What to look out for....?

[Trikster]

Mate of mine has asked me to go and look at a '97 3 series convertible this weekend as I allegedly 'know about cars'.. tho to be honest it's more what I learn (or otherwise) from here than anything major

So, question is, what can an amateur like me look for on this car to see if its a good 'un?

<Car>

If he likes it I've recommended he gets it professionally inspected, but its at a garage where he gets his car looked after and has had a 'crush' on it for quite a while as it is one of the mechanics car.

TIA

[528Sport]

Do a search for Nikasil, basically the nikasil block liners react with sulphur in petrol and wear out quickly resulting in poor performance, high oil consumption and hard starting. On a pre week 10 1998 car I would make sure the engine block has been replaced

Apart from that I know little about the rag top e36's

Check ALL the electrics work as well

Edited by 528Sport on Thursday 15th April 13:13

[road_rager]

It's never worth that money! Should be able to get 328i with leather for that sort of price surely?

Edited by road_rager on Thursday 15th April 13:26

[Ciaran]

There is a blue 328i Sport convertible on a 99 plate with 75k miles for the same money - much nicer car if you ask me.

I had one and it was a great car, sorry to see it go.

Also has a hard top IIRC

Edited by Ciaran on Thursday 15th April 14:06

Here it is:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

Edited by Ciaran on Thursday 15th April 14:08

Edited by Ciaran on Thursday 15th April 14:09