is E36 reliable enough?

[armandd]

Hi forummers.. :wink:I'm a 26 year old graduate and have been working for about 3 years. I've been reading posts in this forum for about 3 months, reading almost every post about the E36. The E36 is actually my dream car since i was a teen. I plan to get a good conditioned manual 318i from year 1996 - 1999, cannot 'tahan' anymore, hehe... Currently I'm driving a 19-year old 1.6l Nissan Sentra N13 with 370,000km on the clock. She doesn't give me much problem despite her age and can easily beat myvis and sagas at traffic lights :top:. But, with all due respect to my faithful ride... a Nissan is a Nissan and a Beemer is a Beemer, if you know what i mean.. :love:.. Me very2 itchy to get my first Beemer . However, there are a few things that I'm worried about, especially the first one below...1. Is E36 reliable enough?? I've read so many posts about E36 problems and I couldn't believe that this car has THAT number of things that can go wrong! From unstable ride to gauge failure, O2 sensor failure, hidraulic lifter problem etc etc.. Just for comparison sake, my 19-year old nissan doesn't even have half the problems mentioned. To be fair, the nissan is a simpler car, with fewer number of parts than E36, thus fewer parts than could go wrong.2. Spare parts price & availability: How easily can we get OEM spare parts for E36? Also, can we get reconditioned parts at reasonable prices? Are the parts for E36 interchangable with other models, say e30 or maybe e34? Many of my sentra parts are interchangeable with other nissan models, for example, I can use sentra b13 shocks and springs and nissan bluebird U12 discs.3. Fuel Consumption: One of the reason I choose 318 over 325 or 328 is because of the FC. However, from what I've read in the forum, the FC of 318 and 328 is not much, but the G-force experienced by the driver when accelerating is :biggrin:. Sadly, I cannot afford the road tax for 328, so I'll stick to 318. What's the average FC for a manual 318?I hope the forummers here can share their opinion on these matters :wink:. Thanks...

 

[bmw7833]

Back to the reality, if installment + petrol + 300 (maintenance) are less than 30% of your income, then u are able to own the e36.

I wil go for 325i or 328i as we are teenager..hehh..

 

[datsunnismo]

hi welcome...

i do agree that datsun/nissan is realy reliable car. for me it got less problem than bmw. IMHO.

But OO=00=OO is really Ultimate driving machine. lots of forumers and sifu's here ready to share and guide u here

Good Luck.

 

[sesat88]

yes it is worth it, provided you can stand all the maintainence cost and the poison $$$ the guys will throw at you... even if u get a 318 .. heheheh!!!!

 

[armandd]

if the maintenance is around 300-400 per month then should be no prob i think. but how about reliability? thanks guys!

 

[bmw7833]

Take a look for this car: http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29674

Nice last batch car!

 

[armandd]

wow, a few replies already! u guys are great! :wink:

 

[armandd]

yes it is worth it, provided you can stand all the maintainence cost and the poison $$$ the guys will throw at you... Even if u get a 318 .. Heheheh!!!!

:4: :4: :4:

 

[sesat88]

if the maintenance is around 300-400 per month then should be no prob i think. but how about the reliability? thanks guys!

that's what everyone says! :wink:

 

[Lionel_Koh]

1. Is E36 reliable enough?? I've read so many posts about E36 problems and I couldn't believe that this car has THAT number of things that can go wrong! From unstable ride to gauge failure, O2 sensor failure, hidraulic lifter problem etc etc.. Just for comparison sake, my 19-year old nissan doesn't even have half the problems mentioned. To be fair, the nissan is a simpler car, with fewer number of parts than E36, thus fewer parts than could go wrong.
-Yes ....very reliable......Be fair, the car u going to buy is >10 years so if those parts is not been replace b4, sure need d replacement sooner or later .....Tat y i always said ....Looks for those with service history so u will save lot on maintenance $$$$$

2. Spare parts price & availability: How easily can we get OEM spare parts for E36? Also, can we get reconditioned parts at reasonable prices? Are the parts for E36 interchangable with other models, say e30 or maybe e34? Many of my sentra parts are interchangeable with other nissan models, for example, I can use sentra b13 shocks and springs and nissan bluebird U12 discs.
-No worry .....very easy to find OEM parts and trust me some even cheaper then WAJA or PERDANA..

