I recently purchased an S reg 323 Coupe for £3K.
Problems to look out for are Nikasil. Get the chassis number or reg number and phone BMW and ask if it's had a new engine. If it hasn't then walk away. There's loads out there.
Other things to watch out for are leaking radiators. They leak at the bottom right corner where the radiator meets the plastic tank.
Check out www.e36coupe.co.uk/ for loads of info on 3-series including buyers guides and many many FAQs
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I would agree with DavidHM. I had an E36 320iSE as a company car for a year in 1998 and I wouldn't particularly want another one.
It had a beautifully smooth and great sounding six-cylinder engine and the handling was very good (if a little soft). My lasting memories of it though are pretty negative. A brittle, spartan, cheap looking interior, buzzes and creaks everywhere at 80,000 miles, dreadful fuel consumption (24 mpg from what is a relatively modestly powered car), and less than perfect quality and reliability. In the year I had it the drivers window regulator disintegrated, an ignition coil burned out, and the boot started leaking. This was a 5 year old, 80,000 mile FBMSH'd example that had been well cared for by its previous keeper.
I daresay the 328i and M3 are different beasts altogether, but don't assume that badge means quality, reliability or even a superior driving experience. I would spend my 2k elsewhere.
DP
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Mate I won't buy a BMW with a budget of £2k because I don't think the car would be very reliable and you'll might end up spending quite a bit on the parts and labour. If I was you I would go for Honda Accord (T reg onwards). They're as good to drive as BMWs but at the sametime they're almost bulletproof. But maybe their image isn't in the same class as BMW.
All the best with car hunting, it could be a painful but fun experience!
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Thanks for all your replies, the only reason i was looking at the BMW is that i like the looks and its now affordable. However i also like the VW Passat or maybe something like that as i need a family size car.
I'll have a look into the Honda Accord as reliability is important, also safety.
How about the Audi A4, any comments?
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Carl
The 2k purchase raises a problem with me. A 2k car could be just as troublesome as a 1k, yet because it's cost you 2k, you have to pump money into it to "preserve" your original capital.
Get a potential £700 bill on a 1k, and you throw it, yet the same on a 2k, and you have to swallow it.
My advice would be to spend 1k, and bank the other 1k for a replacement/rainy day.
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I agree with local yokel. buying a cheap 'prestige' car is often a bad idea. If its a model which is only just affordable than you are likely to be getting the dregs. Far too many people buy them for the image but cant afford to maintain them properly. You are looking at a 10 year old car - it will have problems. Unless you are capable of doing your own work on it then running costs can be very high. I know various bits are available from gsf/europarts and the like but lots of electrical things will be heading for problems at this age and many bits will be dealer or scrapyard.
In general with a bm I would get a coolant change (with the correct coolant) as soon as you buy. Have the system pressure tested - lots of problems with failing rads and water pumps, leading quickly to engine problems.
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