Things you should know before buying a bmw 3 series e36 m3 328i 325i 318i m5 fully restored

Things you should know before buying a bmw 3 series e36. This is my 1996 fully restored bmw

[@miltonmartinez1922]

Bought one 16 years ago with 85,000 miles and it’s never been to a mechanic. Synthetic oil and good maintenance it’s the secret. Great cars !

[@UnwiseWings0973]

"I'm going to be keeping this car forever." Famous last words.

[@frankmaggio4328]

Awesome review!!!!! I have owned my 96 328i vert since 7/2010. Bought her with 110k mi. and still get compliments on her to this day. 231k on the clock now! Yes, people should be aware of the money pits these can be........if you pay someone to do the repairs. I was forced to learn how to repair my own vehicles when in 2011 they quoted me $1400 to replace the rear bearings. I spent $400 in Harbor Freight tools and $180 in rear bearings and did it myself! I also did most of what you did to yours. My leather is now shot, my top is now a manual lol. One piece of advise... you need to get an OEM wind deflector. It's worth it's weight in gold. I love mine! It makes your car stand out!!! Trust me! Also, be aware the radiator start to leak after 1-2 yrs once they are on the vehicle.....The heat cycles are tough on the plastic parts. My old GMC Jimmy cooled off way faster than the 328i engine compartment did. Heat takes a toll on plastics. I have replaced 4 in the past 7 yrs. Always check your coolant. If it's low, YOU HAVE a leak where the plastic and aluminum join. I always had on handy in my garage. I was stranded twice and had to be towed home. 1 hr later I was back in business. I should be good til next year. And yes I bought the BEHR radiator and not a cheap China unit! Do the same to your coolant overflow tank. Keep one handy, because they will most definietly crack due to heat cycles as well. Also the motors eat up about 1 quart about every 1k miles so if you hear any sort of tapping,.... add oil. The oil dip stick has the plastic markers on it. Basically just one slot. If it's at the slot, you're low 2 quarts. if it's half way from the slot to the end of the plastic 1 need 1 quart. Although I had to overhaul most of her, she is ABSOLUTELY the coolest car I have ever owned. I also own an 05 645ci. Honestly the 328i is just cooler looking and 3 times as reliable. The corner store where I get gas, the owner keeps telling me to sell it to him when I am done with her. Hahahahaha. See!

[@benrumsey6155]

Brilliant advice, thank you.

[@Lowel1]

How much did all of that cost you?

[@Jason-gt2kx]

I have had two 328ICs and both needed wheel bearings. The cooling systems are the usual issues. Great cars if you maintain them! The engines seem bullet proof and I run them hard.

[@AnythingGasoline]

I had an e36 325, 290,000km no service history, 16 owners.. drove it 3 years with not one problem. then sold it to buy a cabrio

[@carsonac4163]

Other than typical rust common issues are: airbag light, pixel fading/burnt lcd on the gauge cluster and OBC, failed carier bearing for the driveshaft and/or worn rubber flex disc, fan/blower issues possibly the fsu, clogged cabin air filter caused by neglect, on occation a window falling of trac or a doorlock not working, powersteering lines leaking, front swaybar mount failure caused by rust/rot, oil leaks could be engine block-oil filter housing gasket, or valve cover gasket

[@bnwlf]

I do agree with the cooling replacement. First thing that blows up on mine E36 was temperature sensor. Few weeks later the fan clutch goes off, so I've boiled my engine without knowing it :D Luckily i have 4 cylinder engine which is more reliable to survive high temperatures, but you dont want to risk it. So do replace the waterpump, thermostat, fan clutch and temp sensor first with quality components. Its definitely worth it!

[@thfairchild]

Just bought a 1996 , e36 , 328i , auto/ manual transmission, its been taken care of by a certified BMW mechanic. all it life. The thing runs like its brand new. 0 issues, so it's all about good maintenance, these car should go 300k easy if you go the extra mile to maintain the vehicle, I agree on the cool system and by putting in a high performance radiator and electric fan ,all new hoses, thermostat, flush and fill with premium coolant. You'll make a big difference on the life of the car. We like this vehicle , thats our 2 cents, thank you , your was helpful as well

[@SimNGuitar]

Great vid! Thanks for sharing this. Looking into a '94 325i and thinking about pulling the trigger

[@troybailey8113]

I'm looking into a 1995 325i, I'm just worryed repair costs, how did yours go?

[@edwinasuncion201]

The 90s 3 series beemers are awesome had couple of em back in the day loved em.

