Is a BMW E36 1995 model a good buy?

Answer 1

Depends how much and what condition its in.

Answer 2

Yes. The E36 is a good car with a strong range of engines, a great chassis and brilliant handling. Also the styling has aged well IMO.

There are a few issues you need to be aware of though.

Rust. These cars rust around the back arches, the boot lid and the front pannel that houses the grill. There are cars out there without any but check any prospective buy out thoroughly.

Nikasil. The 6 cylinder engines in the 323, post 1994 325 and 320 and the 328 had Nikasil bore liners which wore out prematurely causing loss of compression. BMW replaced a lot of engines under warrantly and did so for about 10 years. However if you get a car with a nikasil engine in now and it fails you will be on yopur own. If your in the USA then the Nikasil issue doesn't apply. BMW blamed it on high sulphur in UK fuel.

Suspension wear. The E36 eats rear Z arm bushes which once worn cause the car to feel unstabel when cornering hard. if the back end feels loose, or in extreme cases knocks, then they need replacing. Rear springs are also prone to snapping but this can be harder to diagnose. Front ball joints are a common MOT failure and will knock over bumps. Generally the car should habdle well and feel sure footed. If it doesn't then walk away or haggle like mad. It cost me almost £1000 to get my E36 handling, but once it was sorted it was a dream to drive.

Electrics. Check they all work. generally it's daft things like window motors of the fuel guage, nothing major but they can be pricey to fix so make sure you check everything before you buy.

Don't be put off by these things, there are plenty of good cars out there and for the money you will struggle to find another car that is as much fun to drive, is as refined at speed and generally feels a cut above the other boring euro boxes.

The E36 was the 3 series built between 1991 and 1998. The Z3 is not an E36 and doesn't even have the same chassis.

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Answer 3

I had a 1995 E36 316, if possible go for a bigger engine as the 1600 doesn't have much puff. Also unfortunately expect poor interior trim quality. Door panels etc come loose, after 1997 these niggles were sorted out. However don't be put off. 8 years later and I'm still saliing under the blue and white rondel.

Answer 4

E36s are decent cars. But stay away from the 318i, as it is a slushbox. Don't get an auto as that takes away the soul of the car. Spring for a little more and get a 328i or328is (made 1996-1998).

The biggest problem with the engine is that the radaitor is made of plastic casing, which becomes brittle and cracks with time and age. Other than that it's a pretty solid car. It's heavier than what I like, but it certainly is a nice comfy car for lone distance.

Answer 5

Yes, a good buy, a reliabale car and plenty of dealerships and non BMW agent specialists to choose from should it need a service.

BUT.... I'd say..... Move on up.... Trade it for an old e24 and live a little. Let's face it the e36, while a good and reliable car, is not so pretty as an e24.

( Like I need to admit it ? I LOVE mine !!!)

Answer 6

A E36 is just the chassis. Are you just buying a chassis? or is it a 3 series or a z3( that sort of size BMW)?

Answer 7

Buy a car mag and look at the reviews.

Answer 8

the car is well made but getting old now, rust may be an issue, for a price comparison see www.autotrader.co.uk

Answer 9

every bmw is a good buy

Answer 10

yeah cool