Buying a 94-98 Convertible ?

[Metalcraft]

Hi,
Just saying hello and had a question. I've been reading the archives some also.

I just wondered of those more BMW experienced. It seems what we're looking for is a 94 to maybe 98 3 series conv.,

Are any of these years more or less desireable ?

We were -just- about to purchase a 94 manual trans. conv. with 100K, and while driving it the next day prior to signing the contract it started overheating on us. They tried everything to get us to stay with it claiming it was "minor" and that they'd fix it. But being scared of the head gasket / valve job ordeal we declined.

I'm buying it as a driver for my wife, as the last BMW we had was an 85 635csi in 1993 and would like to get a convertible this time. But I surely can't afford a 3K repair after the initial purchase.

Also, she is handicapped and really has to be carefull of getting stranded and the possibility of having to walk any distance.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Bud

 

[E30m42cab]

First of all, when you're buying a cabrio, check the floor in the back seat for water... that was the first thing I checked when I was looking at cabrio's and I got my fingers wet before I found the right car. The over-heating problem could be a number of things... if you like the car, take it to a mechanic (3rd party) and ask them what they think is wrong with it... could be a very simple thing to fix (air in the system, bad water pump, leaking hose drained the fluid, bad fan clutch), or it could indeed be a disaster waiting to happen.
As far as problems with E36 BMWs, the newer the better, obviously. There has been a problem with the plastic themostat housing on the M50 engines (2.5L), rear shock mounts are always a problem, but mostly these are very minor repairs. Around 100K, your hydraulic clutch cylinders will be up for renewal as well. Again, fairly cheap to fix, and gives you some piece of mind. Overall though, the E36's are fairly bulletproof cars, as long as they get regular/routine maintenance.