is E36 reliable enough?

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Hohoho, buy now, use it for a couple of months, if dun like the car or cannot tahan the maintenance, sell the car and lose a couple of grands, would make u a happier man. At least u can say "Been there and done it" :)
 
Russie;457439 said:
Hohoho, buy now, use it for a couple of months, if dun like the car or cannot tahan the maintenance, sell the car and lose a couple of grands, would make u a happier man. At least u can say "Been there and done it" :)
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With regards to Russie's post above, I'm going to tell you a real story about what happened. A younger member in the family decided to get a UDM simply coz he saw his best friend & also me having one. Discouraged him to the maximum with skepticism because I knew he wasn't ready, but didn't listen. Bought a nice e36 at @45k from a 2nd car dealer. This car was in no way a lemon, I can vouch for it. But some people simply can't handle owning a UDM. Couldn't afford monthly maintenance & paying installment, after 6-8 months sold this nice ride at 30k to perodua coz couldn't maintain any longer. Now driving Myvi, but not before losing almost 15k.

Once ego kicks in, reality gets booted out. Hope this helps you decide:cool:
 
another advise is ..... just make sure you have extra about rm10K in ya bank balance ...safe and you'll have a peacefull sleep in the night ....the rm10k is for rainy days when your e36 goes against you ....
 
 
Well, after considering a lot, I think I will hold my plan of getting a UDM:bawling:. I just don't wanna get into financial troubles later on. Futhermore, I'll be getting married at the end of next year (almost forgot bout that coz was so excited thinking about E36 :biggrin:). Thanks guys for your kind words of advice.. One thing that I observed is that guys in this forum are trully helpful and always welcome newcomers with open arms, unlike some automotive forums that I've joined. To me that tells something unique about UDM drivers in general :top:.
 
armandd;457528 said:
Well, after considering a lot, I think I will hold my plan of getting a UDM:bawling:. I just don't wanna get into financial troubles later on. Futhermore, I'll be getting married at the end of next year (almost forgot bout that coz was so excited thinking about E36 :biggrin:). Thanks guys for your kind words of advice.. One thing that I observed is that guys in this forum are trully helpful and always welcome newcomers with open arms, unlike some automotive forums that I've joined. To me that tells something unique about UDM drivers in general :top:.
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Good choice, it will work towards your advantage anyway. E36s are all more than 10 years old, conditioning is more important than age so it doesn't really matter when you buy. It's only a matter of what you buy. Don't worry coz time flies la, I have a feeling you'll be ready to committ very soon once you have got your priorities right:wink:

Anyway, come join us on the club's official teh tarik sessions & make friends la:)
 
astroboy;456348 said:
One warning though, the early bimmers do not have stability control devices and it gets pretty backside twitchy in wet curves that causes many inexperience drivers to lost their E36 tails.
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Is that why you drive a E90 ? :eek: :D :D

I own a E36 325 manual. So far the problem that give me : power windows malfuction, remote control not working, aircon not cold, rear suspension bushing fail, washing fluied reservoir cracking, and other small problem.
Not bad for a 16 years old car. Manual has less problem then automatic
 
Have a look at E36 Coupe and Cabrio too.. They are unique and will hold a better resell value.
 
turbology;457549 said:
Is that why you drive a E90 ? :eek: :D :D..
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Nope.. just worry about maintenance nightmare, so get something that comes with super long warranty, BSRI and benefit from the low interest rate as well.. :D

Inspected more than 20 E46s and none satisfied me.. either the nice one are high mileage, the low mileage ones has accident telltales and mostly one look at the oil cap, sludge everywhere!!

Didn't even test drive the E90, its a baseline model, rear reading lights also don't have, vanity mirror also no lights.. :p Beggar no chooser.. :p Warranty and low interest rate were my top priorities then.. :D
 
climenta;457205 said:
Another problem with newbies is priority, which item to change 1st. Need to be really careful la:rolleyes:
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that is very true my fren..i've been there:13:
 
no need think so much, like it buy it... you will find away to keep it if ur enjoying it..
 
