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Registered
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 3,239
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Inspecting a 318 for purchase;any tips?
Hi all,
Great site. Lots of useful info. I'm usually on Rennlist, but my girlfriend and I are thinking about purchasing a 318 Sedan and would appreciate any comments on what to look for when inspecting and driving it. I'm sure this has come up before but my search wasn't very successful. Heres the info; 1995 318i Sedan 1-owner 57K miles Serves as a third car. Garage kept. Full service records from Bavarian Motors (toledo area) Asking price is $10K I must admit my knowledge of BMWs is lacking;any input on what to lookout for (rust areas,common leak areas,etc) would be great. How reliable are these cars? Are there any maintenance updates that need to be performed, how often should belts be changed,etc? Many thanks in advance! Paul Last edited by Sarc; 05-16-2003 at 12:56 PM.. |
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05-16-2003, 09:35 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: UP STATE NEW YORK
Posts: 38
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Paul, sounds like you have found yourself a deal. Those E-36 318's are a really good car. I'm a BMW part counterperson and the main things that I see these car comming in for is normal service items, oil, microfilters. Check the balljoints, there known to go. Change the brake fluid if there isn't record of having it done in the last two years. Other than that I can't think of anything that is a trend on these cars. Good luck and fun driving!!!
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05-17-2003, 06:06 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 12
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Hi I think you better grab that car as soon as you can. A year ago I purchased a 1994 318 i Convertable and I had almost double the milege and I paid a little more. But, the car is a great car and I love it. I'm in the process of purchasing new wheels and rims...
Enjoy...! 
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05-18-2003, 09:55 AM
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Registered
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 3,239
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Many thanks!
Hey guys,
Thanks for the input. My girlfriend and I are planning on shooting down to look at it at the end of the month, as the current owner wants to have it inspected by her dealer before she makes it available to the public. One of my concerns is if power will be sufficient. This doesn't, however, concern my girlfriend as it will probably be quicker than her current 2000 Jetta (115hp 5 speed). As this is going to be her car (once she sells the Jetta), I want to make sure she's got a good one to drive. I'll keep you all posted. thanks again! |
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05-19-2003, 09:27 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Alhambra, CA USA
Posts: 881
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Good Luck Sarc,
My 94 318 has had a long life so far without any major problems. I've now listed it for sale after 167,000 miles and now get around in my M3. The power isn't nothing to write home about but the gas milage is, I used to get 350 miles per fill-up and up to 400 on highway travel. "A picture is worth a thousand words!" |
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05-19-2003, 02:21 PM
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In the shop at Pelican
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 10,459
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It is widely accepted that the 318i motor is one of the best BMW ever built. Bulletproof, torquey (for a four banger) and great mileage. You really cant go wrong with one.
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05-19-2003, 03:44 PM
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