mazdaspeed88

I am looking to buy a 3 series bmw and i wanted to now what my best option is . I have been looking at a 91-95, 318 and 325 models, trim package i am not to picky on. I really dont what to spead more than 5,500 to 6,000 dollars. What would be my best option?I would also like to hear your input on the 3 series. i am new to this board to, so am looking for someones input. thank you

Dudesky_E36

The E36 Bimmers come with their inherent problems (water pump & fan failures, electrical nuisances, etc), but overall a solid car. I just bought a '92 325i with 139k for $4500. I chose it over the 318 because of the inline 6cyl motor, which is a proven platform. I didn't mind the high mileage since to me it means that most of the major issues had probably been dealt with already. There are a few minor things I need to get done, but considering the price I paid, I think I got a fairly good deal.

Many BMW owners are fanatic about keeping their service records handy, so try to find one that has that info available. If they've kept up with BMW's recommended Inspection I & II programs, I'd say you've got a pretty good shot at getting yourself a clean car. A detailed summary of Inspections I & II can be found here, and you might wanna take the list with you when shopping for your car:

http://www.bimmerzone.com/inspection.htm

Hope this helps, good luck with your purchase!

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mazdaspeed88

hey thanks for the web site, i well look it over before I am going to buy a bmw. One question, what do you mean by a E36, is it a different model number or engine number? It is a stuped question.Thanks for your input on this topic, Dudesky E36.

DinanM3_S2

E30, E36, and E46 signify the design/styling of the BMW.

E36 looks like this...

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mazdaspeed88

thanks, that is what i thougt it would be.I do thank you for your help.

Skycity_BMW

Go for the 325 for sure . . . not to be mean . . I know alot of you guys have 318's . . . but just like Dudesky_E36 said . . . you'll love it more ! !

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mazdaspeed88

I well most likely go with a 325i, but price and avaliblity well have to do with it to.
How dose a automatic compare to a 5 speed?

Celsdogg

if i were you, i would search for a 5-speed. purchase price wise, like all other cars, manuals are a bit lower in price than automatics, however there is always that clutch replacement every few thousand miles.

i will be honest, i have an automatic. i love my Bimmer, but i would love it even more if it were a manual. those that like to drive instead of be driven (like bimmer drivers) usually would choose a manual. i know i would. even if i did a lot of stop and go city driving. . .

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mazdaspeed88

I well go with a 5 speed any why.
Dose any body know were i could find a e36 in wisconsin? I well be moving there in a mouth,so i well be shopping soon after i move.
Nice yellow E36 (DinanM3_S2).Thanks

ionizer

u cud of course go for the 318is e36 (i got one of those)
its a brilliant car...it lacks the brute force of the straight six but its a hell of a lot better than the standard 318.....its got about 30bhp more and a nice torque plus u get a really really good sportchassis

BMW dude

i will say go for the 325, maybe because i am a person who is more into power (but i am still young, i am almost 18), i currently own a 2003 BMW 330i (well not own, i share it with my mom) but u said 318 or 325 so i will say go for the 325 because it has more power. i tested my aunt's 318 before and i really dislike it because not only it's lack of power, and it dun even has alloy rims, so i will say go for the 325

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mazdaspeed88

I really do apprecate all of the input you guys have given to me. I now know a lot more about bmw's than i did before.
Thanks ,Kyle