matasura,
I've read your thread with great interest and it is really a pleasure to know that there are people out there who share our passion. I was in a similar situation two years ago so allow me to share my experience with you. As much as I would love to have another addition to the club, I have no wish for you to burn yourself in the process.
Let's be honest about this, being as passionate as you are about the car means you're probably not going to buy one and then just drive around in it. First you'll itch for the bodykits, then the rims, then the ICE...the list is endless. So first things first, it's the car you're going to buy. Finding a good E36 is dificult enough, I myself spent half a year just searching for the right one. Finding one already fitted with the mods you want (bodykit, rims, etc) is a big bonus, as the value those adds to the car is nowhere near the price of you buying all of those yourself. I found mine with the original M3 kit with matching 17" M3 rims.
After finding the car, make sure you know a good, reliable mechanic before you purchase it. Make no mistake, this car WILL suck your blood but if you already have a good mechanic lined up....it will be through a straw and not a fire hose. It will make your ownership much less painful in terms of RM expenditure.
When you got your car, replace EVERYTHING that needs replacing. Keep in mind it will be at least 10 yrs old. Once I got mine, I spent close to RM 6k just replacing parts. Even though there was nothing wrong with the radiator, I ripped it out and replaced it nonetheless as it is 10 yrs nd a common troublespot. Make sure you get good rubbers too (Tyres), it's the only thing thats going to keep you on the road and if you say you bought an E36 just to drive slowly everywhere...:thefinger: . I know you're lying. The ICE system in my car was totally gone so I spent another 4k setting it all up again. So that's RM 10k right after I got the car. But think of it as buying a 50k car instead of 40k (If you bought it at 40k).
Yes, I know it's a little steep but it is so necessary. Otherwise I'd advise you against getting it. It's been two years now and, touch wood, it's not given me any problems and every single drive has been fantastic. You won't jump on the difference right away. I drove my car for 2 years then I had to suddenly drive my wife's Iswara somewhere and...oh my god, I realise how good it is once I'm not in it anymore.
Keep at least 10k in the bank for emergencies and every month set aside a couple of hundred for your car. You might not need it if you're lucky but let's not gamble.
Like you I'm from Penang but I'm not working in KL. I'm also in my twenties and graduated from a local uni a few years ago. This E36 325, is my first car. And I think I'm prouder of my car than most. I'm the only one among the guys in my office who bought a 2nd hand car, and over 10 yrs to boot. In the past 2 years, there has been at least 4 new Myvis in the office basement carpark. 6 Cities, a couple of Vioses, a number of protons and some other makes, most of them under 100k. So in the cafe we can talk and discuss on who's car gets the best mileage, has the most space and is cheapest to maintain. And I can join in but I will be hard pressed not to finish last. But when it's a question of which is the baddest car in the lot....it's always that 12 year old car in the corner of the carpark. :wink:
P.S. - Careful when you test drive your E36s. Don't press that 'S' button. I gatal tekan it and now...I'm owning the car. It destroys all rational thinking in the male brain.
Joke only !!
