How much have you spent on ur E36?

[anxious]

Hi, I was reading the E36 parts & maintenance thread and came across 8080 pbmw's post in 2005:- "Have been with my present ride since 2002 . here's the total cost of ownership for my E36 328i in tip top condition . Year 2002 RM Total Inspection II 820.75 Tires ( SP9000 225/45/17 x4 ) 1,600.00 Ori M3 lower lip + lower grill 700.00Tire Care ( Balancing + Alignment ) 64.00 3184.75 Year 2003 K&N 282.00 Inpro Angel Eyes Head Lights 1,400.00 Foggie Bulbs + Misc 111.50 BMW number plate 95.00 New number plate 40.00 ATF change 302.40 Micro Filter ( A/C ) 78.00 Accelerator Cable 181.40 Oil Service + Valve Gasket + Spark Plug 747.65 Exhaust Chrome Trim 160.00 Replica PU ACS + M3 Boot Spoiler 660.00 AC Delco MF Battery 220.00 ICE ( electronic X-over + misc ) 1,020.00 Steering Bearing 158.25 OE Brake Pads ( F + R ) 353.00 Tire Care ( Balancing + Alignment ) 62.00 5,871.20 Year 2004 Change Paint Colour + Recondition Rims 3,400.00 Bilstein + Eibach Upgrade ( include all mountings ) 3,498.50 Ori Tail Lamp + Head Light Adjust Module 490.00 Slip Ring ( On Steering ) 782.75 Inspection I 839.25 Cobra Override Switch 100.00 Oil Service 465.90 Air Bag Cable ( under seat ) 249.25 A/C Belt 111.00 HID + Diamond Vision Bulbs 2,175.00 Service K&N 18.00 ( SP9000 215/45/17 x2 ) 823.00 Bonnet Absorber 134.50 Ball Joint 154.85 Tire Care ( Balancing + Alignment ) 64.00 13,306.00 Year 2005 Front Disc + Pads + Sensor ( Ori ) 1,037.00 Inspection II 1,969.50 Carpet + Modic + A & C Pillar Repair 258.00 Pro RS Stainless Steel Brake Hose 320.00 Air Bag Cable ( under seat ) 271.50 AT selector oil seal 61.90 A/C Micro Filter + Carpet Clip 111.25 Rear Bearing + [Greasing 284.50 ICE ( Kenwood HU + Alarm System ) 2,220.00 Tire ( P.Dragon 225/45/17 + 245/40/17 ) 2,240.00 8,773.65Sub Total:31135.60 Road Tax ( 2002 to 2005 @ RM1627.50 per year ) 6,510.00Insurance ( Average RM1400 per year ) 5,600.00Grand Total: 43245.60 I guess it's pretty normal to spent this much to keep our UDM tip top . However , i was quite surprised when i got this figure . It's still the UDM !! " I found the information here very interesting and was wondering whetever anyonelse cares to summarise the cost of their E36 experience todate.

 

[anxious]

When I decided to get a E36, my intentions were to get a good low mileage car and slowly restore it back to like new.

Although I managed to find a genuine low mileage 1995 E36 325i with 80000km, it was neglected and I have spent over RM20000 over the last 2 months trying to restore her. My original budget was RM10000 ie RM5000 for repairs & RM5000 for tyres , paint & misc.

Being a novice as to engines, I didnt notice a slight misfire when inspecting the car prior to purchase. Suprisingly neither did my "trusted mechanic"(as Lee puts it). After buying the car , servicing it and painting it, I then discover that the car had low compression in one of the cylinders. When I opened the engine, to my horror it a cracked cylinder head.

I will shorly post a summary of my bills for your info. It would be nice if you guys could do what 8080pbw did as searching for bits and pieces is quite difficult.

Thanks for your time and effort. I am sure this thread will benefit all E36ers.