:listen: A die hard bimmer enthusiast will hold on to to his/her bimmer till the end of days :top:
 
so far i would say it is reliable, the car never break down and cost major problems....however, it is the wear and tear that is not cheap. just be prepared before you buy one. that is usual for a car that is more than 10 yrs.
i had my e36 for more than a year now...spent around 10k for wear and tear plus service and maintenance. these includes, gearbox overhaul, tyre changing, repair on power window, bushes, pulley, etc.
but i'm loving my car :D
 
climenta;457538 said:
Good choice, it will work towards your advantage anyway. E36s are all more than 10 years old, conditioning is more important than age so it doesn't really matter when you buy. It's only a matter of what you buy. Don't worry coz time flies la, I have a feeling you'll be ready to committ very soon once you have got your priorities right:wink:

Anyway, come join us on the club's official teh tarik sessions & make friends la:)
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Looking forward to it :wink: . But I'm working in Kulim la.. Every weekend went back to K. Kangsar. Dunno when can I join u guys :smokin:
 
last time i check my 328 is very powerful.......then it start to become very demanding which is cost me around 30K ++ before can get to condition now. that was 3 years ago lorr...

my heart say : Go for It and enjoy the ride
my brain say : think it again and wait for better one to come ahead

since you already decide...i believe it is your best choice! Kulim dekat je tuh ngan aloq setaq
 
Wow, 30k?? :eek: Sometimes I wonder, why is it that BMW spare parts cost that much.. Is it because:

1. They are not manufactured in a large quantity (like parts for jap cars).

2. Workshops and spare part shops tend to overprice them, coz maybe they think all UDM drivers are datuks and tan sris earning RM20k+ p/month. :rolleyes:

3. BMW parts are made from higher quality materials and they perform at higher level of performance. (But then they should be more reliable and last longer than jap cars shouldn't they?

4. All of the above?

What do u guys think about this? :39:
 
BMW parts are relatively cheap and aplenty in europe - just not here in Malaysia.
Parts are indeed made to last longer. but not forever. and not when itchy backside owners started using big rims and low profile tyres.

30k would probably include overhaul of the autobox which can cost up to RM6k.

So iceman is correct to say that if you can't spare 10k for emergency repairs, u are not prepared for surprises.
 
fabianyee;458208 said:
BMW parts are relatively cheap and aplenty in europe - just not here in Malaysia.
Parts are indeed made to last longer. but not forever. and not when itchy backside owners started using big rims and low profile tyres.

30k would probably include overhaul of the autobox which can cost up to RM6k.

So iceman is correct to say that if you can't spare 10k for emergency repairs, u are not prepared for surprises.
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you are so right about autobox....
 
Scout and ask around for better prices. Different workshop charges different rates.
 
armandd, lemme try to put it in a nutshell. in my opinion, if you buy any used bmw, do lookout for service records and the mileage. take it to an experienced bmw mechanic to check the credibility of the records you have.

also, if you buy a used car there will be some maintenance to be done as the previous owner will not think it feasible to change anything since the car is gonna be up for sale. this applies to any used car of any make.

bmw parts are not expensive in my opinion becos you are spoilt for choice between original parts, oem parts and also potong kereta parts.

when buying a used bmw put aside 5K to change the hoses and other run of the day parts to ensure smooth operations. you don't want one part to give way here and there as they new part will be performing so well that the older parts related can't take it and breakdown along the way.

do take the time to get to know those in the forum as they will know if some cars up for sale have been maintained well by the previous owner also from the forum. as this is a bmw enthusiast forum, there are some owners who will change any part in the car for that ultimate driving machine pleasure. these are the cars to lookout for when the owner decides to upgrade. it may not be market price, but you won't have to worry about changing anything. just plug and play...

end of the day, you as the buyer will have to make your own choice. i made mine many years ago and have never looked back since from an E36 upgraded to an E46. next in line...Z4 !

other than that, get a good mechanic who will not take you to the cleaners which is probably why some cars are 'expensive' to maintain.

good luck!
 

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