Quick intro and a question (92 318is purchase)

[dr_erni]

Hi everyone,

I looked around BMW forums for the last couple of days and this seems to be the best one around, so I'm hoping to solicit some advice / opinions.

Long story short, I'll be picking up a 92 318is (M42) on Tuesday. First BMW... very excited.

- Car is in fantastic shape inside and out. Engine bay could use a good cleaning, but looks dry and in order.
- Second owner.
- Have all bills and maintenance records since new.
- 160k on the engine.

Looking through the records:

- regular oil changes with syth 5-50, air and oil filters
- inspection 2 done at 140k with brakes at 60/30, wheel alignment, full fluid replacement, all belts replaced.
- 120k water pump replaced.
- 80k replaced timing chain tensioner, alternator and belts.

During the test drive, clutch feels great, motor seems peppy and suspension is nice and stiff...

I wanted to ask you guys if I should be expecting any major repairs or maintenance soon?

I imagine the clutch will have to be replaced sometime in the near future.... anything else that's typical of these cars / engines?

Thanks in advance for your help!!

e.

[colin86325]

Seems like a sound car if the PO kept in pace with the service intervals.
Get some decent tires if the current ones are worn.

[DesktopDave]

Sounds like a nice car.  Welcome to the club (maybe?).  The early e36's were notorious for interior trim falling apart & the DME flooding after car washes or heavy downpours.  Sounds like the PO has taken good care of the car, so they might not be issues for you.  At 160K miles it's likely had most of the production issues ironed out.

I didn't see anything about suspension bits being replaced...they tend to go after a while, budget for them.  I'd buy it, run it for a while, then consider the hose delete mod and brake/suspension/stereo/interior upgrades.

[Choking Hazard]

Pics?

[gravyface]

wait for an e30

[lqbanotxano]

Can you please expand on the water leak. I just recently got a 1993 318is. Trying to fix a lot of things. There is water coming in behind or above the glove box. Cover under glove box is soaked. The passenger carpet is wet & mouldy. Is there a leak in this part of the car that is common to this model? What is the fix?

Thanks, in advance.

New to BMW...used to drive Fiats.

[richbarn2]

Can you please expand on the water leak. I just recently got a 1993 318is. Trying to fix a lot of things. There is water coming in behind or above the glove box. Cover under glove box is soaked. The passenger carpet is wet & mouldy. Is there a leak in this part of the car that is common to this model? What is the fix?

Thanks, in advance.

New to BMW...used to drive Fiats.

Ha, when I was in high school (a long time ago) my mom had a Fiat X-19 and her friend let me drive her spider convertible a few times as well. Fun times...

As for the water leak, unfortunately my windshield leaks a little. Not sure if you may have the same problem but it sucks. The only way to fix my water problem correctly is to remove and reseal the windshield... Its an annoyance for sure but mid way down on my to do list...

I hope for your sake its an easier fix than what I am dealing with... Welcome to the forum...

[DesktopDave]

I thought the e36 had a bonded windshield too.  Better for wind noise...worse for repair.

Does anyone know if there can be a problem with the back of the plenum overflowing/rusted through into the passenger footwell?

[lqbanotxano]

Found cause & fix to water in passenger compartment & glove box area early E36. Go to tech articles in Pelicanparts.com