Buyer's checklist: E36 BMW 3 Series (1992–1999)

Look for 10

Known problems, and how to check for each.

Weak cooling systemAll yearsLook for coolant drips and leaks.¹
Worn VANOSAll yearsListen at idle for a sound like marbles in a tin can.¹
Oil leaksAll yearsLook for seepage around the oil pan, valve cover and head gasket, and listen for a hiss from a vacuum leak.^1,2
Door cards and headliner falling downAll yearsLook at the door panels, pillars, headliner and the rest of the interior trim for sagging or tears.^1,3
Water in the floorAll yearsFeel the carpet behind the front seats for water.¹
Power steering leaksAll yearsFollow the power steering hoses for wetness or grime.¹
Rust at the rear arches and sillsAll yearsLook at the rear wheel arches and the rear ends of the side skirts.²
Rough idle from the idle control valveAll yearsStart the car from cold and watch for a rough, hunting idle.²
Windows, door handles and locksAll yearsTry every window, both door handles on each door, and the central locking.^1,3
Worn suspension and steering partsAll yearsFeel for play in the steering and wobble over bumps, and look at the tie rod ends, control arm ball joints, steering rack boots, anti-roll bar bushings and end links.^1,3

Recalls filed for these model years. Not every car is covered; check the vehicle identification number with NHTSA.

What owners and the press say to steer clear of.

A four-cylinder car, if you want the E36 at its bestAll yearsBMWBlog advises any inline-six and steers buyers away from the four-cylinder cars. In an owner forum thread, two owners agree, one advising a six and doubting the 318 sedan, the other ranking the 318i last. Two 318ti owners in the same thread are happy with the four.^2,3