[@Ortiz__xo]

I’m looking at a 95 325i convertible 40k miles for $4.8k. The owner travels a lot and has 5 cars ! I’m going to look at it Monday and see if it has any of these issues ! Thanks for the pointers !

[@robertalan1]

We have 3 e36s in our family, a M3 conv and 2 318ti s. They are great cars. A car that has been sitting for long will have leakey gaskets everywhere. Our 318 we bought with only 55k miles had that and a bad cat converter due to sitting. Bought the M3 last year with 65k from Fl and it had been used by the original owner as a daily driver and no issues. I did change the radiator, water pump, belts, pulleys, etc. and I love it.

[@AdventureeX]

Two years ago i watched this video and glad i saw this. Now i own a e36 coupe with the worst problems. Subframe mount ripped out of place 2 out of 4 rips

[@MrAdk25]

PDX DAT sorry man . These cars are money pits !! Just sold mine and bought an e46 m3

[@AdventureeX]

MrADK25 nicee but i feel like its a bigger money pit? Dats my dream car

[@anthonybeckman4584]

I'm looking into getting a 94 325i with 108k mi. I appreciate your video. It's going to help with the buy.

[@tinachavez8712]

did you pick up the 325i ?

[@carlosgarza7844]

Damm that's a lot of money you put in to it. You should it buy one in good condition for less money than that.

[@MrAdk25]

I know. I started the project and got to the point that I couldn't stop. I am the type of the person that once I start a project I cant stop till it done right. =(

[@glop666]

Kudos to you for seeing it through, only a real car guy will have the stamina to do what you did to this A1 example of a e36 cab. Like taking a stray dog to the vet, you know its going to cost $$ but you close your eyes and throw cash at it untill its happy.

[@NurseNick420]

Once you start putting money in a car, it is difficult to just sell the car and move on. You start to develop almost a bond with the car and it's hard to let go. Cars are kinda like relationships. Sometimes it's worth fixing the problems if the outcome is favorable. Other times, there are problems that will be more work/money than it's worth and better off to move on.

[@Euphorica]

that's typical. pay 12k for something well sorted. ...or spend less initially but equalling the 12k in the end. ymmv but it's a pretty consistent rule.

[@cesarblanco1787]

Euphorica hay my top just stop working what do I do I check all the fuss

[@jelanimclean6326]

In My Memories Everyone Has 3 Series Back In 98.

[@Jason-gt2kx]

I paid less than 3k on both of mine and only put 1k into them and they run tip top for 3 years so far. E36s are great as long as you watch the cooling system.

[@AdventureeX]

Told myself that I wasn't going to get an E36 after I watch this video 4 months ago but then I got one. Now here taking notes.

[@stevenmalvasio5639]

I have a 99 m3 looks very similar to yours. I put new glass headlights retrofit projectors orion v4 angel eyes. they are amazing. I get stopped all the time from other bmw owners to explain what they are and where to buy

[@zlowe3643]

I bought a 96 for $1500 already had all brand new cooling system and gaskets just needed a new clutch

[@brilliantainmentbrillianti6256]

Sick video, I like how it’s not a vlog like the other videos so annoying. Thank you

[@underseavision6771]

I have a 1996 328is 140k all original. One owner, original paperwork in hand including sticker. Continuously garaged. Looks and runs like new. Center support bearing replaced one year ago. Front struts replaced two years ago. Looking to find a good home

[@rezam6060]

I have a 1996 328i convertible. It is a great car. Back in 2013 I saw a 1998 E36 M3 that had low mileage in a dealership. They wanted $8500 for it, I wanted it bad but I had no place to park a second car. The car sold the same day they brought it in. (I was there when it got dropped off)

[@rezam6060]

www.carsforsale.com/1998-bmw-m3-for-sale-C130518

[@dougplommer9961]

Looking at a 1994, 318i with 163 k miles, automatic, original owner, dealer serviced. What to look for.

[@mark3491]

318is 4k cad, overheated engine, wore out clutch, ripped engine mounts, burst hose = new hoses (before new engine), fix back right abs sensor 4k-10k real fast still an amazing car

[@mk3cortinapaul]

Had mine 9 years. A 1995 . 22 years of English weather. No rust. No oil leaks . No leather cracks. Just a shit back window and a water pump reckon you had your pants pulled down when you bought that.

[@samwaelarmoush2321]

I'm from MA as well! Looking for this car also, I love it!

[@mrlafayette1964]

I have a 99 convertible, love it but it doesn't have the pop up roll bars.

[@andrewmontie4033]

is there a trusted cooling system that is proven? My car crapped out again and this time i need to redo the motor...

