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Re: the only E36 i considered was an M3

I guess O2 sensor starting to fail could be a reason for failing a smog test. The mileage sounds a shade early for o2 sensor to go, but it could happen. It's a less costly red flag than a full Cat.

As for what to look for, I don't know the E46 well enough yet, but any time you are talking Vert, you need to do a careful examination of the top material, window, and all the mechanicals of it. Unless you have a mad set of upholsterer skills, a new top will cost you 1-2k to get done. The rear window will get hazy after a few years. Some zip out and are cheaper to replace.
Standard BMW inspection says you need to take a close look at the cooling system and suspension components and bushings at that mileage.

Bottom line, find a good BMW shop that knows these cars... not a random show, and the $100-$150 you spend will pay itself back times 5 in the ammunition they give you for negotiating the price down due to stuff they find that needs attention.
... or they will save you $12k when they tell you to stay away from a train wreck.

Good luck with the purchase, it's a beautiful car.


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Michael G. vH

1999 528it
1994 325i (sold)

predictably - the driver mat is in rough shape...

The other three are all ok. I feel strange taking you up on your offer as a new guy to the board. I haven't contributed a darned thing... yet.

As an aside, I'm trying to learn fast. I've had the car for 2 days and managed a DICE install and hardwired my Valentine-1 to the homelink power supply.

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Michael G. vH

1999 528it
1994 325i (sold)

Re: the only E36 i considered was an M3

Michaelgvh or others:

Liked your 2Cents about the E36 M3s and E36 325s. Any advice or gotchas re: E46 325 Convertible from you or your local BMW shop that do pre-purchase inspections?

I'm considering a E46 2001 325ic Convertible with 61K miles (2 owners, with low mileage evenly spread over 2 owners). So far one issue - it has already failed smog check once before, but has since passed. Worried catylytic converted could go out (very costly!)

Any advice would be appreciated !

p.s. I'm in Los Angeles area. Where are you located?

p.p.s. Is your purchased 330ci an E46 convertible?
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I owned an E36 325i like 5 years ago. Good car, but it's finally dating itself as it's 3 models old now. They sold too many for it to be a classic among anything other than BMW guys. The M3 is such a treat to drive that I would have considered an M3 very, but finding a clean one is almost impossible. My local BMW shop said they do a ton of pre-purchase inspections and they have probably inspected 20 E36 M3s and they only gave a green light to ONE of them. You gotta figure most have had 2-4 owners and at least one owner beat the hell out of it.
So, I decided to get something newer where the body style would hold up for a couple more years.
I stepped in a 330ci a couple weeks ago and was immediately hooked. It made my E39 feel like a complete pig

There are similarities.

HBWT is like the Mother Teresa of RF

wow thanks!

I'll know more in a couple days. Can't wait.
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Michael G. vH

1999 528it
1994 325i (sold)

if you NEED them let me know where to ship them

I've had them in my garage for years. They need a new home and I need to free up some space.

the only E36 i considered was an M3

I owned an E36 325i like 5 years ago. Good car, but it's finally dating itself as it's 3 models old now. They sold too many for it to be a classic among anything other than BMW guys. The M3 is such a treat to drive that I would have considered an M3 very, but finding a clean one is almost impossible. My local BMW shop said they do a ton of pre-purchase inspections and they have probably inspected 20 E36 M3s and they only gave a green light to ONE of them. You gotta figure most have had 2-4 owners and at least one owner beat the hell out of it.
So, I decided to get something newer where the body style would hold up for a couple more years.
I stepped in a 330ci a couple weeks ago and was immediately hooked. It made my E39 feel like a complete pig.
My 2c.=============================================== ==========

Michael G. vH

1999 528it
1994 325i (sold)

I'm struggling between and E36 and E 46

Looking for a convertible and trying to decide between both addition.

Each has it's pluses and minus...but I saw an E46 convert. tonight in the dust and I really like that siloette...as long as I don't mind paying $2000 in upgraded wheels...lol

I'm actually looking for Mud Mats

A new set of clean carpet probably wouldn't hurt, but I'm not entirely sure of the condition of the set that's in it.=============================================== ==========

Michael G. vH

1999 528it
1994 325i (sold)

Need some BMW OEM gray carpet floor mats?

what's the best looking trim for Dove Gray int?

Any pictures would be great. ================================================== =======

Michael G. vH

1999 528it
1994 325i (sold)

Is that Ruepreckt the Monkey Boy from D R S?

May I pleeeeeeeeeeease go to the bathroom?
pause
pause
pause

Thank you.============================================== ===========

Michael G. vH

1999 528it
1994 325i (sold)

driving from DC suburb in MD up to Portland ME

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Michael G. vH

1999 528it
1994 325i (sold)

where are you coming from?

Tire Rack has a set of 16's that fit, but most>

will not.

replace 'forum' with 'lounge'

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Michael G. vH

1999 528it
1994 325i (sold)

if this was the 'forum' I'd make a joke about that

I'd make sure they were bagged up before putting them on Dove Gray seats and in the trunk.============================================ =============

Michael G. vH

1999 528it
1994 325i (sold)

Two in the trunk can even be ambitious!

Could be tight fit.
And watch the dirt in the back seats.
Good Luck
Let us know how you make out.

i will be driving the 330i that I am buying...

I figure 2 in the trunk, 2 on the back seats?============================================ =============

Michael G. vH

1999 528it
1994 325i (sold)