E36 328i buying advice

[robbo86]

Hi, my dad is looking at an E36 328i.... is there anyone with any experience of these cars can pass over some advice on what to look out for on these cars

[darkchild]

Hi, my dad is looking at an E36 328i.... is there anyone with any experience of these cars can pass over some advice on what to look out for on these cars

Very, very good cars that still drive like new if they've been maintained well. E36's have the munchies for suspension parts so check this carefully. Knackered balljoints usually result in a clunking sound over drains etc. Springs are known to snap at the bottom coil as a result of mud/dirt etc building up there and rotting through. No individual item is particularly expensive but if you need dampers, bushes etc it can get costly. An E36 with fully sorted suspension is a superb drive.

Early E36's had dodgy trim issues but a later one like a 328i will be well built. My 1997 E36 has no trim rattles whatsoever.

The engine should be your biggest concern. Early ones had Nikasil coated bores that our (then) high sulphur petrol didn't like. Couple this with short journeys that don't allow the engine to heat up and many died an early death. It would be worth contacting BMW with the chassis number as they can confirm whether it has a nikasil or alusil block. Cars built after 03/98 aren't affected by nikasil. However, if a nikasil car has made it this far chances are its OK.

The later alusil blocks aren't without problems though. Overheat it once and its likely to be scrap. Check the cooling system is in good order.

Plenty of potential problems but a good one is an absolutely cracking car. A much more modern and refined car than an E30. Fittting a few earlier 325i bits and getting a rechip will unleash at least another 20 ponies.

[robbo86]

erm.... wow, thanks, that was far more then i was expecting, i believe this 328i has been lowered, but by how much i have no clue..... thanks i will pass this over, if there is anything more i might need anyone?