Advice needed purchasing 93 325i

Google for advice. ..and get insurance!

If 4K is your life savings then I would go for a newer vehicle.

I own a 94 325I with 240K miles. The only major problems I've had were AC broke at about 80K miles (fixed by dealer under extended warrenty) and suspension replaced at 200K miles.

Other problems on that E36 are the water pump (use a plastic impeller) and plastic radiator. The plastic tab on the radiator that holds the hoses eventually fails. I had to replace both around the 150K miles.

The key to a car like this is to know a good BMW mechanic. But even so, service will cost and if you can't afford the service then I would pass on the car. I found my mechanic thru the BMW car club. Find a good mechanic first - ask him to check out the car prior to purchase. You can also find out from him how much the regular service will be and decide if you can afford it.

To find a BMW Independent mechanic in your area look at

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Depending on how mechanically inclined you are might be a decision point. I've seen folks spend a max dollar amount on a car thinking they'd be buying a "drive it til it breaks". Right off the bat, something goes out. They shot their wad on the car and now have no money for repairs. If you want a BMW, buy a pre-93 , and have some money for extra fixins. You may find it's easier to work on and could be more reliable, depending on the care it received. Just my 2 cents.

Bill in Omaha

I agree with everything said in the newsgroup.

Two years ago I spent $8000 for a 94 325i convertible with 120K. Finding a trustworthy independent mechanic is really important. I've had no complaints with dealer service, but it's VERY expensive (in New York City, anyway) -- $112/hour! Definitely check out

Originally I was looking for a newer car, too, but realized that at the same "price point" I could get an older BMW or Lexus. And it's absolutely not about style or prestige, just build quality. A BMW is a "driver's car", in a way that a Honda Civic, for example (or any other front-wheel-drive car), can never be.

I haven't regretted my decision even though I've had some financial reversals. I really love my car, and, having just turned 50, expect it to last for the rest of my life -- including some cross-country trips. It's been reliable, the engines are described as "bulletproof", and it's a total blast to drive. I don't even "need" a car in NYC, but keep thinking that I might relocate at some point ... so it's imperative that I keep this car.

I hope the one you're looking at has a manual transmission. I guess it's just a personal quirk of mine, but I have no use for automatics at all. There's no fun in driving for me if I don't have gears to shift. And no "tiptronics" or the like for me -- using a clutch is the whole point!

Which is not to say that there's anything bad about BMW auto transmissions per se, so don't let that be the deciding factor unless you share my opinion. I call them slushboxes on ANY car, no matter the make or model.

Best regards, and best wishes if you go through with your purchase.

Steven > Hi. I'm a college student looking at a 1993 325i w/ 112K for $4,000.

Thanks to everyone. I had it checked out by a reputable garage. The nearest "authorized" was a bit too far to get to. anyway, I bought the car for 4k and the ownwer thru in a set of 17" mags with tires.

I'm sure to be a lurer/poster to the group now!

I am a BMW fan as well, but it is not entirely FWD - RWD thing. If you get a chance, take a SAAB 9-3 sport sedan (2003 or later) for a drive (preferably and arc or aero). They are the best handling FWD cars I've ever driven, even in stock form. The other atractive thing about SAABs for used car buyers is their rapid depreciation.