My first BMW - advice needed.

[Chillii]

Hi everyone

I intend to buy my first BMW and have seen an L reg e36 320i with 125k on the clock.

Are their any Nikasil/Vanos/Cambelt issues with these cars?

What else should i be looking for apart from full service history and general condition of the car.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[E30M3SE]

The E36 320i around that time had the M50 which has single VANOS so there will not be any Nikasil issues, the double VANOS M52 engine 1995-1998 was the one with issues. The engine also uses a chain opposed to a belt so nothing to worry about there unless the chain is rattling. Rust is something to look out for on the bootlid and along the sills. If it's a good example it should still drive fairly tightly.

[phoenixblend]

I hear the head gaskets are prone on E46 - certainly in the 318 but also cheap to replace (about £300)