Car Forum World

Are BMW E36 three series reliable? esp. the auto gearboxes.?
I thinked of to get a used 92/93 BMW E36 316/318/320. I have heard of the auto gearboxes giving holders nightmares on fix and maintenance costs. Anything I should look out for engine, chassis, transmission before making a purchase?

More dependable than E46 transmissions. depends on how long you want to drive the car. I have seen many E36 auto transmissions fail around 120K 180K.
The common rust spot for these cars is the bottom edge of the trunk. Early model of E36 car is recognized to have fuel filter located right below the intake manifold. it's ache in the butt to replace. Also ALL E36 BMWS comes with plastic water pump impeller + thermostat housing. Replace them with metal one once possible.

my friend has a e36 and been using it from 93 till now. I guess like all second hand cars you really have to check the inside more than the outside of the car. look out for things like any white smoke emissions.. the chasis shouldn't be dented rusted etc.. a good tip is to open up the bonnet and concentrate side walls of the engine bay. if there's welding works or the paint looks new, it tends to tell you that the car was in a head on crash before. transmissions auto should stil have a firm feel to it when changing gears. best advice is to bring down a mechanic or a expert to view the car with you.

Not to many problems with the E36 three series. The transmission is nothing to worry about. I have rarely heard of any transmission problems about the E36, less so than the E46's to be honest. Wat you may want to watch out for is malfunctioning Fuel Pressure Regulators and the iginition coils. Chances are if the car will not start it is one of those two problems. BMW had an issue with that inthe mid 90's.

I would not worry about it..i have an E30..ive had it for four years now never had a problem.as long as you keep up with all the maintanence..transmission fluids, oil changes..etc..it will last you for a long time.