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Advice Needed For Buying A '93 318IA

edmund

New Member
Hello,

I'm looking at a '93 318IA that's supposedly in very good condition and with only 1 Owner. What kind of fuel consumption and maintenance am I looking at?... Can anyone advise? Also, is 35k a reasonable price? Thanks!

E
 
Re: Advice Needed For Buying A '93 318IA

Hi edmund,
35K is abit on the steep side... probably u can try to neg the price down abit.
Maintenance for the car is subjected to whether the prev owner/s had done any servicing, maintenance or repair before. Like any other cars despite makes and models, if its ill-maintained, best to forgo the car. But whichever u choose, be sure to test drive the car 1st, Suspension and undercarriage bushings/ paddings are sure to be worn and are required to change. For 3 series that over 10 years old, be sure to feel if the car's steering is not loose. And try to hear/feel if there's any knocking sound coming for the chassic whn driving over humps or bumps. If there are, chances are, some bearings maybe worn and required to change. Some goes with the shocks and springs. there's alot of things to note for over 10 year old BMW, but on the other hand, u will find that maintenance for the engine is relatively cheaper that compared with its 6-cylinder brethrens. It's relatively quite bulletproof if its well-maintained with all necessary components changed eg. waterpump and radiator (a must cuz engine tends to overheat periodically in our weather).
Lastly, being a rear-wheel drive vehicle, fuel economy depends on how u drive. this car should average between 7.5-9.5km/litre with a 60 or 65 litre. This car power to weight ratio is not really well balanced as the body is relatively heavier than the prev model. If you the cruising type, this car should meet your needs as its interior is well built and soundproofed. Not advisable to do "sprints" if you are more into saving petrol as automatic tends to be abit slower in gear shifting. Hope this helps. Cheers and have a nice day.
 
Re: Advice Needed For Buying A '93 318IA

35k a bit on the steep side, anyway dun be too eager....can always shop around to find a better deal. as for the no. of owners, there's good and bad. 1 owner doesn't mean its good cos the owner might never take care of it and for many owners, it doesn't mean bad cos the each owner might have improved some parts. anyway, be prepared for usual wear and tear, set aside at least a few ks for that. what's the mileage anyway?
 
Re: Advice Needed For Buying A '93 318IA

edmund said:
Hello,

I'm looking at a '93 318IA that's supposedly in very good condition and with only 1 Owner. What kind of fuel consumption and maintenance am I looking at?... Can anyone advise? Also, is 35k a reasonable price? Thanks!

E


Road tax Xtream hiGH!!!
 
Re: Advice Needed For Buying A '93 318IA

??..compared to what??..1.0L suzuki swift??..

anyway. 35K is really wayyyyy too much to pay..:)..and its an auto trans car.. for car of that age, the mileage is prob about 250K, thereabouts.. tranny rebuild seems to loom around the corner..:)... better check *that* out first.. it represents a $3k job..:)..of course depending on how *gone* the tranny is..:)

other than that, after u sort out the wear and tear parts, it should be ok...fuel consumption usually is around the 8.5~9 km/ltr range, depending on how u drive...there's been worse figures reported, but that could be from more spirited drivers..:)

look around a little..:).. i'm sure u'll find a good one..:)..or come on down join us for meetup/coffee whatever/whenever... there are quite a few E36 owners around..:)

cheers..

michael
 
Re: Advice Needed For Buying A '93 318IA

Most of the guys have given you very solid advice. Just something to add:

DIE DIE MUST BRING CAR FOR A PRE-SELL INSPECTION WITH AN INDEPENDENT BMW SPECIALIST LIKE J4C,BVO,etc etc and NOT just VICOM,STA,bla bla bla.

That's my big boo boo when I bought mine.Lucky have sufficient budget to correct the mistake. Sigh. There goes my year end overseas holiday......
 
Re: Advice Needed For Buying A '93 318IA

Hello ALL,

Thanks for the advice! Will probably arrange for test drive and check out condition of car... supposedly only 70k mileage by 1 owner! Guess that might be a redeeming factor.. anyway, will keep everyone posted and you all know how it goes. Thanks again!

E
 
Re: Advice Needed For Buying A '93 318IA

haha yeah....i totally agree on tt....must bring it for a thorough inspection with any of the BMW specialists....if the seller doesnt wanna comply...my advice is walk away....i did a couple of time before finally gettin my ride....yup
it's always worth the wait....yupz...especially if u do find a gem eventually....
 
Re: Advice Needed For Buying A '93 318IA

mileage meter can also be reset....hehe
just dun appear "die die must have it"
look thru the car carefully and leave yourself some room to think it thru and for bargaining
 

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