# BMW info/learning
**URL:** https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bmw-info-learning/29247
**Category:** NYSpeed Automotive
**Created:** [May 13, 2007, 6:56pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bmw-info-learning/29247 "2007-05-13T18:56:09Z")
**Posts on this page:** 6
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@KuntryQuestTSi](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/KuntryQuestTSi)
#### