• From: Springfield,GA
  • Registered: 2012-04-19
  • Posts: 244

Topic: 98 BMW 318i

Ok, so I have a line on a new dd/potential racer.
Is advertised around the corner for $500.
Add says needs thermostate.
130k on engine and trans
230k on body.

What should I be looking for as far as potential mechanical pitfalls?
Have a code reader. And know my cars, just not fimiliar with Germany's offerings.

Thanks
AJ.

12. Gingerman , Heroic Fix award
10/12 Autobahn, 51st overall.
Team Apocalyptic Racing
1978 Ecotec Celica.
  • From: Craphole, NJ
  • Registered: 2009-05-01
  • Posts: 517

Re: 98 BMW 318i

gullzjr wrote:

Ok, so I have a line on a new dd/potential racer.
Is advertised around the corner for $500.
Add says needs thermostate.
130k on engine and trans
230k on body.

What should I be looking for as far as potential mechanical pitfalls?
Have a code reader. And know my cars, just not fimiliar with Germany's offerings.

Thanks
AJ.


"Needs thermostat" means someone overheated the crap out of it so it needs an engine.  E36 electrical systems are junk.  Every rubber mount and bushing is rotted out by now.  The interiors turn to dryer lint.  Sounds perfect.  What could go wrong?  Dodge slant sixes are an easy swap.

For reference, I daily drive a 15 year old BMW.

http://www.ducttapemotorsports.com/
http://www.teamdfl.com
"I can see it now, a pile of nickels and all the glory of being a real race car driver."
Prepping the Red wReck for the 24 Hours of Lemons

TeamDFL's Website

  • From: Houston,TX
  • Registered: 2013-02-12
  • Posts: 159

Re: 98 BMW 318i

It's German!  If two bolts will do the job, they use 6 and they are most likely reverse torx or 5.5 mm

Change a sensor?.....remove half of engine first!...Then replace.

I second the overheating of the engine.  Most likely will need a rebuild or worse...a replace!

If you love spending all your free time wrenching on a Teutonic masterpiece...go for it!

***I'm on my second German racecar and yes, I'm brain damaged!***

Tetanus Racing Toxoid!
86 E30  It ain't cheatin' if it's junk!
Work in Progress
  • From: Springfield,GA
  • Registered: 2012-04-19
  • Posts: 244

Re: 98 BMW 318i

Thanks guys.
Guess he got sellers remorse as he stopped answering me.
Figured it'd be too good to be true anyways.

12. Gingerman , Heroic Fix award
10/12 Autobahn, 51st overall.
Team Apocalyptic Racing
1978 Ecotec Celica.
  • From: St Louis
  • Registered: 2011-10-20
  • Posts: 2,611

Re: 98 BMW 318i

Could have started with an engine swap, Ecotec all the way!

Apocalyptic Racing - Occupy Pit Lane racing
Racing the "Toylet" Toyota Celica powered by Chevrolet Ecotec.
24x Loser with the Celica. 16x loser in other fine machines
Overall winner Gingerman 2019

Brett85p's Website

  • From: Springfield,GA
  • Registered: 2012-04-19
  • Posts: 244

Re: 98 BMW 318i

Still got a trailblazer awaiting a motor.....not sure an ecotec would move the blazer though.

12. Gingerman , Heroic Fix award
10/12 Autobahn, 51st overall.
Team Apocalyptic Racing
1978 Ecotec Celica.