What to look for when buying a used 316I

[The Dane]

Hi there

I am looking for a mid 1990'ies 316i, what should I look for when buying used? Are there any pitfalls?
By the way, can the rear seats be folded forwards to accomodate big luggage on the sedan models?
Thanks
Best regards
Christian

[Javier]

You might find some info here [url]http://www.bmwe36blog.com/forum/i-want-my-1st-car-to-be-a--t8s10.html#p32[/url] (that particular reply but also the whole thread)

I have a 316i and enjoy it a lot

Good luck!

[The Dane]

Okay, thanks

[tonysticks]

Welcome to the forum!

Why not consider a 318is? I feel the 318is (M42) is a little bit stronger and still good on gas? My brother used to have a 316i with M40 engine and that engine had tons of problems (although M40 engines are very good in general). He was feeling his car doesn't have good strength. So, he swapped to M40 1.8 engine and he's very happy feeling that the car is stronger now.

316 are great cars, but I feel the 318 are a little bit more suitable, although I prefer to have 328i or M3 if the gas wasn't an issue for me.

[The Dane]

I would like a 318i, but in Denmark there seems to be more used 316i around and therefore easier to find a good one.Many have been modified with body kits and I would like an original one. Is the 1,6 really that slow? But you are right, the gas consumption looks just fine for the 1,8 model, a good point.

Regarding engine maintainance, should I go for the ones with chain driven camshaft (post 1994, right?) or is the belt not a problem? As I want something I can maintain myself, I think I'll stick to four cylinder engines.

By the way, how does people feel about the compact? The idea of a big opening for the boot is appealing and I do not need the doors for the rear seats (we are seldom more than 2 people in the car anyway)? Any parcitular problems with the compact models?

best regards
Christian

[Javier]

Post '93 316i, at least in Europe, have M43 engines. So don't consider 318is (ok ok, post '93 german 318is also have the very same engine, so no problems there)

I have a 316i with the better (M43) engine, and can't praise it enough
That is the one with chain driven camshaft (can't compare it to the belt but if I have to make a blind guess: chain FTW, belt FTL).

Just make sure you get a 316i with an M43 engine and you'll be happy.

And no, M3 and 2.8+ engines kill kitten just kidding, they can be a lot of fun if you have pockets deep enough.

Oh, regarding compacts... they look like Ford Escorts and the backseat is a nightmare to clean

[tonysticks]

[quote="Javier"]And no, M3 and 2.8+ engines kill kitten just kidding, they can be a lot of fun if you have pockets deep enough.

[The Dane]

Thanks, I'll go for a chain driven one. By the way, does any of the sedan models have fold-forward rear seats to accomodate big luggage/skies?
best regards
Christian

[tonysticks]

No. The fold-forward seats are in the 2-door cars only.

[The Dane]

Ok, thanks. Is there a ski latch or something on the sedan model?
Christian