How low should I go?? or should I just run??

[whizer17]

There is a 1995 318ti where I live going for $4000 obo. It has roughly 150K miles. Is auto and a sport package. The person selling it says it just started making a noise but she doesnt think its to bad. Mostly freeway miles and they are the second owner. Is it worth taking a look at it or with that kind of mileage should I just stay away. I have been looking for a good 95-96 model 3 series that I could fix up and really get some enjoyment out of. I have never had a bmw but its been one of those dream cars of mine. I dont have the money to look for anything much higher either. Anyways any help with this matter, would help greatly.
Mahalo

[dodj]

get a mechanic to check it out. the actual mileage on the car doesnt mean too much, but if there a noise there may be a problem.

[1996 328ti]

I'd get it checked out first. Noises can be as simple as a loose heat shield to a bad VANOS or timing chain.

[whizer17]

Thanks I am going to take a look at it today and hopefully get a mech to look at it. Blue book on it is around 3K. Is it real pricey to put a new tran and engine in it if they do go kaput in the next year or so?

[97Hellrot318ti]

Thanks I am going to take a look at it today and hopefully get a mech to look at it. Blue book on it is around 3K. Is it real pricey to put a new tran and engine in it if they do go kaput in the next year or so?

Depends on what engine... Stock, I'm assuming... no m3 swap or anything like that right? Haha, anyway... even with stock, finding an engine that's in good shape, and then a tranny... I'm guessing for the engine (m42/44) you're looking at 3k USD as a low figure. Used tranny is probably 200-400 USD (also dependent on whether you go manual or auto) or so... then there's labor, unless you're going it alone for that.

[whizer17]

Thanks for the input, I dorve the car and took it to a mech and they said dont bother with it and to keep looking. The window didnt even work it just sort of fell down into the door. HAHA. Oh well, but on another note there is a 97 ti m-sport with an aksing of 6500. Going to look into this one, sounds better. Hopefully will have better luck with it too.