316i Info to a new member ????

Post Thu Jul 27, 2006 7:31 pm

just to say big hello and to get some help as i am a new member of the site very close to being a e30 owner finally after a lot of saving+buying and selling

but i just want to know really what to look for when im buying my beemer as its taken me ages to save enough to get one and dont really want to buy a lemon.at the minute im an apprentice car sprayer so i sort of know what to look for if its been in a smash but i dont really know much about the cars themselves except they look smart as f**k.all can get insured on due to my age is a 1.6 i know that they can handle pretty high mileage but can anyone tell me what other weak spots they have mechanically and if theres any common rust spots?? if anyone can help me out it would be realy appreciated and hope to speak to you soon.

Post Thu Jul 27, 2006 7:46 pm

Hmm, iv found that the biggest rust spot is in the boot in the driver side rear wheel arch by the fuel filler neck they normally get big holes here! Make sure you check this. Infact ask the seller if you can remove the boot lining maybe.

316i is a good car to start with. I had a lot of fun in mine.

Post Thu Jul 27, 2006 7:50 pm

Common rust spots would be:

- Scuttle at either side, to the outside of the plstic grille
- Rear Valance, offside usually, on the vertical seam weld.
- Inner rear arches
- Sills

Post Fri Jul 28, 2006 5:55 pm

thanks for your help people now im a bit clued up on the matter i can go out and hopefully find a good'un

Post Sat Jul 29, 2006 1:20 am

Maybee you should get a 318i as their isnt much difference in insurence.

Post Sat Jul 29, 2006 7:08 am

Between a 316i and a 318i you are as well to buy the car that's in the better condition, or failing that the colour you prefer.

Post Sun Jul 30, 2006 10:06 pm

its nice to have the little bit of extra poke from the 1.8 but would it be noticable to the 1.6? and also what is the economy like from the 1.8?

Post Mon Jul 31, 2006 5:12 pm

think i may have found the "one" its a J reg 318 touring 140k bmw service history + a few reciepts with handbooks spotless interior with only 3 owners from new t+t with the elecrtic pack + sunroof only drawback is a tiny bit of bubbling on the n/s part of the scuttle i mean tiny little finger nail size and a bit on the rear valance but wheel arch is relatively tidy gonna take it out for a test drive 2nite so fingers crossed it will drive like a good 'un

Post Mon Jul 31, 2006 10:57 pm

another thing to watch out for mate is the m40 engine 1.6 and 1.8 are prone to cam wear and sound tappety also avoid an auto coz in past experience i found mine very slow