E36 Pre-purchase Checklist / Workshop recommendations

[mvaght87]

Dear sifus, bros, guys, mates,Am planning to get a E36 328i soon (maybe as soon as next week). I couldn't find a link in the forum's main page for recommended workshops so I am writing my question here hoping some kind soul can show the way Do any of you know a good, experienced BMW workshop in the DJ/PJ area that I can take my potential buy to to get it checked out before I actually purchase it?The car has had a gearbox rebuild done already. Besides the new radiator, tyres, and other smaller stuff, the car drives very smoothly (drove it in Economy and Sports mode, both times I pushed the car). Electricals seem good too. So far so good but of course I want to be doubley sure with a mechanic's go ahead. Any recommendations will be much appreciated.Regards,mvaght87p/s I think what I'm really asking is if I absolutely need to go to a BMW specialist to get it checked out? Because I have a regular mechanic that has been servicing my car for yearsss. I've been Bimmers and Mercs there too, but he's not a continental car specialist. I currently drive a Honda.

 

[V-Man]

The Standard Checklist:

Car Info
• Build date
• Make
• Model
• Miles
• Exterior color
• Interior color
• Modifications


Test drive
• Strange noises/rattles?
• Feel solid?
• No excess vibration
• Car tracks straight
• Idle is constant and smooth
• Clutch test: On a slight incline at ~30 mph, put the car into fifth gear and floor it. Does the clutch slip?
• Any CELs or SRS or any other lights on in the dash?


Cooling System
• Hoses (cracks, fitments, etc)
• Where does needle sit on the water temp gauge?
• No dry coolant visible in engine bay
• Is the engine driven fan still present?


Engine
• Belts (cracks)
• Pulleys (any excess noise/play)
• No excess A/C compressor noise
• Any suspicious oil residue under car?
• Condition of gaskets: Oil pan/timing cover/valve cover/head
• Air filter is in decent shape?
• Intake boot is not cracked
• Oil level is in range of ‘half full’ to ‘one half quart over max’.


Exhaust
• Muffler mounted securely
• Heat shields are secure and don’t rattle
• No deteriorated/rusted areas


Transmission/Differential
• All gears engage/disengage smoothly.
• Clutch pedal feels solid.
• Clutch line isn’t leaking
• Is the clutch delay valve still present?
• No transmission seals are leaking
• Transmission mounts are securely installed and not worn
• Guibo/Flex Disc is not cracked or worn
• CV boots are in good shape
• No excessive play in joints
• No differential seals are leaking


Power Steering
• Reservoir is full
• No PS fluid leaks from the hoses/rack/reservoir
• The wheel turns without making excess noise at parked idle


Suspension
• All bushings are solid and not cracked or worn
• Front control arm (2)
• Front sway bar (2)
• Rear shock mounts (2)
• Rear trailing arm (2)
• Upper and lower (wishbone) outer rear ball joints (4)
• Upper and lower (wishbone) inner rubber fittings (4)
• Rear sway bar (2)
• Rear sway bar endlink (2)
• Differential carrier
• Rear Subframe (4)
• Area where rear subframe is connected to body is solid and not cracking
• Shocks/dampeners are solid and not leaking fluid
• Tie rods are in good condition


Brakes
• % pad left:
• % rotor life left:
• Brake lines don’t leak
• Caliper doesn’t leak
• Caliper boot is intact
• Reservoir doesn’t leak


Tires/Wheels
• Do all tires match?
• Tire size(s):
• Tire brand(s):
• % tire life left
• Tires are worn evenly
• Wheel finish isn’t chipped or cracked
• No excess caked-on brake dust on face of wheels


Exterior
• All body panels match exactly
• Have any body panels been repainted or worked on?
• Any significant dents/scratches/rock chips
• Headlights are not pitted or cracked
• No rust or clear-coat peeling
• No lights out
• No windows are cracked


Interior
• Dashboard is in good shape and not cracked
• Glovebox does not sag
• Owners manual is in glove box
• Windows auto-up function works and doesn’t stop halfway up
• There are not significant tears/rips in interior
• No strange smells
• Has the car been noticeably smoked in?
• No lights out
• Stereo/speakers work
• No speakers are blown
• Climate control works
• A/C blows cold
• OBC screen is intact
• Are windows tinted? If so, approximately what %?
• Tint is not peeling or fading
• All interior panels are in good shape and not ripped or faded.

 

[UnoS]

V-Man..

TQ.. wow so detail... like buying brand new car.... If all of those pass, I not sure what would be the price tag? Are the buyer willing to swallow or not....

but at the end willing seller.. willing buyer...

 

[mvaght87]

V-Man is a godsent.

Now I would like some workshop recommendations please

 

[mizhan]

Optimum Motorworks @ Kayu Ara will take good care of your E36.

 

[mvaght87]

Optimum Motorworks @ Kayu Ara will take good care of your E36.

Thanks. I think I know where it is.

 

[slyder]

Digital aircon the blower air volume at max must be strong as well. Check on the any vibration engine side as the inline six was famous for almost no vibration. distance of the clutch fan to the radiator must be more than 1 - 2 fingers. normally if less that's a sign the engine mounting is sagging.

 

[slyder]

If have time come to MMZ TT later tonight. There you can talk to guys who have knowledge of E36. Mizhan will be there also tonight according to the Klang Shah alam meetup thread.

 

[ICEMAN 68]

ahh sure coming too

 

[mvaght87]

thanks bros. unfortunately I can't make it for the TT as i'm going overseas early tomorrow morning.

but will definitely attend one of these days.

 

[anxious]

That's a good checlist!