[@drey0492]

by the time i save up for a repair something else brakes and it goes on

[@nightreapers3425]

You got a hoopty e36 then. mine has 127k 1994 325i just did valve cover gasket replacement and it runs strong everyday and starts with no issue.

[@ikemchukwudifu6041]

I learned how to work on cars with an e36. It’s not hard when you can do it yourself. I’ve had two 319tis, 1995 325i vert and now I have a 1998 325i vert and a Supra. All manual transmission. You can’t put 12-15k in a car that’s not worth 7-8k. M3 start from 8-10k

[@shanereeson5369]

If i was you i would take off that silly cone filter and replace it with a stock one so you can stop all the heat soak and re-gain all the LOST horsepower

[@Jason-gt2kx]

Yes, that is a "hot" air intake unless you build or buy a heat shield. He is mostly likely losing power. It may break even due to the high flow filter, but a either way changing from the well build stock system usually make you loose power in the 2-4k RPM range, and that is usually the range you drive in on a daily basis. They sound cool though!

[@cbdabreadman6910]

Can you help me

[@brownie4032]

@@cbdabreadman6910 yes

[@JamesBrown-wo4in]

I have a BMW 1995 325i convertible I'm having problems with a vacuum leak and I've tried everything and replaced everything I don't know what else to do can you help

[@santoslugones3500]

I'm getting a 1998 BMW 328i convertible and im 14 I have worked on them before if you know what ur doing its very easy to keep your car in good condition

[@bladez942]

What do think is better:? Low miles and sat for a while or high miles but has had scheduled maintenance.

[@kinggod3115]

Thanks man I was just about to grab a 1996 328i convertible with 170k miles for $2000 today this video just changed mind lmaooooo

[@santiagoalvarado2423]

Update

[@xRAGExFTW]

what kind of top did you get ? in the market for one, yours looks really good. Thanks!

[@PhilipCordella]

Is there an an answer to this question? I am looking for a top as well.

[@tonilynrosanelli6666]

Nice job! I love the M3 seats! I shopped on amazon for mine about a year ago. Sierra auto tops, $325-$350 3 day delivery. I watched many hours of KZbin videos and took step by step notes... REPLACED IT MYSELF with help from a friend. Definitely a 2 people job:) Black on black 1995 Bmw 325i manual... I absolutely love it. Getting the hood n trunk wrapped next. Good luck All!

[@krisgutierez]

BMW was originally a airplane engine I have a e36 318, 323,325 & 328 from 1993-1996 and you maintain them they will take good care of you thank you if you can’t handle a bmw don’t buy one FYI nothing personal is your transportation

[@JamesBrown-wo4in]

I bought a 1995 BMW 325i and I can't get it to idle right I tried everything even smoke

[@sneakybogan]

Hey man I’ve just secured a hold on one of these. It’s got full custom paint and rims etc. it’s got 196,000km on the clock. It’s only got one defect which is the springs are too low so they need to be replaced. I’m not sure if these problems occur often in the same car but in my country (Australia) but watching this I’m pretty hesitant about it now. I’m only buying it for $500 coz the guy lost his licence and just wants it gone. Any advice?

[@robertopinna220]

So beautiful ❤️

[@miggyr4368]

You got a lemon I have the same car and it don't have that much issues

[@eastsideofthetracks8311]

Alpine white is my favorite 🤩

[@slade8624]

im getting a 1994 325i and would like to know 1st off the website you got the seats from. and 2, whats something i really should keep an eye out for or an ear open so to speak. thanks.!!

[@slade8624]

here's a link i would appreciate a lot of info as this would be my 1st car.! lol Thanks again. denver.craigslist.org/cto/5875380429.html

[@edwardglatzmayer5466]

Looking at purchasing 96 328i vert. 72K miles. Just like you. Immediately saw the valve cover leaking. Car in great shape. Owner replaced radiator, coolant, front struts, and tires. Oil change due but will do after valve cover. Replacing spark plugs too. What kind of oil is best for this auto in Florida?

[@leonardoldld]

I'm going to buy one that has been sitting 4 years also, and won't start hope it goes well

[@MrAdk25]

dont do it lol

[@j.porlando5091]

Crazy. I just got a 99 328i. 165k miles. The only thing that kinda wrong is the window on the driver side doesn’t go all the way up. The right blinker needs to be replace and I think I have a exhaust leak or will start. Any recommendations? Didn’t know much about the car it was just really cheap and works and drives fine. Note: I live in Rhode Island so we got snow a lot too lol

[@tr3v3rrz47]

There’s one for sale near me for $2,000 and i plan on getting it for my first car and get it restored

[@kehindeoye569]

Hi Great insight, I am fixing to buy a 94 318i with 93000 miles. What with a automatic transmission, what do I need to look for? Please can you run the carfax for me? The guy told me the convertible to open automatically it’s manual on those model is that accurate?

