BMW reliability...

[milano_red]

I understand this isn't the best place for this, but considering the other sections of this forum don't get the same traffic they used too...here I am. Mods feel free to move this if you have too.

I'm moving to Houston at the beginning of the year and before then I'm thinking about picking up an e36 sedan. I will probably end up with a 318i as I don't give a shit about power right now.

My biggest question is, how reliable are the motors? During the course of my time in Houston I'll be making the 12 hour trek back to GA numerous times!

Any help would be awesome!

[Jlyons617]

Replace everything in the cooling system. I mean everything.

[oHSo EuRo]

Replace everything in the cooling system. I mean everything.

This.

Otherwise the s5x/m5x motors are fucking bullet proof i swear.

[aLaFleur]

This.

Otherwise the s5x/m5x motors are fucking bullet proof i swear.

Says the man who threw his away.

[NeilP]

Replace everything in the cooling system. I mean everything.

This.

Metal impeller pump, and giving the existing system a good flush should put you in a decent position!

[Minuki]

I have 318i and 323i Tourings. Both have been super reliable.

My 318i is my daily and does the 7-8hour trip back to Scotland with no bother. Takes a thrashing too, never let me down.

[Kielan]

Buy a B5 S4.

[aLaFleur]

Buy a B5 S4.

He said he needs something reliable.

[Kielan]

He said he needs something reliable.

Mine was.

[milano_red]

Replace everything in the cooling system. I mean everything.

This.

Otherwise the s5x/m5x motors are fucking bullet proof i swear.

This.

Metal impeller pump, and giving the existing system a good flush should put you in a decent position!

I have 318i and 323i Tourings. Both have been super reliable.

My 318i is my daily and does the 7-8hour trip back to Scotland with no bother. Takes a thrashing too, never let me down.

Thanks for the advice fellas! Guess im going to be on the hunt for a good one for the next few months

Buy a B5 S4.

Ive always like them, just out of my budget.

[MommysLittleMonster]

1- Don't buy a rotbox. Buy a car with little or no rust at all.
2- Make sure it's been cared for. Don't but a neglected 'project' or you will **** yourself.
3- If the cooling system hasn't been done, do it. All of it. Rad, coolant hoses, expansion tank, metal impeller water pump, and thermostat with housing.
4- Consider replacing the fan and clutch, so it doesn't explode and take out your cooling system with it.
5- Mind the rear subframe and shock mounts. They're infamous for tearing.


If you can afford to, opt for a 325i or a 328i. The 318's are dogs and hard to sell when you're done.

[milano_red]

1- Don't buy a rotbox. Buy a car with little or no rust at all.
2- Make sure it's been cared for. Don't but a neglected 'project' or you will **** yourself.
3- If the cooling system hasn't been done, do it. All of it. Rad, coolant hoses, expansion tank, metal impeller water pump, and thermostat with housing.
4- Consider replacing the fan and clutch, so it doesn't explode and take out your cooling system with it.
5- Mind the rear subframe and shock mounts. They're infamous for tearing.


If you can afford to, opt for a 325i or a 328i. The 318's are dogs and hard to sell when you're done.

I'm going to be patient and find the right one...like i said I'm going to be forced to keep this car for over a year (I'm bad about selling multiple cars a year). after searching just the past week or so 325i and 328i sedans are hard to come by in my price range, Thanks for the advice. I'm just glad they're not a bad of cars as i was brought up thinking.

[oHSo EuRo]

Says the man who threw his away.

I got another car for reliability, so I can beat the fuck out of this one and break it.

[milano_red]

I got another car for reliability, so I can beat the fuck out of this one and break it.

That's a valid reason Ashton. You know this

[CHIF8008]

cant say much for the interiors holding up well in an e36, but with any obvious maintenance taken care of you should be pretty good.