Test drive BMW 3 Episode E46 1998 - 2002 Sedan

$9000

One of the most common models in our country illustrates the saying very well: you like to ride - love and carry sledges. Sanctors - BMW E36.
The E36 series appeared in November 1990 and was produced in March 1998 inclusive. Cars were produced in the bodies of the hatchback (Compact), a four -door sedan, a two -door compartment, a universal (Touring) and a convertible. They offered a very rich selection of engines, 4-cylinder series M40 with a volume of 1.6 and 1.8 liters, in-line sixes of the M50 series with a volume of 2.0, 2.5 and 2.8 liters, as well as three turbodiesels, 90-horsepower 1.7-liter, 116-horsepower 2.5-liter and 143-horsepower 2.5-liter Sport. The latter is good, there is no dispute, but it is very expensive to maintain and capricene in Russian conditions. Rarely, but a 1.9-liter 16-valve 140-horsepower 4-cylinder gasoline engine is found. And quite a blessing is a charged version of the M3 in the body of a compartment with a 321-horsepower 24-valve six-volume of 3.2 liters. The range of the E36 series is very wide. Hence the large spread of prices for the same year. We will not be able to consider all available versions in detail. Therefore, we agree with our consultant Alexei Ksenofontov and dwell on the most common and most optimal models in terms of operation 316, 318, 320 and 325 with gasoline motors of the M40 and M50 series. And we do not recommend diesel.
LET'S SEE. BMW by definition is a driver. Little treshka is no exception. And they go on it, respectively. This must be remembered. And the fact that he, according to the seller, has just been driven from Germany, is by no means a guarantee of the lack of body repairs. Therefore, it is necessary to very meticulously inspect the body for the presence of traces of battle. Do not be too lazy to climb under the upholstery of the salon and trunk, as far as possible. Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the cups of shock absorbers - swelling, cracks, rust or sneakers in the zone of bolts of shock absorbers are unacceptable. It is better to forget about such a car. It is nice to inspect the bottom. Special moisture-outing grooves were made on it inside, and even if the machine was not in a major accident, but somewhere it hit the bottom-the grooves can be broken.
Even for three years of operation, the body is unlikely to be preserved in its original form, not to mention five-seven, or even ten years. Small chips, dents, scuffs will inevitably be. This is fine. A very fresh type of paint should alert. The car, in the slang of specialists, was clearly doused. What for?
Let's sit. Now let's get into the car and start the engine. While it warms up, we will examine the salon. The sold seats, first of all, the driver’s, wiped steering wheel, as well as a fairly worn gas pedal (as a rule, do not change it) will serve as a hint of a very considerable run. By the way, most often the declared 90 --100 thousand km of the run of a six-seven-year-old car can be safely passed by the ears. On such machines, they ride constantly and a lot. You should not hope for a chip in the dashboard where the mileage is recorded - its adjustment of the craftsmen costs no more than $ 100. Therefore, at least 30 thousand km per year - this is the figure from which you need to build on. If any of the signs on the instrument shield does not work or work incorrectly, do not flatter yourself, what can be repaired, the instrument shield is replaced only in its entirety. And the new costs from $ 300.
In the central castle, spontaneous unlocking of one or more doors is often found. The matter is not a penny at all-the replacement of the failed parts, with diagnosis and work, will cost $ 100-120 (on one door). The unemployed heating of the seats also deserves attention - it is able to heat you by $ 300 (element itself) more. Finally, check the stove. Often she imagines herself with climate control and spontaneously changes the temperature. Repair seems to be inexpensive, but also costs something-about $ 60.
We will ride. Deaf, transmitted blows to the body at a sharp start and braking, especially on versions with a powerful motor and mechanics, indicate that the Cardan's coupling is worn out (about $ 100 with work) or, which is often found and very bad, torn off the rear axle fastening to body. In the latter case, we recommend immediately stop the test drive and look for another car. The knocks in front are less critical - they are either weak (by definition) ball supports (about $ 45 with work for one side), or steering rods and tips - $ 70 and $ 60, respectively, or stabilizer racks. Balls and silent blocks are replaced separately from the lever, but if the finger is worn on the lever-cook more than $ 120 per new lever. The cause will be able to accurately determine the reason only on the service. The hum is ambiguous. Either the bearings of the hubs ($ 75 with work for one side), or the bridge gearbox, which happens quite often. And this is about $ 1700 for a new one with work. Cutting in the back when touched will most often say about worn hummilagers-large silent blocks of the rear levers. The rear wheels standing the house will also inform about this. We will make in the amount of the discount at $ 70 (part + work) for each side. But the backlash in the steering wheel should make you think tightly: the rail is unregulated and cannot be repaired - about $ 1000 C and $ 600 without it. The howl and crunch during the operation of the hydraulic wrap mean a loss of $ 300 to replace the pump.
Open the hood. We will see a little there. No wonder the M50 motor was nicknamed the stove at one time. Therefore, if doubts arose, ghosts, it is best to go to the service, for diagnostics. This generally needs to be made as a rule when choosing a used foreign car. And the E36 model is especially: it requires special equipment and special cods, not to mention qualified personnel. She does not tolerate Kulibins. For example, the fact that the checkpoints of the checkpoint, for example, ordered a long life or the rear oil seal of Kolenval went there (and this work is only $ 200) can be installed only on a good service.
However, something can be seen with the naked eye. For example, whether everything is in order with pomp (about $ 130 with work) or with a engine cover on six - it happens, it cracks and flows.
The motors in question are very afraid of overheating. And if you notice that detonation is present, especially at idle, this can mean a lot. From malfunctions in the injection system, the price of the treatment of which starts from $ 100, to the unusual head of the block. And if an emulsion was discovered on the lid of the oil -loading neck and/or with the lid of the expansion tank and the engine speed of about 3000, too stormy processes are observed and bubbles are going on - refuse to buy right away. Repair will fly into a penny.
Let's take a decision. The treshka in the body of the E36, in which all the above -mentioned horror stories would be found at a time, hardly exists. Because the car is reliable, durable, although demanding on the quality of service. This model now has a huge selection of high -quality non -original spare parts of the same German manufacturers who are cheaper than the original times two times. Not to mention the so -called showdowns. It is more important here. Having made the final decision, before hitting hands and giving money, remember that, due to its popularity, even BMW treshka is one of the leaders in the criminal past. And check the car for all databases - from thefts to customs. Was such a car officially imported to Russia or are they offered the so -called hole science? This is especially true for those that received the TCP until 1999. And to top it off, contact the VIN number to the official dealer. The result obtained, by type of motor, checkpoint, configuration, etc., compare with what you are offered.
Text Andrey Timofeev, photo Alexey Ilyin

