My new car!

[danp]

I think the E36 coupé still looks great, and has a real cockpit feel that no other 3er has, very nice daily rat car!

[anissut]

Thanks mate, I've got a couple I have my eye on. Any idea what year the nikasil issues were sorted? I'm tracking a couple which look in really good nick with lots of docs and history but need to go and see them. Also, need to get rid of the Smart so will put that up for sale. General annual maintenance doesn't bother me but don't want any nasty surprises.

Just want something a bit different and a reminder of my youth to have fun with when I'm not driving the CSL and can't justify a car at 10-20k. I did look at E30 325i Sports but they look pricey for a car which relies on its image/kudos when I think the 328is is more than likely a better car for less money.

Thanks for the help.

Originally Posted by glendog74

The E36 models have many of the common issues that E46 models can have, i.e. worn suspension components/bushes, track rod ends, control arms, etc. Many cars have rust spots on the rear arches if they have been neglected. A later build model would eliminate any potential Nikasil engine issues. The VANOS unit on the 328i is generally reliable unlike the M3 EVO unit on the 3.2ltr iirc. The engine itself is pretty bulletproof as long as it is maintained properly.

The beauty of an E36 is that there are literally tons of spare parts for it now both at breakers and even brand new unused parts - all pretty cheap. I got a set of low mileage M3 rear dampers and a power steering rack for just £120. I had them fitted at Simpson MS on Tuesday before getting a geo done on it.

The 328i Sport is an ideal commuter and comfortable too. The economy is hardly ground breaking and in actual fact it is not much better than the CSL if truth be told, but its a nice car if you can find an unmolested example in good nick

[shane@mbtech]

Originally Posted by glendog74

The E36 models have many of the common issues that E46 models can have, i.e. worn suspension components/bushes, track rod ends, control arms, etc. Many cars have rust spots on the rear arches if they have been neglected. A later build model would eliminate any potential Nikasil engine issues. The VANOS unit on the 328i is generally reliable unlike the M3 EVO unit on the 3.2ltr iirc. The engine itself is pretty bulletproof as long as it is maintained properly.

The beauty of an E36 is that there are literally tons of spare parts for it now both at breakers and even brand new unused parts - all pretty cheap. I got a set of low mileage M3 rear dampers and a power steering rack for just £120. I had them fitted at Simpson MS on Tuesday before getting a geo done on it.

The 328i Sport is an ideal commuter and comfortable too. The economy is hardly ground breaking and in actual fact it is not much better than the CSL if truth be told, but its a nice car if you can find an unmolested example in good nick

The modding has started already

[glendog74]

Originally Posted by anissut

Any idea what year the nikasil issues were sorted?

I think it was around 1997/1998. TBH, the problem was mainly in the USA as they use poorer fuel out there with lower RON. At the end of the day, if a pre 1998 car has 100k miles then the engine is most probably ok!

Originally Posted by lawsy

The modding has started already

Lol - only mod going on will be a 'Dave F' induction kit for some noise and uprated pads but that's it!

[mattCSLnut]

Originally Posted by glendog74

I think it was around 1997/1998. TBH, the problem was mainly in the USA as they use poorer fuel out there with lower RON. At the end of the day, if a pre 1998 car has 100k miles then the engine is most probably ok!

1998 'R' onwards and this was a BIG problem over here in the UK, especially with low mileage cars that never got up to temperature on the morning commute. High mileage cars are usually OK. Nothing to do with RON... it was the high Sulphur content in the UK fuel, eating away at the bore lining . The 2.0i, the 2.3i, the 3.0i & 4.0i V8s of the E34 suffered too... from the same problem until 1998. BMW were giving NEW Alusil blocks away on goodwill, like hot cakes

[glendog74]

Clean 'Smurf'

[Yanto]

Very nice Rob - engine bay looks like new !