 

[infinityKL]

GOOD thread...but i dont really keep all my bills intact, they are all over the place as they dont make me feel any better either[not so wise of me], hehe. Will surely put it up here as im putting together some of the bills that i can find after reading this thread...

Cheers...

 

[meetoo]

Personally I don't keep track. Either I like or don't like the car and either I can afford to keep it or can't. If I like and can afford, then I don't want spoil enjoyment by keeping track of what I spend on it.

Every car spending requirement is different anyway, just like every girlfriend.

 

[Zul_84]

very good thread anxious,

It really help.
very good for beginner like me.

pls send any repair/maintenance/service here,

cheers bud

 

[Zul_84]

Every car spending requirement is different anyway, just like every girlfriend.

same to cat too

 

[Wlvrn]

Guys,

There's a thread for e36 parts & maintenance , why dont u browse it zul_fahmi.

 

[anxious]

Yes I know there is a thread on E36 maintenance but as I've explained it quite difficult to see the whole picture in that thread as the posting are mostly based on expenses incurred at a particular time.

My proposal here is to have forummers put up their expenses over a period of time. In 8080pbw's case his post were for period 2002-2005 ( care to update 8080?).

My expenses is a breakdown of my initial cost of ownership over the last 2 months which is summarised as follows:-

(1)13.4.2007(79895km)

INSPECTION 2 - servicing RM711
Magnatec RM156
Oil Filter RM30
Fuel Filter RM68
Axle Oil RM22
Axle Oil Treatment RM17
Automatic Oil RM108
Automatic Filter RM58
Auto Gasket(B) RM45
Auto Gasket(S) RM40
Powersteering Oil RM36
Brake Fluid RM36
Coolant Fluid RM35
Spark Plug RM60


VANOS REPAIR KIT RM220

ABSORBERS RM1636
Bilstein Black (F) RM710( RM355pp)
Bilstein Black (R) RM420(RM220pp)
Mounting(F) RM210
Mounting(R) RM110
Dampers(F) RM76
Dampers(R) RM110

THERMOSTAT
Housing RM110
O-Ring RM5
Gasket RM6

FAN CLUTCH RM520

WEAR & TEAR ITEMS RM1699
Valve Cover Gasket RM95
Valve Cover Seal RM105
Radiator Side Cover RM260
Belt Tensioner RM175
Belt Absorber RM158
Oil Filter Housing Gasket RM80
Washer Pump RM58
Bonnet Absorber RM55
Wiper Panel(L&R) RM170
Rear Windscreen Lining RM145
Door Handle Rubber RM80
Brake Switch RM68
Vent Hose RM25
Pipe Conector RM38
Air Con Belt RM38
Fan Cover Clip RM3
Valve Cover Cap RM 20
Bonnet Insulator Clip RM3
Aliminium Washer RM6
Brake Bulb RM5
Bulb RM5
Windscreen Shampoo RM7

MODIC RM45

LABOUR RM810
MISC RM300

TOTAL RM6062



(2) 7.5.2007 PAINTING

Change color to black RM3800
Door Trim RM120
New No Plate(UDM) 93

Total RM4013



(3) 30.5.2007 (80430km)

Cylinder Head (used) RM3700
Cylinder Head Bolt RM110
Cylinder Head Gasker RM580

Radiator Assy RM690
THermostat RM220
Heather Hose RM58
By Pass Hoses RM175
Clips RM8

Mounting:-
Engine RM320
Gearbox RM96

Oil Sump Gasket RM110
Dipstic oring RM6
Auto pipe clamp RM32
Bonnet Absorber RM55

Oil Filter RM30
Castrol Magnatec RM156
Coolant RM52.50

Less overlap (RM355)
S Tax RM60
Labour(icld Top Overhaul) RM1200

TOTAL RM7187.50



(4) 5.6.2007 (Brakes & Tyres)

Air Filter RM55
Brake Fluid RM36
ATE Disc &Pads (F) RM500

Tyres RM1160 (MXV8)

Total RM1751



(5) 22.6.2007 (Tie Rod)

Tie Rod RM336
stax rm4
labour rm80

Total RM420


(6) 29.6.2007(Axle Oil Leak)

Axle Oil RM190
O Ring RM10
Washer RM2
Stax RM4

Total RM286




GRAND TOTAL (1) + (2) + (3) +(4)+ (5) + (6) = RM19719.50

So looks like I've spent close to RM20000 in the past 2 months, getting the car back to specs.

