I know it's not the Classifieds section, but I thought ya'll could help. I've been busy looking for what will be my first bimmer, an E36 325 or 328. I've checked the usual places, but everything is either way out of state or worth a lot less than the owner thinks it is... If you guys see anything for sale around the southeast (I'm actually in Clemson, SC), drop me a line...also any tips on finding a nice used 3-series around here would be great...thanks!

Brent

Details? Mileage, Tranny, Vert or Coupe, colors etc. would all be helpful here. Check on Roadfly.com. There are always some nice, well maintained cars for sale on there.

Josh K

Sorry...I'm looking for something below 130k, either coupe or sedan, definitely 5speed, and preferably black, silver, or red. I'll check roadfly out, never looked there before, thanks again!

good condition would probaly run you bout 5k

130,000 miles is not many miles on a well maintained BMW. These motors are great for long-term use. On a not so well maintained car, that is alot. Just make sure with whatever car that you look at, get an inspection done on the vehicle. Its always worth the $150 bucks for a PPI. If they do find anything wrong with the car, then you have some backing and can probally haggle the price down of the vehicle. Make sure the car has records/reciepts as well. IF the car has them, its a good chance the car has been well taken car of. You also have to think about what you are going to use the car for. Daily driver? Garage queen? One thing I cant stress enough is: Dont buy the first car you come across! Look around for a while and see all your options before you decide. Always make sure you drive the type of car you are intrested in as well. Alot of these cars may seem the same, but all of them drive differently.

Josh K

That's good advice, thanks a lot. This will be my daily driver, and I'm willing to pay more for something that is in great shape and seems to have been taken care of...but some of these asking prices I'm seeing are kind of crazy. I do have something to drive right now, but I'm still eager to get into something nicer...guess I'll just keep being patient!

Also, did any of you find your cars a long distance out of state? I would usually stay away, I'd hate to get there and find out it wasn't worth my time...but a lot of the nicer cars I'm seeing are kinda far away.

I purchased my E36 m3 from out of state. It was in Greenville SC. I would buy cars out of state without a question. Sometimes thats the only way to find what you really are looking for. As I said before, getting a PPI done on the car really helps alot!

Josh K

Brent let me know what exactly you are looking for,I work for a BMW Dealership in Florida and i may be able to help you... my emal is

jfrometa@holmansales.com

Call these guys in SC:

Brown Motor Works - Columbia SC

or

Imports Only - Columbia SC

I dont have there #s with me as Im out of town right now, but they can point you in the right direction and Brown might have a car or two on hand to your liking.

Thanks for the info, I'll give those places a call.

I spend last Saturday driving some BMWs at a few used car lots in NC. Most of them were in pretty crappy shape inside or out, but drove well. I drove a 318, 325, and 328, a couple 5spds and a couple autos. I definitely liked the manual transmission cars better, and really liked the power of the 6 cylinder. I could tell some difference b/w the 325 and 328, but I wasn't able to compare them w/ the same tranny...would it be worth it to look for a 328 only, or is there not a huge difference from the smaller engine?? Overall, I was impressed, really solid driving cars...just gotta find one that has been taken care of.

I drove a 525 that was in EXCELLENT shape also, if anyone is interested I can tell you where to find it...thanks guys!

That's good advice, thanks a lot. This will be my daily driver, and I'm willing to pay more for something that is in great shape and seems to have been taken care of...but some of these asking prices I'm seeing are kind of crazy. I do have something to drive right now, but I'm still eager to get into something nicer...guess I'll just keep being patient!

Also, did any of you find your cars a long distance out of state? I would usually stay away, I'd hate to get there and find out it wasn't worth my time...but a lot of the nicer cars I'm seeing are kinda far away.


i went all the way up to pennsylvania for my current one, and it was the best investment i've ever made.

ok second that, my lawyer was the best investment i ever made.

If I was in the market for an e36, I'd go with a 328.

WELL theres an 88 'vert for sale 3200.00 i'll give you the guys number if you're interrested .