3. Fuel Consumption: One of the reason I choose 318 over 325 or 328 is because of the FC. However, from what I've read in the forum, the FC of 318 and 328 is not much, but the G-force experienced by the driver when accelerating is :biggrin:. Sadly, I cannot afford the road tax for 328, so I'll stick to 318. What's the average FC for a manual 318?
-325 and 328 manual is about RM0.20/KM and 318 is lower then tat

Good luck and happy hunting .............

 

[anaksarawak]

As an ex owner of a E36, I have to say the car is much better then Perdana or even Honda Accord especially in the ride, performance and fun factor.

Please be sure to find a good unit as its most important or else you will burn your pocket. You just missed an opportunity to own a very specal E36 328 Manual as he have change almost 90% of the wear and tear part and that including a new manual gearbox ... all replaced parts are Original ........ my friend sold it for Z (Lucky still member of the club) Furthermore he let it go for just a price of a new MyVi 1.3 ...as the Z has arrived in his garrage.


Let members here to lead you the way and please dont rush into getting one soon.

My choice... 2.5cc is minimum 2.8 is a must.. Roadtax is just RM1600 but imagine you be having fun on the road each day instead of feeling like driving a 4 wheel transport.

E36 Cabrio

 

[anaksarawak]

1. Is E36 reliable enough?? I've read so many posts about E36 problems and I couldn't believe that this car has THAT number of things that can go wrong! From unstable ride to gauge failure, O2 sensor failure, hidraulic lifter problem etc etc.. Just for comparison sake, my 19-year old nissan doesn't even have half the problems mentioned. To be fair, the nissan is a simpler car, with fewer number of parts than E36, thus fewer parts than could go wrong.
-Yes ....very reliable......Be fair, the car u going to buy is >10 years so if those parts is not been replace b4, sure need d replacement sooner or later .....Tat y i always said ....Looks for those with service history so u will save lot on maintenance $$$$$

2. Spare parts price & availability: How easily can we get OEM spare parts for E36? Also, can we get reconditioned parts at reasonable prices? Are the parts for E36 interchangable with other models, say e30 or maybe e34? Many of my sentra parts are interchangeable with other nissan models, for example, I can use sentra b13 shocks and springs and nissan bluebird U12 discs.
-No worry .....very easy to find OEM parts and trust me some even cheaper then WAJA or PERDANA..

3. Fuel Consumption: One of the reason I choose 318 over 325 or 328 is because of the FC. However, from what I've read in the forum, the FC of 318 and 328 is not much, but the G-force experienced by the driver when accelerating is :biggrin:. Sadly, I cannot afford the road tax for 328, so I'll stick to 318. What's the average FC for a manual 318?
-325 and 328 manual is about RM0.20/KM and 318 is lower then tat

Good luck and happy hunting .............

THE KING OF E36 has spoken!!!

 

[armandd]

1. Is E36 reliable enough?? I've read so many posts about E36 problems and I couldn't believe that this car has THAT number of things that can go wrong! From unstable ride to gauge failure, O2 sensor failure, hidraulic lifter problem etc etc.. Just for comparison sake, my 19-year old nissan doesn't even have half the problems mentioned. To be fair, the nissan is a simpler car, with fewer number of parts than E36, thus fewer parts than could go wrong.
-Yes ....very reliable......Be fair, the car u going to buy is >10 years so if those parts is not been replace b4, sure need d replacement sooner or later .....Tat y i always said ....Looks for those with service history so u will save lot on maintenance $$$$$

2. Spare parts price & availability: How easily can we get OEM spare parts for E36? Also, can we get reconditioned parts at reasonable prices? Are the parts for E36 interchangable with other models, say e30 or maybe e34? Many of my sentra parts are interchangeable with other nissan models, for example, I can use sentra b13 shocks and springs and nissan bluebird U12 discs.
-No worry .....very easy to find OEM parts and trust me some even cheaper then WAJA or PERDANA..