I originally had a budget of RM10000 for repairs,tyres and paint, having bought the car at RM40000.

Anyway having already spent about RM60000, I console myself by saying whatelse can you get for RM60000 nowadays...a new WAJA? I guess I should be happy with my E36 325i ?

Finally I'm getting to enjoy my car.

Thanks for all your advise and support. It truly has been a very stressful 2 months.

My advise to all you newbies is that despite how low mileage the car has or how good it looks, make sure you see the service history as a neglected car can mean huge repair bills (as I've learnt the hard way).

Honestly having gone through it, if I had a chance to turn back the clock I would still get an E36 but (I definitely would be more careful!)

Otherwise getting a E36 is a real bargain as well taken care BMWs age very well. In fact most of my freinds cant believe my car is actually 12 years old.

My E30 was 19 yrs old when I sold her and it looked and drove wonderfully.

My E36 should be with me for at least anor 5 yrs so I'll keep you updated if I still am alowed to participate in the forum.

Why dont some of you share your experiences in this thread?

 

[Zul_84]

what would be the cost to change oil, oli filter, reset ecu and labour?
how often should this be done? :E36 328 1997:

was advised to change this MORE frequently as opposed to the recommended 25k (is it?) km..

btw, is mobil 1 the best engine oil?
oil treatment which the best?

 

[Russie]

Though the recommended oil change interval was originally set at the mark of 25,000km, I was told that this is not a good idea given the traffic conditions and the hot climate in our country. If everything permits, you may change the engine oil every 7,000 km to 8,000km if you are using sem-synthetic oil.

As to which is the best engine oil, well I believe this is very subjective. As long as it is from a reputable brand name, it should be fine, be it mineral based, semi-syn or fully syn.

Oil treatment? Unless you have a "half-given up" engine, otherwise it would be unnecessary coz normal routine oil change will be sufficient in ensuring a healthy heart for the car.

Just my 2 cents

cheers

 

[Zul_84]

thanxs Russie

which is best? Fully syn or semi? for 1997 model
(sorry for this question, i dont know this)

 

[8080pbmw]

Use the best fully synthetic engine oil you can affort. and never believe the 25000km service interval.
no matter how much you have spent on your UDM, at the end of the day the drive will leave a smile on your face.

 

[8080pbmw]

Yes I know there is a thread on E36 maintenance but as I've explained it quite difficult to see the whole picture in that thread as the posting are mostly based on expenses incurred at a particular time.

My proposal here is to have forummers put up their expenses over a period of time. In 8080pbw's case his post were for period 2002-2005 ( care to update 8080?).

My expenses is a breakdown of my initial cost of ownership over the last 2 months which is summarised as follows:-

(1)13.4.2007(79895km)

INSPECTION 2 - servicing RM711
Magnatec RM156
Oil Filter RM30
Fuel Filter RM68
Axle Oil RM22
Axle Oil Treatment RM17
Automatic Oil RM108
Automatic Filter RM58
Auto Gasket(B) RM45
Auto Gasket(S) RM40
Powersteering Oil RM36
Brake Fluid RM36
Coolant Fluid RM35
Spark Plug RM60


VANOS REPAIR KIT RM220

ABSORBERS RM1636
Bilstein Black (F) RM710( RM355pp)
Bilstein Black (R) RM420(RM220pp)
Mounting(F) RM210
Mounting(R) RM110
Dampers(F) RM76
Dampers(R) RM110

