If the guy is asking 10,5k for it, it MUST look new! That is a little too high. I think 8k would be reasonable BUT it also depends on the market where you live.

As far as an e36 is concerned, the M52 is a great engine. I have it myslef in my 98 328i. I am pushing 150k right now. I do not leak any fluids and use VERY LITTLE oil b/w oil changes. I see no reason why it shouldnt be able to go the distance, 300k plus! BUT this depends on how well it was mantained. For that price there should be a detailed service history booklet!

As far as taking care of the car, it isnt hard to do many things and parts are reasonable if purchased online. Avoid the dealer! ?Unless it is for something simple, OR you need to have the part quick.

As far as upcomiong repairs, its hard to tell at that point. You need to check service records to plan things out. I would reccomened changing ALL fluids, not just oil and coolent but power steering, brakefluid, rear end fluid, clutch fluid etc. People rarely change these fluids and at 200k they should have been changed many miles ago. Fluids of any type break down over time.

Things to check: AC compressor, (Listen to the clutch as it engages, does it rattle, OR are bearings making noises? REbuilt compressor is b/w 600 and 800 bucks), Auxilary Fan unit (This is the electric fan in front of the air condensor, they typically fail every 100k or so, they way you can tell if this is working or not is to cut the air on at idle and look in the front grille to see if it comes on. If this dosnt work your air wil not cool very well at idle or slow speeds)

Check valve cover gasket. These can go bad as well, it isnt hard to replace, BUT it can cause a nasty leak. Check suspension. Front and rear struts, (you can look up in the wheel wells for leaks, etc.) Check upper and lower control arms, tie rod ends, dog bone bushings etc. These are probably worn if they have never been replaced, especially on an sport car as they are usually driven harder.

Get yourself an OBD 2 reader, or take it to someone who has one, and read the codes on the car. Even if the service engine light is off, someone can reset it to hide some lurking issues. Pulse sensors and O2 sensors go bad, look for that.

Be sure to find out if the water pump or fan clutch has ever been replaced. IF they have not, you will need to replace them. You have VERY LITTLE clearence b/y the clutch fan and the radiator. IF the water pump goes bad, it can create some play that will push the fan dangerously close to the shroud/radiator. IF it rubs, the fan will break and possibly crack the radiator. This happened to me once. 180 for an OEM radiator, 130 for a water pump, 100 for the fan clutch, 50 for the fan, 60 for the shroud, you get the picture. Also run the heater and check for coolent leaks.

As in all cars check drive belts (there are 2), brakes, etc.

Hope that helped some.

Adam Holland

1998 BMW 328i 5-spd, Black on Black, sport package. 140K

• Used BMW Purchase advice needed!!! - markymark 2007-09-22 03:06:36 (336 views)
  • Really steep! - ky7s 2007-11-15 18:36:29 (145 views)
  • I paid 9500 $US for mine, 1997 328i with Individual pack, in perfect condition (pic) - spearfisher 2007-11-09 09:36:11 (228 views)
  • Wow $10k sounds like a lot - kfister 2007-10-20 21:59:05 (197 views)
  • Re: Used BMW Purchase advice needed!!! - bmwadam 2007-09-26 12:05:28 (271 views)
  • Here is a link that shows you the most common problems on the e36 (url) - mahmudb 2007-09-22 05:20:11 (426 views)
    • phooey- they made it so you have to register first... i might have another- (url) - Mgood 2007-11-27 21:49:01 (144 views)
    • cannot enter there, must register first (nt) - shogun 2007-10-19 07:57:02 (160 views)