3. Fuel Consumption: One of the reason I choose 318 over 325 or 328 is because of the FC. However, from what I've read in the forum, the FC of 318 and 328 is not much, but the G-force experienced by the driver when accelerating is :biggrin:. Sadly, I cannot afford the road tax for 328, so I'll stick to 318. What's the average FC for a manual 318?
-325 and 328 manual is about RM0.20/KM and 318 is lower then tat

Good luck and happy hunting .............

Thanks Uncle Koh !

 

[enkil]

Welcome to BMWCM,

Yeah, go thru the post and u will find plenty of info from our own members experience tried and tested over time. Still do your homework and look for a well taken cared unit with service history. Even doing all that there is no guarantee u will not have to spend money on your ride bro. It comes with the experience of owning this brand. At the end of the day ask yourself whether u want to be part of it or not.

Happy hunting. Cheers

 

[initialM]

Buy E36 ///M3:top: can tapau other non M BMW kekeke:love:

 

[Sham73]

Dear Bro Armandd.....

Nothing much i can say here..cos never drive Nissan..but one thing for sure..if u stop at traffic light..awek lalu..sure their will look you 1st...no matter u Handsome or Not..compare than u dirve Nissan......

i drive 318....agree..hve lot thing to do cos my car already 12 years old...but still steady when i driving....no matters in highway or normal road.....gud luck...happy long holiday....

 

[ICEMAN 68]

if you're willing to burn your pocket then buy BMW ...or else stay away and be happy with the sentra .... less headache and will save you moolah for holidays and so on ...

one word ...when you're not ready , you'll never be ready for anything and you'll keep on comparing and comparing which may result in confusion ...

want fun get the 6 potter ...i believe there is no such thing as 318 may be lower in cost and maintainance ...the only thing that would save a little , would be in fuel and roadtax ...

to get a good condition manual ...you may keep on dreaming as these goes like cheese cakes ...

ONE SINCERE advise : take the risk as life is short ... if you're not someone who dares to take risk ..then stay away ..

 

[enkil]

Buy E36 ///M3:top: can tapau other non M BMW kekeke:love:

Yeah... Hheheh, just be prepared to pay for the fuel bill.

 

[elwine30]

Well, speaking from experience as an owner of a 318i manual. It's a good base car to start with. Here you learn the dynamics of BMW, you learn the ownership of BMW. The 318i is a good start for newbies like you cos it's not very expensive to maintain.

Only thing you need to bear is

1) you may need to buy the car cash
2) there is very little manual for 1996 onwards.
3) go search about M40 and M43 and understand the difference between this two variants for E36 318i
4) Meet some friends who knows about BMW and who is willing to assist in your ownership
5) do more research about BMW over internet

Anyway, good luck in your search.

 

[Jerman]

Hi forummers..
I'm a 26 year old graduate and have been working for about 3 years. I've been reading posts in this forum for about 3 months, reading almost every post about the E36. The E36 is actually my dream car since i was a teen. I plan to get a good conditioned manual 318i from year 1996 - 1999, cannot 'tahan' anymore, hehe... Currently I'm driving a 19-year old 1.6l Nissan Sentra N13 with 370,000km on the clock. She doesn't give me much problem despite her age and can easily beat myvis and sagas at traffic lights . But, with all due respect to my faithful ride... a Nissan is a Nissan and a Beemer is a Beemer, if you know what i mean.. I hope the forummers here can share their opinion on these matters. Thanks...

bro,
To be honest, majority of the comments posted here were from very enthusiastic & passionate BMW's owners. Bias views?
Even if you have the $$$, you may not have the time? Try posting this in Nissan or Toyota forums and you may get a different perspective? Why not join some of the TT and speak to as many E36 owners as possible before deciding.

In my opinion, if you want a highly reliable ride, go for Japs.