THERMOSTAT
Housing RM110
O-Ring RM5
Gasket RM6

FAN CLUTCH RM520

WEAR & TEAR ITEMS RM1699
Valve Cover Gasket RM95
Valve Cover Seal RM105
Radiator Side Cover RM260
Belt Tensioner RM175
Belt Absorber RM158
Oil Filter Housing Gasket RM80
Washer Pump RM58
Bonnet Absorber RM55
Wiper Panel(L&R) RM170
Rear Windscreen Lining RM145
Door Handle Rubber RM80
Brake Switch RM68
Vent Hose RM25
Pipe Conector RM38
Air Con Belt RM38
Fan Cover Clip RM3
Valve Cover Cap RM 20
Bonnet Insulator Clip RM3
Aliminium Washer RM6
Brake Bulb RM5
Bulb RM5
Windscreen Shampoo RM7

MODIC RM45

LABOUR RM810
MISC RM300

TOTAL RM6062



(2) 7.5.2007 PAINTING

Change color to black RM3800
Door Trim RM120
New No Plate(UDM) 93

Total RM4013



(3) 30.5.2007 (80430km)

Cylinder Head (used) RM3700
Cylinder Head Bolt RM110
Cylinder Head Gasker RM580

Radiator Assy RM690
THermostat RM220
Heather Hose RM58
By Pass Hoses RM175
Clips RM8

Mounting:-
Engine RM320
Gearbox RM96

Oil Sump Gasket RM110
Dipstic oring RM6
Auto pipe clamp RM32
Bonnet Absorber RM55

Oil Filter RM30
Castrol Magnatec RM156
Coolant RM52.50

Less overlap (RM355)
S Tax RM60
Labour(icld Top Overhaul) RM1200

TOTAL RM7187.50



(4) 5.6.2007 (Brakes & Tyres)

Air Filter RM55
Brake Fluid RM36
ATE Disc &Pads (F) RM500

Tyres RM1160 (MXV8)

Total RM1751



(5) 22.6.2007 (Tie Rod)

Tie Rod RM336
stax rm4
labour rm80

Total RM420


(6) 29.6.2007(Axle Oil Leak)

Axle Oil RM190
O Ring RM10
Washer RM2
Stax RM4

Total RM286




GRAND TOTAL (1) + (2) + (3) +(4)+ (5) + (6) = RM19719.50

So looks like I've spent close to RM20000 in the past 2 months, getting the car back to specs.

I originally had a budget of RM10000 for repairs,tyres and paint, having bought the car at RM40000.

Anyway having already spent about RM60000, I console myself by saying whatelse can you get for RM60000 nowadays...a new WAJA? I guess I should be happy with my E36 325i ?

Finally I'm getting to enjoy my car.

Thanks for all your advise and support. It truly has been a very stressful 2 months.

My advise to all you newbies is that despite how low mileage the car has or how good it looks, make sure you see the service history as a neglected car can mean huge repair bills (as I've learnt the hard way).

Honestly having gone through it, if I had a chance to turn back the clock I would still get an E36 but (I definitely would be more careful!)

Otherwise getting a E36 is a real bargain as well taken care BMWs age very well. In fact most of my freinds cant believe my car is actually 12 years old.

My E30 was 19 yrs old when I sold her and it looked and drove wonderfully.

My E36 should be with me for at least anor 5 yrs so I'll keep you updated if I still am alowed to participate in the forum.

Why dont some of you share your experiences in this thread?

I believe every enthusiastic BMW owner of any age or model will gladly spent money to maintain and do up his car.
Unless you have those 3year/60000km free service + parts package on new ride, everyone have to spent some money to keep their BMW a true UDM.
No matter if you're the first, second or third owner of a "new" BMW, you'll first spend money to keep it tip top then more money to keep it perfect. Finally the accessories to make you happy.
Happiness can be purchased in most BMW specialist shop and show room.
To potential owner of the marque, don't worry too much about the cost of keeping the car as that's the head thinking and not the heart.
Just try to get one with Full Service History and you should be quite safe.
Not forgetting learning from Bro.Anxious about doing the RM15 compression test.

