M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => General Topics => Topic started by: DaveInsurgent on April 09, 2008, 01:24:24 PM

Title: Looking at a 318i...
Post by: DaveInsurgent on April 09, 2008, 01:24:24 PM

So I'm looking to buy my first car and I've had a 1994 318i catch my eye.

The dealership is looking for $3900 + tax (I'm looking to offer about $4000 for it, tax in). It's got 155,000 km. Auto. (I don't know how to drive stick)

Anybody have any advice? I have to travel an hour and a half to see it so I wanna make sure it's worth it to begin with and that I make good use of my time in going.

I understand it's going to be more expensive to run than other cars, but every Civic I see I just imagine some kid driving the hell out of it. Not to say that this isn't the case with this particular car...

Title: Looking at a 318i...
Post by: quinn11m20 on April 09, 2008, 06:36:05 PM

when you start it up pay attention to the idle. If the idle is undecisive for a few seconds, it has a vacuum leak. You will have to change the hoses. Drive it and listen for the transmission to whine. If it does, check fluid, then call your local trans shop about prices on repairs. Also the brakes and tires. Man! If you think at 155Km she's gonna run well, well the car better have been maintained. email me if you have any questions http://www.quinn11mc275@yahoo.com

Title: Looking at a 318i...
Post by: RED IS 91 on April 09, 2008, 06:44:45 PM

The only advise I'll offer is learn to drive stick !!!! I taught my two sons in an hour and rode with them a  few times and that was it. It's not that hard .
Your only going to like these cars if they have a stick especially a heavy E36 .
But to each his own ........
There is a buyers guide on the home page ...
good luck

Title: Looking at a 318i...
Post by: gearheadE30 on April 10, 2008, 08:21:26 PM

The auto really kills the engine. Definitely try to learn a stick before you choose a car.