[@markbarton6297]

Good looking car, I am feeling your pain now with my 1995 318i, part after part, coolant system complete overhaul coilovers exhaust sensors gaskets camber arms etc. Have you had an issues with your radiator fan? My entire cooling system is new has been flushed replaced both temp sensors as well however my Radiator fan will not work if plugged into the temp sensor in the side of the radiator, I have the m44 4cyl engine

[@edking9138]

I have a 1998 328i that is making a duck noise at idle. When I take the oil fill cap off it gets louder and I feel a vacuum at idle.

[@kingg8162]

Im looking to buy a 1995 325i sedan not the M model and it has about 135,000 miles on it and has been driven on a daily basis. The owner says everything works well and that he himself has kept up with maintenance. Is this a good deal for 4,500k?

[@krisherring2598]

Love the car man i have a 325ci 01 model and its amazing

[@Choward6969]

Any problems with it since u posted this haha

[@itsyourboy7150]

I'm thinking of buying a 1996 BMW e36 and just wanted to know if I should. It's stock and going to be my first car if I do get it so should I go for it or keep on looking?

[@maggieh8176]

i am about to shop about the same car , bmw 328 i 1996 and it has 66 thousand miles , it has one owner and according to him the only issue is no heat and ac won't work as well , does anyone know what can be wrong and what would be a good deal to buy the car? thanks

[@bRoOkLynZzJeSuS]

bro reply back i have a few questions about my 1999 323i that i think u mite help with

[@mikecohen3274]

$12,000 lol I would have bought another for 5 grand in California that works. I own a 97

[@hudreaadi]

hi there. I have a 320i convertible. It seems i have some water leaks inside when it rains. especially in the left corner of the front side of the soft top. and my soft top was cut. how do you suggest to fix this problem, how can i waterproof my soft top? it's old. thanks.

[@SwaveyVlogs]

I'm looking at buying a 1998 bmw 328i , 190k miles. Did you fix everything yourself or brought it to shops?

[@stevenleible390]

I'm planning on test driving a 1995 e36 m3 and the abs light is on so the cruise doesn't work. What should i look for?

[@jessiahladd7973]

So where did you say the oil leaks usually are and how would I go about fixing it

[@stasKZ]

you can get a California m3 with 60k clean for 12k or less

[@Deezy762]

This didn’t age well 😞

[@ROmaniac21]

Great video, how's the car?

[@stonesthrow420]

What lowering springs did you use, I love the height. I have a 95 325i convertible with 125k. Replaced the cracked head and upgraded the entire cooling system. Runs amazing. Looks identical to yours except Im rolling on BBS 17" wheels and 45 series tires

[@troybailey8113]

How do you like it? I'm looking at non convertible one with 250,000 miles. My biggest concern is how expensive repairs, any ideas on it?

[@sabrinaippolito6518]

let me know if you’re ever going to sell those wheels pls😭

[@BlackAssCrum]

Just got one 132,000 miles clean!

[@waffles4ev3r]

how has it treated you?

[@adammeadows6297]

How much did your engine rebuild cost? Did you have a BMW dealership do the rebuild?

[@brandongregory2587]

I was about to buy a old bmw for 900 cash but fail short on cash because im losing touch with my job site, well its old the place smells and i can only get about 5 miles out the engine im thinking about leaving but im kinda in a wrute, what can i do? I NEED HELP!

[@sammcglynn9880]

Just got an m3 with 180k miles for $2500. Almost perfect (except failed smog and needs cats)

[@bobjo579]

i see some of these for like 3k, is it worth buying and if I buy how much would I expect to pay for fixing

[@jumatv3138]

Hi my name is saleiman I want to buy BMW 1994 old lady was driving she say everything is working only I have Steering leak oil in the top convertible it’s not open you have to open with your hands what do you think

[@jjgillz309]

I know you said you had the whole engine restored, but do you have any idea of the cost just replace the gaskets?

[@Charliesc3n3fuksuup]

Plans.... k20 z4 honda motor...… might be the only reliable bmw I can buy that isn't going to put me bankrupt. Planning on running a full hondata flash pro aswelll…….. thoughts ? ya or nah

[@MistaPointBlank56Ace]

I luv mine, I'm redoing the doors, any pointers??

[@Bubblez9920]

So you replaced things that normally need replaced in a car... makes sense.

