Purchasing 1992/1993 E36 318i

[vvv]

I am very attracted to the e36 318i. Recently, there are a few offered at some websites for the price of rm30k or below. ANy advice from the sifus around here ??? Very tempted but really scared to repair cars every month after purchasing. Will sending the car to Sapura or AB for a check b4 purchase do any good ? I am from KL. Thanks guys !

 

[BMTech]

Hi VVV

I just bought an E36 318i 1992 about a month ago. It was is very good condition and low mileage. Of course needed some repairs but was not too bad.

Yes getting it checked out by a good mechanic you know will be helpful. I am not sure how much AB will charge to check up the car. RM 30K or about is generally the price for a 1992 or 1993 model.

Getting an old car ... you must be prepared to spend a little. But believe me it is surely worth it. You will surely enjoy the ride.

 

[anaksarawak]

I support BMTech..

I got my ride a 1997 model so engine is M43 (newer) Most 1992/93 318 comes with M40 engine. 318 is a 4 potters so some maintainance are cheaper, oil change is one.

My advice is to spend a little more and get a post 1997 328.. The roadtax can be higher but the technology and engine are much superior. Many go for 325 as the power is almost the same as 328 but 325 are only available in 94/95 therefore technology is less advance then 328 post 97 but cheaper..

Read Anxious thread, he just got his ride recently a 325.

My search for E36 is since Nov 96 and only in April I found my ride. Many adviced me to get a 325 but not many well maintained 325 out there, more 328 in better condition as most are company car therefore repair are paid by company.

1992/93 E36 are cheap but do request for service record, if BMW is not sayang by the owner, it will give you a lot of problems and will demand a lot of $$$ from you.

Important is ask for good service record and have your car check by few workshops.

My personal advice is ... When you bring the car to the workshop, said it is your car and need them to check for what to repair. They will give you more details then when you said you are buying the car.

 

[EuJax]

Really wish i can afford the maintenance for a 328...lovely power By the way, i had heard that maintaining a Benz of the equivalent model of Bimmer is actually cheaper...is that true? Anyone here experience both before? I havent drive a Benz so far...


Thanks.

 

[Zul_84]

I support BMTech..

I got my ride a 1997 model so engine is M43 (newer) Most 1992/93 318 comes with M40 engine. 318 is a 4 potters so some maintainance are cheaper, oil change is one.

My advice is to spend a little more and get a post 1997 328.. The roadtax can be higher but the technology and engine are much superior. Many go for 325 as the power is almost the same as 328 but 325 are only available in 94/95 therefore technology is less advance then 328 post 97 but cheaper..

Read Anxious thread, he just got his ride recently a 325.

My search for E36 is since Nov 96 and only in April I found my ride. Many adviced me to get a 325 but not many well maintained 325 out there, more 328 in better condition as most are company car therefore repair are paid by company.

1992/93 E36 are cheap but do request for service record, if BMW is not sayang by the owner, it will give you a lot of problems and will demand a lot of $$$ from you.

Important is ask for good service record and have your car check by few workshops.

My personal advice is ... When you bring the car to the workshop, said it is your car and need them to check for what to repair. They will give you more details then when you said you are buying the car.

agree with geoffreylee,
the roadtax rm1600/year,
but after read more about the 328 history and more advance spec, I think worth it.

 

[infinityKL]

Really wish i can afford the maintenance for a 328...lovely power By the way, i had heard that maintaining a Benz of the equivalent model of Bimmer is actually cheaper...is that true? Anyone here experience both before? I havent drive a Benz so far...


Thanks.

Have a C200 98/01 CBU...I would say the parts and service about the same. But surely cheaper on maintenance, parts are more durable. Wear n tear seems to hv a longer duration.. Dunno bout others experience?

cheers...

 

[K.M.]

When driving 318 you'll wish you are driving 325 or 328,
but when servicing 325 or 328 you'll wish you are servicing 318...hehehe!!

 

[K.M.]

Really wish i can afford the maintenance for a 328...lovely power By the way, i had heard that maintaining a Benz of the equivalent model of Bimmer is actually cheaper...is that true? Anyone here experience both before? I havent drive a Benz so far...


Thanks.

Old model Benz yes la cheap...the new model not cheap to maintain. That 's why the 1st owner will sell his Benz after a few years to avoid the major maintenance..

 

[elwine30]

K.M, that's very true. So, power don't come cheap.