Thinking of getting a BMW

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tupawk

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But I'm not that familiar with them. From what I've been reading it looks like a 328is would be a good choice. I want to use it as my daily driver and at autocross events. My budget is around $15K

Are there any particular years I should look for or stay away from? Any common problems I should check for when buying one used? Any other models I should be looking at? Is this car good for autocross?

Thanks!
 
blast328iS

blast328iS

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i have a 99 328iS its the best. i spend 18050 on it. 58000 miles. well spent. most of the 328 models look basically the same. not a major difference. they are great cars though. i rec. the 97 model.

you can prolly get one for 13 or so with some ice or hook ups. im not to familiar with them either i just got mine. but they are good for like 200000 miles.

anyways have fun searching
 
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AutoXfreak

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How about an early e36 M3 (before OBD II) 94 or 95. I have been seeing quite a few of them in the paper in my area, they run about $13K - $22k. Most had reasonably low miles and still look great! However a 328is is also a great choice. Just take your time to find that diomand in the rough!!
 
Beemerworld

Beemerworld

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E36 is a great car. There are not realy major problems with this cars. Good for 200000miles? who told you that? This cars will last 500000+ if well maintained.

And the point about 328is the best is not realy true. If I would you I would look for '94-'95 325i or is. I recommend the four door because it has better handling and it is more practical.

With easy mods you can get out of M50 engine in 325i 215 - 220hp. With the 2.8l engine is little bit harder. Also 325i(is) with chip will outaccelerate chip tuned 328i(is) all day long.

Look for squeaking door sills and squeaking clutch arm in models with manual transmission.

ABS Light, Airbag light, Check the Parking-brake, Tie rods, balljoints, lower cotrol arm bushings-if bad the steering wheel will shake, squeaking of the steering wheel when turned, Rough idle, Trunk actuator, driveshaft etc.

And overal inspection of the car is good.[thumb]
 
Kirby

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I've been looking at the SCCA AutoX rules the past few months and plan to do some track time this spring. My comments come from a newbie at SCCA rules, so take it for what it's worth.

From what I read, the 328 looks like a good choice for Solo II and fits the SCCA Stock class, and if mod'ed also fit in Street Touring and Street Prepared classes. I'm not sure whether it fits into the D stock or G stock category, the information I have seen so far is ambiguous. Someone with more experience in SCCA AutoX could probably clear that up.

One thing to consider - There are very few mods that are permitted in the Stock category, like a cat back exhaust, tires, shocks, etc. If you chip it, mod the engine, etc, then you are not eligible for Stock class, and you are probably competing against drivers more experienced, so consider that before doing any mods if you want to get started in AutoX. It's probably wise to stay in the Stock class and work on driving skills before doing any mods that bump you into higher classes.

Here are some good sites for more Solo II AutoX info:

http://www.moutons.org/sccasolo/Lists/2003/stockc.html

http://autocross.com

http://www.scca.org/amateur/solo2/classes/

If you get involved with this, I'd be interested in hearing about your experiences.
 
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rob_z

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If I would you I would look for '94-'95 325i or is. I recommend the four door because it has better handling and it is more practical.
Click to expand...
that is just what i bought. supposedly they are slightly more reliable than others, according to consumer report's service.

Question to Beemerworld: what does a squeaking clutch or door sills mean?
 
Beemerworld

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rob_z said:
that is just what i bought. supposedly they are slightly more reliable than others, according to consumer report's service.

Question to Beemerworld: what does a squeaking clutch or door sills mean?
Click to expand...
"95 325 is great!

squeaking clutch arm means when you press the clutch it makes squeaking noise. Do you have that?

And the door sills are the worst problem, Mostly is on the 4 door models. Those are the sills running from the front fender, all the way to the bottom skirt of the rear door. they usually make sound when you drive over the bumps and take turns beacuse the doors move, it sound like door panels but it is not. Try to push the door on the top part if you hear squeak. Usually you have to replace the sills to get rid of the sound. They are very expensive but, it is definetly worth. Each cost around $125 new.[thumb]
 
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Beemerworld

Beemerworld

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Actually the 4 door has better weight distribution. The same is with the E36 M3. The 4 door model will outcorner the 2 door model.

Especially the "95 model with sport package. That is just umbelivable what that car can do. Trust me.
 
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rob_z

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my clutch squeaks. (D'OH!) i did some searching, and it seems to just be the bushings. in your opinion, is it anything more than annoying? (could there be a larger problem?)

i drove a 71 911 targa for 2 years... in that car i fixed the squeaks by installing a better stereo.



[;)]
 
Beemerworld

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rob_z said:
my clutch squeaks. (D'OH!) i did some searching, and it seems to just be the bushings. in your opinion, is it anything more than annoying? (could there be a larger problem?)

i drove a 71 911 targa for 2 years... in that car i fixed the squeaks by installing a better stereo.



[;)]
Click to expand...
Better radio[fake] can't stop laughing.

Yes the bushings are the problem and the arm also has a play side to side. Which is not the best to have. you should replace the bushings.
 
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rob_z

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no side to side play on the clutch - it feels really tight.

so while you are in the forum... i have 68K miles. got it from CARMAX actually. some people don't like them but my family and friends have had a good exp. they clam to do a bazillion pt inspection that includes everything from oil to plugs to water pump to timing chain.

do you think i'll be ok picking up on the suggested service in the manual? anything i might want to check before the inspection II at 80K?

(your advice is totally appreciated! beer on me at hooters next time i am in SD)
 
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