[@Jason-gt2kx]

Today you can get an M3 in good running condition for 12K.

[@djrios2855]

Di you buy the front bumper lip online? If yes which one is it? Thanks

[@cbdabreadman6910]

I have a 98 just like yours and it overheats randomly

[@mannymontano1179]

i have a 94 bmw 325i and was wondering what would be the reason that it heats up after putting in a new radiator and all???

[@stevenmalvasio5639]

Gotta bleed the engine.

[@travissmith4461]

Thermostat

[@travissmith4461]

It’s the thing that closes off the cooling system until your motor warms up. At a certain temp. The piece let’s the cool radiator water flow into the block.

[@calebmccoy3189]

Ime considering buying a 96 328i its only got 80k the price is 3k do u thibk its a sound investment

[@noelbenoist7452]

You did not say how much it is.

[@rahshanpaige4803]

What type of spark plugs do you use?

[@marcelolopez4215]

size tires?

[@kanggoo57]

which is the best? save money and get a 320, pay a lil more and get a 325i manual or a little more for a 328i auto?

[@lessemo]

Kanggoo maybe the 325i and keep the money for possible repairs

[@romyromeo1277]

heyy just wanted to ask do u know why does my e 36 show the abs and acs lights on the dash

[@stonesthrow420]

What lowering springs did you use?

[@bobbysworldrox]

What kind of wheels are those an size?

[@v855amg8]

Shout out Massachusetts

[@Chris-kt5nm]

how did you get a 3 series m5??? or did you just mess up in the title?

[@ZN.4B79]

Hi, can you please tell me about the seat you have change for the 3 series! Does the electrical pluck is compatible , any problem in fitting it? thanks

[@MrAdk25]

There was no power going to the seats as they where manual

[@savannaamber1483]

You say to turn on the heaters in ACs and see if it smells and stuff like that but what if the AC in the heater turns off and on by themselves so I don’t really get to smell it what should I do

[@savannaamber1483]

I have a 1996 convertible bmw 328i

[@MrAdk25]

Need a new relay ? or control panel

[@sergefn3104]

Hey I got a question

[@Mike_Jones281]

I miss my car.

[@metalwasp]

Your driver's side door looks like shit :/ it's so uneven I can't even look at it. It looks really nice in white tho.

[@MrAdk25]

Metalwasp its just the light it's prefect

[@vedadrokkor]

@@MrAdk25 hahahaha

[@e-dawg9848]

Is $2200 with 120k miles good for a 97 328is coupe? and do they have the same problems as the 96 or similar? What are the pro's and con's?

[@TC16842]

Yes they do Ethan, great cars though and fast with some modding. I still have my 96 328is 5 speed with almost 300,000 on the clock!!! I've had oil leaks, electrical problems and radiator leaks, steering wheel locking up and that was fun, had to drill into the steering column to remove a spring but over all a strong car that BMW could've made better in the first place!!!

[@timschubert8624]

What is the m5 for in the title?

[@marcosgonzales3160]

My boss gave me free one of this and all the engine apparently working just the hardware o it’s kinda destroyed and I don’t know where to get all the pieces of this car and I don’t know nothing about bmw someone please help me

[@Carlos_Verhaak]

Thanks for this video. I've just bought one form 1996 and it's in pretty good shape, but I have a problem with the outside temperature sensor. Do you know where it is so I can replace it? thx again and keep on doing these videos.

[@lvhenrytv6204]

Thank you

[@noxu6368]

I'm buying a e36 316 in 1 hour

[@MrAdk25]

I hope you have money in the bank to fix it when it breaks

[@noxu6368]

Review King I'm from Europe they're much more common here so i think cheaper parts? I also work in a bodyshop and my best mate is a mechanic so I'm solid

[@noxu6368]

I've already had few problems with it and drove it only like 5 times. Indicator stalk broke and window regulator broke... I fixed the stalk and still waiting to get some time so i can get the window regulator fixed but the car is running mint so far when it comes to mechanical side of things. I will keep it stock as it's not worth investing money into and I will save up money to buy a E46 M3

[@Lowel1]

How's the car?

[@neyx-barca8196]

Is this a good first car? Specifically the 328i? For a 16-17 year old?

[@TheJokerman1993]

Hell no lol unless you have a job that allows to go maintain it cause these cars are expensive as hell when they start having problems

[@markhawkins5630]

I bought a 93 325i but it’s been sitting for a year and a half and won’t run longer than 5 seconds it’s sitting in another city right now any tips on parts I will for a fact need to buy first?

[@troybailey8113]

How expensive are parts for your model? I'm looking into getting a 95 325i with 250,000 miles