Some advice on a 1998 328i??

[geo1400]

Hi Guys,

Thinking about buying a 1998 328i. It's a nice looking car and from my knowledge of beemers looks pretty clean. Couple of things i'm not sure about which i'm hoping you guys might have had experience with.

The OBC display seems to have jacked in, it responds to the buttons being pressed but the display just reads random stuff.

There is also a light on in the cluster when you drive. It's on the far right hand side of the cluster and is red in colour. The guy selling told me it's something to do with the cats/emissions??? Anyone know what it is?

Also, I'm not too sure about what spec's were available but could someone tell me what the car is likely to be? It's a coupe, 1998, OBC, Leather interior, full OEM M3 kit including Steering wheel and fully Auto transmition.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks

[BadDave]

Depending on what mileage it's done,(m50 motor) the nikasil issue would have made itself known by now
if it's the m52 motor it uses alusil and shouldn't be a problem

Re the obc
I've heard that the traces on the boards can become a problem and need going over with conductive pant( can't confirm this tho)

Any chance of a pic of the warning light you mention?

Not too clued up on the E36
Becoming more knowledgeable on the E39 though

Try joining the Bavarianboard forums for firther assistance

[darkchild]

Depending on what mileage it's done,(m50 motor) the nikasil issue would have made itself known by now
if it's the m52 motor it uses alusil and shouldn't be a problem

A 328i has a M52 engine, not a M50. Only the 325i and early 320i's had the M50. If it's built before 03/98 it could still be on a nikasil block but may have been replaced by BMW under warranty. Cars built after this have the Alusil block but this is hardly a paragon of reliability - overcook it once and you'll be looking for a new engine (a common occurance with BMW's sh!te 90's waterpumps).

Give BMW a call with the chassis number and they'll be able to confirm the model and engine type. It could be a Sport from your below description but most of this can be retrofitted with ease. Sports also had 17" cross-spokes.