BTW, my friend who got himself the new E60 525 M-Sport told me the cost for replacing full set of brake on his ride after the free service package is over is more than 10K at AB( 1 disc alone is RM2K and pads is RM9XX) . but that didn't worry him at all as he is enjoying his UDM every single second.

 

[anaksarawak]

Shall we go for a group buy on Bardhal 5-40 Fully Syn oil? Now is RM72 each and I hope to get RM60 each on group buy.

 

[Zul_84]

No matter if you're the first, second or third owner of a "new" BMW, you'll first spend money to keep it tip top then more money to keep it perfect. Finally the accessories to make you happy.
.

yeaahh!!
I'm the 11th owner!

 

[8080pbmw]

yeaahh!!
I'm the 11th owner!

Serious??! year 1997 and changed ownership for 10 times.
The car is either perfect as each of the 10 owners has spent some money to make it tip top and perfect with all the bells and whisels being fixed on the car such as full ///M body kits, 17"/18" rims, sport suspention, good ICE for SQ...etc.

or

it's really "jinjang" as eash of the 10 owners has their own taste.

or

it's really in a bad condition as none of the owner has really got to drive it until the service interval.

make sure got full service history.

There should be other better one around. Walk away if you don't feel comfortable.

Just my 2 sens.

 

[Zul_84]

arghtyjhjfhhj alamak nbfscrfjbfc

Serious??! year 1997 and changed ownership for 10 times.
The car is either perfect as each of the 10 owners has spent some money to make it tip top and perfect with all the bells and whisels being fixed on the car such as full ///M body kits, 17"/18" rims, sport suspention, good ICE for SQ...etc.

or

it's really "jinjang" as eash of the 10 owners has their own taste.

or

it's really in a bad condition as none of the owner has really got to drive it until the service interval.

make sure got full service history.

There should be other better one around. Walk away if you don't feel comfortable.

Just my 2 sens.

wwrrrrrwrrrrr.......

I oledi track allllll the owners before..... very hard job tracking peoples...
5 of them change hand because upgrading to E46, 1st owner is ViP, then Director, then businessman, the 6th to 7th = mysterious user cannot track, maybe been killed by government (joke lerr) then from 8th to 10 is enthusiast owner: they are
car accessories taukeh, upgrading to E46 328, E60 and new honda (10th owner)
the car 1/2complete with the killer rims, killer side mirror, killer wings and killer ICE.
well maintained 328. just tear and wear need to change. but the owner change it for free before i take it.

the 8th owner is Gila-Type: he put crazy custom bodykit (wide body i guest) saw a photo (the 8th and 10th have blood relation) after that the 10th owner remove all custom bodykit and preserve it as nearly as stock upgrade, I ask him why you remove it lahh. he said' haiyaaa I'm 58 in age drive with fully younger bodykit with sayap kapal terbang carrying grandson at the back!??)

bluuruuu blurrrrrr blewww wrrrrrrr
errrrr.... wargghhhh

 

[8080pbmw]

my bad, I ingat you haven't got the car yet.

guess you have got the first example.

what's the cost of keeping it since you've got it( back to the topic).

 

[Zul_84]

my bad, I ingat you haven't got the car yet.

guess you have got the first example.

what's the cost of keeping it since you've got it( back to the topic).

have it now
ask abang meetoo under 'magnetic fuel saver thread'

after purchase it about 49K(after neg. 3weeks ) the owner want around 56 to 58K.
now that thing cost me RM50.00 (tambang minyak from ipoh to cameron H-land
/ just want to test cornering )

then another RM30 from Cameron to Teluk intan Perak.

so far RM80.00

will send it for 1 inspection soon
maybe will spend RM5K.... Warrggggg wallet heart attack!

 

[anaksarawak]

Congrats Zul with your new ride.!!