How much the used E36 cost now?
its handling is alot better than the Ford Focus Sport?

This post has been edited by yehlai: Jul 6 2010, 09:01 PM

RM30k+

If u change all the suspension related parts. abs, spring, mounting, bush, ball joint, arm, tie rod, rod end etc etc........

It'd be at least on par with any sub RM200k car on the market now.

yeah it's true...part expensive...at kedai potong also expensive..better japanese car...bmw is a name only..cant last long..if want last long..most owner convert to japanese car engine..

i afraid it will costs u a bomb to u, and restoration cost almost on par with those RM200k car on the market.

irrelevant. if one treated a bmw/honda like crap from the beginning, it won't last long either.

generally, e36 ('95) RM30k > eg9 ('95) RM30k

hi, im driving 1994 318 and with RM100 i get 520KM town drive. for highway, i get ~800KM for RM 100. not too bad huh?
but i got to agree with the underpowered part. it wont give u much power if u r the type who likes to get going very quickly. only enough for those who are sopan2 one when driving. nevertheless still its a UDM!

-1

no class at all those cars u suggested.. japanese car will never be continental

for more information on used bmw e36, here:
http://bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=69

328i e36 over 318i e36 any day for me.. if got 318 seems like pointless to get the bmw.. my 2 cent of course.

for those who don't know e36, it's this one:


will look nice if change the stock 15" rims(above is not 15", maybe 17 or 18).. and of course many more

This post has been edited by phas3r: Jul 7 2010, 04:33 AM

@phas3r

I can understand where you are coming from re: 318 vs 328. I personally would agree with you, and if I had my way, I would go for a 3281cc engine, but unfortunately the road tax alone would 'kill' me.



@ideoteque

Thanks for your input. Getting a more clearer view on the fuel consumption aspect.

@cracksys

Agreed. German and Japanese cars are manufactured to different considerations and market aspects.

I would like to state it is not a case of who is far superior, but rather that of consumer preferences.

@scorgio

I will take your recommendation into consideration. Thank you!

If maintain properly- The car will give you trouble free pleasure.

BMW E36 is a reliable car but you must remember- These cars are already almost 15 years-20 years.

Lots need changing- Rubber valve cover gasket, hoses , cooling system etc.

You can Google it up on BMW E36 basic maintenance. lots of info. They are simple cars and easy to live with.

Edit- if I'm not mistaken- Early E36 318i do come with Timing belt. So if it does- change those belts but if it comes with timing chains- you're OK. They last a long time & rarely need changing

Edit-After reading the topic-

Also beware of doggy workshop. Sometimes they are the one who create problems hoping you would come back to repair the car. E.g. Take your good parts & put in a faulty ones. So you encounter the problem in one mth time. So you go back & they found the problem & charge you a "new unit" which in fact its your old parts taken from your car previously. Take a note of this.

Since road tax for 318i is cheaper, I would go for that. Mod it nicely & you have a nice BMW 318. Who cares about power. people see you're riding a Bimmer.

Z

This post has been edited by z928328: Jul 7 2010, 04:47 AM

328i is 2793cc.. not 3281cc... road tax about rm1612 per year
318i is 1796cc roadtax rm278/yr

maintaining 4 cylinder(318) is easier as well.. compared to 328's 6 cylinder.. but needless to say performance and torque of 328i is very good

This post has been edited by phas3r: Jul 7 2010, 04:32 AM

@phas3r

The seller must either have swapped engines or mis-keyed the cc in his ad.

Taking into consideration the road tax and maintenance issues together with my driving style, I think the wisest course of action for me is to take the 318i.

@z928328

Thanks for tip on the dodgy workshops. I didn't realize such practices are prevalent.

The model I am looking at is the first generation E36 that comes with the belt, and not the timing chain. However, I have factored that into my budget and consider it to be a non-issue at this point of time. Hopefully, I don't have to replace so many parts in the initial period of ownership.

$ $

Well, fellas, wish me luck. If the said Bimmer is still available by the end of the month and is as well taken cared of as advertised, I'll be returning home with it.