Looking at 96 328i, What to look for

[kleinstick]

I am looking at buying a 96 328i from a non BMW dealership. Is there anything I should look for. The car has 85,000 miles it looks very clean. The engine did sound a little rough when I srarted it. The transmission also seemed to jerk the car more that what I am use to. Is this any indication of a problem How can I check if the tranny is ok. What is the scheduled maitenance between 85,000 and 100,000 miles.

Thanks

 

[Pete K]

My 328i has 154K and is running strong. I wouldn't expect any problems at all with the engine or tranny at less than 150K. Make sure the water pump has been changed by the previous owner, the originals don't last too long. Check the brakes, these cars can go through pads or rotors pretty quick. Every 30K BMWs should go through a comprehensive check called an Inspection II so your 90K check is coming up. It usually runs at least a few hundred dollars. Other than that there's not too much to worry about.

 

[theBMWenthusiast]

ya, next service is at 90k, will run a couple hundred bucks, i would say just run a carfax report on it or request one from the dealer

 

[Big Foot]

E36 Buyers Guide

Read April/05 edition of Bimmer Magazine.
They have a buyers guide for E36's.
It is very comprehensice and, I think, discouraging to anyoned presently either owining or purchasing a E36 Series.
I traded in my 1999 328i CAB just before the BMW Certified Series Warrenty expired.

 

[BMWdude]

Read April/05 edition of Bimmer Magazine.
They have a buyers guide for E36's.
It is very comprehensice and, I think, discouraging to anyoned presently either owining or purchasing a E36 Series.
I traded in my 1999 328i CAB just before the BMW Certified Series Warrenty expired.

I know people with E36s that have not required any extra service other than the regular maintenance....

 

[kleinstick]

Thanks guys I appreciate the input