I just picked up a 2000 328i manual sport package w 100k to replace my de-powertrained camaro. I want to whack the owners of the E36 M3ty 3s I test drove upside the head with this car's service records.
The threads here were helpful in pointing out the common trouble areas. I saw underhood smoke when lingered on a steep incline. I'm guessing valve cover gasket. Also there is moisture in the rear passenger footwell that I need to trace. Some things, I assume are broken, but then I check the manual and it's user error. The engine is almost rotary smooth and decently torquey. It had an inspection II last November and got new diff & control arm bushings, camshaft sensor, rad expansion tank and other stuff to the tune of $3600. Thanks P/O.
It is weird being one of the crowd, though. I see about a dozen other silver 3s every day.
Welcome to the [I love this car/I hate this car] world!
a401cj
New Reader
11/13/10 3:59 p.m.
this thread is useless w/o pics
pigeon
Dork
11/13/10 6:47 p.m.
My '99 328i is possibly my favorite among all the cars I've ever owned. It was comfortable, involving when I wanted it to be and an appliance cruiser when I needed that too. It beat plenty of E36M3s at BMWCCA autocrosses. It looked good and held up well. I bought mine with 99,964 miles on it and sold it with about 168k on it. It only failed me 2 times - coolant overflow tank split a seam and the replacement water pump I put in as preventative maintenance sheared the impeller off the shaft. I reinstalled the old pump and it was still fine when I sold it. I did replace a rear door due to rust but that was simple with a local junkyard part. I also replaced the premium pkg seats with ones from an M3 which was the best comfort move ever - your sport seats should be similar. I still have some clear corners (I know, I know) and replacement tails sitting in the garage if you're interested. I occasionally debate selling my 750Li and buying another E46 - IMHO it was the pinnacle of BMWs sport sedan designs.
I haven't had the best luck with my 02 330xi so far, starter last week (what a chore), window jumped track, brake light burned out (note; ground your brakes lights, the stock grounds run the length of the car and are not adequate) cooling system started leaking requiring several parts, intake tube was split, and now a tire going bad, and all in just 9 months.
It is a cool car though
