Discussion
Afternoon All,
I'm thinking about changing my Mk3 Golf (93, L reg 1.8CL)in for an E36 3 Series.
My budget (hopefully) will be about £5-6k and the car will only be used for my commute to work (which will be under 4 miles once the office has moved) and for driving at the weekends etc.
Now i'd like leather, a manual gearbox and an M-Tech bodykit as I think they make the car look a bit more upto date!
The Girlfriend on the other hand is slightly more specific - It has to be dark blue with cream leather and have the M-Tech bodykit.
Now Which engine should I be looking for? I don't think I can afford an M3 (and to insure it!) a 328i looks tempting but will I find one in my budget? Are the 328's affected by the niksali issue?
Prices on Autotrader and PH seem to be all over the place!
Is there a huge difference say between the 320, 323 and the 328?
Above all, i'm assuming i'm better buying on the condition of the car, rather than mileage etc. Are they affected by rust etc?
Thanks in advance!
Phill
I'm thinking about changing my Mk3 Golf (93, L reg 1.8CL)in for an E36 3 Series.
My budget (hopefully) will be about £5-6k and the car will only be used for my commute to work (which will be under 4 miles once the office has moved) and for driving at the weekends etc.
Now i'd like leather, a manual gearbox and an M-Tech bodykit as I think they make the car look a bit more upto date!
The Girlfriend on the other hand is slightly more specific - It has to be dark blue with cream leather and have the M-Tech bodykit.
Now Which engine should I be looking for? I don't think I can afford an M3 (and to insure it!) a 328i looks tempting but will I find one in my budget? Are the 328's affected by the niksali issue?
Prices on Autotrader and PH seem to be all over the place!
Is there a huge difference say between the 320, 323 and the 328?
Above all, i'm assuming i'm better buying on the condition of the car, rather than mileage etc. Are they affected by rust etc?
Thanks in advance!
Phill
pmanson said:
Afternoon All,
I'm thinking about changing my Mk3 Golf (93, L reg 1.8CL)in for an E36 3 Series.
My budget (hopefully) will be about £5-6k and the car will only be used for my commute to work (which will be under 4 miles once the office has moved) and for driving at the weekends etc.
Now i'd like leather, a manual gearbox and an M-Tech bodykit as I think they make the car look a bit more upto date!
The Girlfriend on the other hand is slightly more specific - It has to be dark blue with cream leather and have the M-Tech bodykit.
Now Which engine should I be looking for? I don't think I can afford an M3 (and to insure it!) a 328i looks tempting but will I find one in my budget? Are the 328's affected by the niksali issue?
Prices on Autotrader and PH seem to be all over the place!
Is there a huge difference say between the 320, 323 and the 328?
Above all, i'm assuming i'm better buying on the condition of the car, rather than mileage etc. Are they affected by rust etc?
Thanks in advance!
Phill
I'm thinking about changing my Mk3 Golf (93, L reg 1.8CL)in for an E36 3 Series.
My budget (hopefully) will be about £5-6k and the car will only be used for my commute to work (which will be under 4 miles once the office has moved) and for driving at the weekends etc.
Now i'd like leather, a manual gearbox and an M-Tech bodykit as I think they make the car look a bit more upto date!
The Girlfriend on the other hand is slightly more specific - It has to be dark blue with cream leather and have the M-Tech bodykit.
Now Which engine should I be looking for? I don't think I can afford an M3 (and to insure it!) a 328i looks tempting but will I find one in my budget? Are the 328's affected by the niksali issue?
Prices on Autotrader and PH seem to be all over the place!
Is there a huge difference say between the 320, 323 and the 328?
Above all, i'm assuming i'm better buying on the condition of the car, rather than mileage etc. Are they affected by rust etc?
Thanks in advance!
Phill
Personally, for that sort of money, I'd say you'll be looking at the older cars (N/P plate) on relatively high miles (around the 90-100k mark) and a smaller (2 or 2.5) engine. although, as always, you may get lucky.
I really wouldn;t be too fussy about trim levels etc unless you're prepared for a wait or some travelling and, instead, concerntrate on buying a nice car.
As for engines, I test drove a 323 and a 328 before buying mine, and the difference was very apparent performance wise!
Nikasil only affected cars up to a certain year I believe (not sure which, but almost certainly the cars you'll be looking at, so make sure it's been dealt with)
I had an E36 323 Coupe which thankfully had the nikasil issue sorted. At the time of buying I was following the nikasil issue, I think it affected the cars up to about 1997 IIRC.
BMW used to be prepared to replace any necessary components re: nikasil probs, however I don't know if that would still be the case...
BMW used to be prepared to replace any necessary components re: nikasil probs, however I don't know if that would still be the case...
The 323 is supposed to be the best engine in the range ex the ///M.
Loads of E36's around at the mo, try and view a few then you will know which one is a dog or not.
Check the roof works properly as its not cheap to replace.
Check the suspension arms/bushs - common bit to go.
Check history.
Then drive round with the roof down and enjoy!
Personally I would leave it 1/2 months as they may drop in price a bit over the winter and people selling due the the xmas pressure!
Loads of E36's around at the mo, try and view a few then you will know which one is a dog or not.
Check the roof works properly as its not cheap to replace.
Check the suspension arms/bushs - common bit to go.
Check history.
Then drive round with the roof down and enjoy!
Personally I would leave it 1/2 months as they may drop in price a bit over the winter and people selling due the the xmas pressure!
pmanson said:
RobbieM-Evo said:
Personally I would leave it 1/2 months as they may drop in price a bit over the winter and people selling due the the xmas pressure!
Fingers crossed (finances permitting) i'll be looking to buy at the end of November after my office moves.
Have you joined www.e36coupe.com ?
They have a few coming up now and again that will suit your needs.
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff