Myths

[SuperCornflakes]

So I've had some experience about European cars. Not exactly me but my dad owned an E38 before and my brothers both are driving Alfa Romeo.E38 is a very very nice car to drive and to be in especially during long trips. Smooth and stable and of course, fast. =)But its quite costly when it comes to maintaining it. I can't remember well but that E38 always overheats and radiator is always leaking. None electrical problem but the real problem about that car is mostly overheating. Alfas, don't mention, they spend more time with the mechanic than with their owner but they are superb. Maintenance wise is of course costly too!Back to topic, so I am currently hunting for an E36 probably the last batch 97'- 98'. And I've heard from my brothers that if I were to get a BMW, I should have at least a spare car as it will be always be in the workshop. And I should always have spare $$$ for repair and maintenance. So my question to all sifus and bros is do I really really have to get ready for all those sudden breakdown or any costly maintenance? Or they are just trying to scare the hell out of me :stupid:

 

[B33mEr]

Yes it's true unless you do the critical maintenance all at once like cooling system, gbox overhaul, CCV and the associated hose ... Set aside at least 5k for just in case emergency. Then you have to think about the bushes, suspensions, electrical wiring, vanos seal and etc.

I'm still new to E36 though and what i said above shouldn't be a deterrent if you set buying an E36. It's a wonderful car to own and it still handles brilliantly.

 

[wingzee]

BMW parts are known to last and there's no exceptions for E36. Like what B33m3r has mentioned, once the cooling system been overhauled ie. new parts replaced, it should be good for another 3-5 years, depending on the maintenance schedule. But it's good to set aside some funds just for emergency purpose as E36 are almost 15-20 years old. But normally, provided that the engine is fine, you will only need to look at the cooling system, bushes, suspensions and maybe some electrical, exterior and interior parts.

Do try to get a car with proper maintenance records with receipts as proof as it's good to know the history of the car and how well did the previous owners maintained the ride. You will get to know which parts have been replaced, judge the condition and budget your maintenance on parts which are yet to be replaced or requires attention.

 

[SuperCornflakes]

So I guess it's still not a correct time to get one yet. Still have more savings to do. Just in case right

 

[wingzee]

So I guess it's still not a correct time to get one yet. Still have more savings to do. Just in case right

Well, any cars that age, be it Jap or German still requires some special attention. Or should I say, any used cars?

 

[SuperCornflakes]

True that.
Its just the price of the parts that differ in different car makes. =)

 

[consoglieri]

Pricing of parts i would say fair. You can source them yourself either from Bavarian Auto which carries original BMW parts or other shops that sells OEM parts. Getting a good workshop will also play a role in the maintenance.

 

[ICEMAN 68]

True that.
Its just the price of the parts that differ in different car makes. =)

if can get a 6 potter e36 ... as when comes to parts ...not much diff compared to the 4 potter ones ...

look out at the showroom thread for some of the e36'ers there ...for a reference when getting one ...

 

[infinityKL]

E36 6 potter anytime ..... best !

oh ya, i would like to meet your 2 brothers

B33MER,

Saturday afternoon, where you rounding alone in your /// in Subang and Fed Hway.... cari lauk ka? You pick up very kencang le... hehe

 

[musa66]

Cornflake,
read the E36 thread.. its full of information.. after that you will know whether to own a beemer or not..

I got mine from a forummer here.. you will never regret buying from a forummer here since they know how to take care of the UDM

my opinion only

 

[B33mEr]

E36 6 potter anytime ..... best !

oh ya, i would like to meet your 2 brothers

B33MER,

Saturday afternoon, where you rounding alone in your /// in Subang and Fed Hway.... cari lauk ka? You pick up very kencang le... hehe

Hahahaha ... Was it you bro ... Alfa V6? I thought yours was red color kan? Cos the one I saw was silver if I'm not mistaken

Just got back from alignment shop and doing some testing je hehe :4: