Urgent! Need to decide on a 1996 E36 offer within the next couple of days

[jinyeng]

This will be my first car and I really do not know much about cars or what to check. A person that rents the bottom of my Uncle's house initially bought and serviced a 1996 BMW 318ti to give to his daughter but later changed his mind and bought her a mini. So now he's planning on selling this car for $4600 (CDN). He's also moving to another area in a couple days so I need to decide soon.
Any advice will be helpful!
Here's what he sent me:

1996 BMW 318ti

All original and low 125,000 kms.
Extra clean. Excellent running conditions.
Rare and hard to find Dakar Yellow exterior with M3 body kit.
Black interior. Leather seats with upgraded black cloth inserts.
3 door hatchback.
1.9L 4 cylinder engine with 140 hp.
RWD. 4 speed automatic transmission.
Less than 7,000 kms on new tranny.
New muffler, new lower control arms.
ABS, 4 wheel disc brakes. 4 new rotors. 2 new rear shocks.
Driver＊s and Passenger＊s side airbags
4 Goodyear all season radials.
Passive Immobilizer.
After market power Sunroof.
Power windows (with one touch up and down)
Power door locks, mirrors.
Alarm with keyless entry. Legally tinted windows.
Ice cold air conditioning.
Brand name AIWA CD player (MP3 aux input jack) with 6 speakers.
Fuel efficient yet powerful engine.
10 (city) and 8 (highway) litres/100 kms
23 and 29 mpg approximately.
<<< Rebuilt title, professionally repaired to ICBC standards >>>
Aircared till October 28, 2010.
Recent oil change every 5000 kms (at 125,000 kms recently)
New Motomaster Energizer 720 CCA battery.




NOTES:
Inside is very clean I've checked myself. Only noticable complain is the back bumper is loose because owner had backed into a curb or something I forgot. And also the muffler is a bit loud, can hear it from inside the back.
Also I'm curious about the "rebuilt title" part and does that mean car has been rebuilt from an accident or something.
I really don't like the M3 kit and am thinking of trying to get the stock black bumper and replace the one he has on. Anyone know how much that would cost?

[Kiponator]

My opinion is to pass on this one.

Salvage title + slushbox = fail.

Would be interesting at that price considering the mileage and color if it were a 5-speed with a clean title.

[jinyeng]

Originally Posted by Kiponator

My opinion is to pass on this one.

Salvage title + slushbox = fail.

Would be interesting at that price considering the mileage and color if it were a 5-speed with a clean title.

Can I ask what does it mean to have a salvage title? Does it mean it was involved in an accident and then repaired so that it works again?

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by jinyeng

Can I ask what does it mean to have a salvage title? Does it mean it was involved in an accident and then repaired so that it works again?

In the US I believe it means the car was totaled by the insurance company and may have been sold at auction.

Salvage titles normally diminish the value.

[blndweasel]

"M3" body kit -- not really M3 anything, and the rear bumper skirt is hanging loose. Hatch looks like it isn't closing properly, based on gap near left rear tail light.

Aftermarket sunroof?!?

Calling the Dakar Yellow finish "rare and hard to find" -- pretty sure the factory didn't offer this color, so naturally it's hard to find. They surely sprayed it after the accident.

Seems like it's about $1000 overpriced.

tbw

[blndweasel]

On closer inspection, it looks like the stock rear bumper cover is on there, it's just been covered up by that hideous ground effects skirt. Probably attached with sheet metal screws!

[Kiponator]

You'll have to forgive my ignorance in not catching that Dakar Yellow wasn't a factory color.

Beyond that, on the first read-through I missed that the sunroof is aftermarket -- another huge issue on top of the other massive issues.

I think the car may actually be worth more as parts than as it sits.

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by blndweasel

Calling the Dakar Yellow finish "rare and hard to find" -- pretty sure the factory didn't offer this color, so naturally it's hard to find. They surely sprayed it after the accident.

Dakar Yellow was available from BMW in some markets. In the UK for one. Don't know about Canada.

In the US it was available for a mere $1500 extra.
I did inquire back in 97 when I wanted one.

[roadrash]

Originally Posted by blndweasel

Calling the Dakar Yellow finish "rare and hard to find" -- pretty sure the factory didn't offer this color, so naturally it's hard to find. They surely sprayed it after the accident.

Keep in mind that this car is in Canada and they got a few colors that we didn't in the U.S., e.g. Techno Violet. So, it's possible that Dakar Yellow was an option in Canada but not in the U.S.

[chudzikb]

Seems like a lot of scratch for a car with a salvage title? And I will echo what others have said...aftermarket sunroof? Who does that? No sane person...

[jinyeng]

thanks for all the input guys. sadly i'm gonna put this offer down. Initially i wasnt looking for a 318ti but this car grew on me as i thought about it more. Hopefully i'll find another before the summer ends!

[chudzikb]

There out there, hold out for one that will make you happy and is also a good deal. Take the time to read what you can so that you can make an educated decision.