 125k mile example is totally rust-free, as was a similar age/mileage coupe a friend sold recently. I think it really does depend on how well they have been looked-after as well as a little bit of luck tbh.

In my anecdotal experience the earlier cars (early-90s) tend to suffer more from surface rust, but at 15+ years old and of a (likely) price-level where cosmetic maintenance is less of a priority to the ownership demographic, is it that surprising?