We thank the Tech-Autolarmstudio, (095) 782-4282 for consultations.

BMW 316/318/320/325/328
Working volume (cubic meter) 1596/1796/1991/2494/2793
Power (L.S.) 102/116/150/170/193
Maximum speed (km/h) 195/201/214/227/236
Acceleration to 100 km/h (sec.) 12.7/11.3/9.9/8/7.3
Fuel consumption (city*highway, 100 km) 9.4*5.6/9.6*10.9/11.3*6.5/11.4*6.1/11.6*6, 2

Prices for A/M BMW E36 in Moscow (for September 2001)
Year of release price
1991 $ 4.5-8.3 thousand.
1992 $ 5-7.5 thousand
1993 $ 5.2-8.5 thousand.
1994 $ 6-12 thousand
1995 $ 6.5-12.5 thousand
1996 $ 7-13.5 thousand
1997 $ 8-14 thousand.

Prices for consumables and some spare parts
Oil filter $ 8
Air filter $ 20
Fuel filter $ 30
Spark plugs (pcs.) $ 5
Brake pads, per./Ass. $ 60/70
Brake discs, per. $ 35-50
Front suspension lever $ 56
Pomp $ 100
Hydracks (pcs.) $ 19
Shock absorbers, per./Ass. (non -original.) $ 23/$ 36
Tip of the steering wheel. traction $ 40
 

Source: "Autopilot"