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quarryman View Drop Down
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    Posted: 10-June-2007 at 13:48
ok i needed to revise my budget from here:
http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=37559&am p;am p;PN=1

I'm planning to go over to the uk and buy a 318 or 323 coupe, 95-98 plate.

I'd like to get climate control and full leather.

1. Should I be concerned about a 318/323 with over 100k miles? I reckon I'll put 15k to 20k on it before i sell (maybe 2 years).

2. What things should I check for when looking at them?

3. Is maintenance expensive? assuming I picked up a 97 with 100k on it?

4. Private or trade?

5. Anyone want to help me buy?
I've imported a car from the UK before and it was pretty straightforward and got great value so eager to do it again.

I plan on getting an RAC check done but someone in the area might be able to have a quick look and see if its a lemon first.

Also, any recommendations on mechanics etc would be great.

thanks!


Edited by quarryman
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Stone-IslandV8 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Stone-IslandV8 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10-June-2007 at 18:43
Just need to check the nikasil issue on late 96 - mid 98 model 6 cyls.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DSK328i Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10-June-2007 at 20:37

They are not silly to maintain, decent qaulity aftermarket parts as well as some OE parts can be purchased via ECP and GSFCP.  There are BMW breakers also littered all over the UK so thats handy. 

They are pretty tough, and in addition to the Nikasil issue mentioned above, I'd say check for leaks, the condition of the fluids and the chassis should feel tight and taught, if not chances are suspension bushes will need doing. 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote neileg Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11-June-2007 at 10:10

I'd go for the best 318is I could find. The 323 is much the same in real world performance, and the 318is handles better due to the lower front end weight. No Nikasil issues with the four pot, either. A well looked after M42 or M44 engine should do 200k without major work. Check the timing chain +  tensioner on the M42 - tensioner needs replacing at 90k and chains can wear if this is not done. Not sure if this is the same issue on the M44.

As with any E36, expect suspension bushes and ball joints to need attention.

Full climate and leather will impact on your budget. Don't turn down a good car for the lack of these.

Cheers, Neil
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote fozzymandeus Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11-June-2007 at 12:31
Don't get me wrong but I think the 323i does feel a lot quicker than a 318is.

That's not to say the 4-pot isn't a great car though... quite the reverse, very happy to rev, and no nikasil to worry about... just not got the push of the bigger motor from torque.
Beating around the bush.
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quarryman View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote quarryman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11-June-2007 at 13:02
Thanks for the replies.

so 323 positives:
better engine

negatives:
more expensive to tax (in ireland)
tougher to re-sell (in ireland)
nikasil
handling maybe not as good due to extra weight

318 positives:
more available within my budget.
cheaper to tax and insure
lighter car
no nikasil worries
easier to re-sell

negatives:
smaller engine


Edited by quarryman
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Peter Fenwick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11-June-2007 at 13:20

Maintenance isn't too bad, just bear in mind that your buying an older car that may well need bits replacing. Things like suspension bushes, dampers, brake discs etc can all add up and you could easilly find your self spending another £1k. Lots of reciepts for recent work can offer you a bit of piece of mind that your not buying a car that is feeling a bit tired in the suspension department. Also the E36 has a reputation for snapping rear springs which isn't as easy as you'd think to spot. When you test drive any car make sure you put it through it's paces as worn suspension doesn't always show up until you push it.   

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Stone-IslandV8 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11-June-2007 at 15:09
I personally find the 4 pot engines nippier round town, they're more revvy whereas the 6cyls need more revs to get things going.

Personally best advice anyones ever given me ( espec when I was looking at either 3L or Evo M3s) was to try as many of each you can ( bit hard if you're importing I know) and get the best car in your budget be that a 318 or a 323.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rossi Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18-June-2007 at 20:02

Originally posted by Stone-IslandV8 Stone-IslandV8 wrote:

I personally find the 4 pot engines nippier round town, they're more revvy whereas the 6cyls need more revs to get things going.

Have you thought about an E36 318iS with M42 (1.8l) or the M44 (1.9l from 1996)?? Lighter front end with revvy engine, ideal for alot of around town/rural driving.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mick525i Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18-June-2007 at 22:10

Buy the best car you car for your 3K either 318 or 323. Personly id buy the 6 pot just for the noise alone. But If i had a choice of leather and air on the 318 and not the 323 id buy the 318.

Mick

 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote quarryman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22-June-2007 at 13:22
hi guys, going to check out this car :

323i


would it be a contender for the nikasil issue?  

edited link as it was getting messed up in the post.


Edited by quarryman
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote steven.seed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22-June-2007 at 14:15

That looks quite a nice one. Don't know if your still looking to import but apart from the lexus lights (easy to change) this looks a nice one I spotted on Autotrader   318iS  page 2 half way down. Full leather too. From my own experience I would also recommend the 318iS.

 

 

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quarryman View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote quarryman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22-June-2007 at 16:01
yeah spotted that one. looks decent.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Stone-IslandV8 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23-June-2007 at 18:49
Yeah that 323 is a contender for Nikasil unless the engines been swapped. Ask the guy who's selling it.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote quarryman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23-June-2007 at 21:05
assuming he doesn't know and has done nothing about a swap if i got it compression tested and it passed it would be a safe purchase?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Stone-IslandV8 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24-June-2007 at 20:16
Hmmmm jurys out on that 1. If the blocks been changed then there is a way of telling and a search under 'nikasil' will reveal a thread somewhere with the pictures how to. Remember some early units were changed for other nikasil units.

There are nikasil units running with no problems but my thoughts would be that it could happen at any point.Simple as that.

I got caught on a 1998 520 with 130k on the clock......should've been ok but wasnt. I just kept topping the oil up til the consumption got silly and bought a 2nd hand unit, £1800 fitted.

Don't bother with compression test, get a draw or leakdown test done instead.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote quarryman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24-June-2007 at 20:46
wow, so it can still happen after 130k on the clock?

I'm going to see the car tomorrow so will be doing the door test. I'm not sure what a draw or leakdown test is but i take it a mechanic will, or will have have to bring it to a BMW specialist.

Also, my own car sold today for my asking price so need to get a new motor soon!

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Stone-IslandV8 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24-June-2007 at 21:58
Door test is a good'un. Also try with the engine running pop the bonnet and watch the silver fins on engine cover......problems will cause the fins to vibrate and appear blurry when looked at.

If it helps I had a compression test done on the 520 which showed no real issues!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote quarryman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24-June-2007 at 22:09
ok cool.

another one:

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/179967.htm

was speaking to the owner and he seems very genuine.

only drawback is that is an auto, i've an automatic before for a week and it was ok, just not sure about owning one.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Stone-IslandV8 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25-June-2007 at 19:29
Lol. they are the most pointless replica wheels I've ever seen!!!!!!!

Seems ok. Shouldnt have any real issues with the auto on a 328

If you're looking at UK cars these turned up on a search round here:

318iS

318iS

318iS

318iS

328

323

318iS

325

I know the 325 is older but the pre-1996 E36s had iron blocks and no nikasil
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