E36 320i Touring

[rassi]

Have been offered a '96 (IIRC) 320i Touring, 1 owner, some 220.000 km, almost full BMWSH, and mechanically in very good condition, with some scratches on the body work for 500 euro (I am in Belgium). As it would be my second car, and intentionally one that I would try not to get obsessive about, I am just interested in the reliability of the M52 (correct?) engine, but if I am correct, it is a chain and not belt driven OHC? For the price, it is pretty much just a question of dumping the car if anything goes wrong, but in fairness it drives really well and the purr of that straight 6 could is worth all of the 500 euro!

Any thoughts on whether this a feasible "beater" for a year or two?

[paoloh]

That is a great price!

Rip their arm off and enjoy the car.

Give the cooling system a quick check over.

[4rephill]

paoloh said:

That is a great price!

Rip their arm off and enjoy the car.

Give the cooling system a quick check over.

+1 . And yes, it's a timing chain not a belt.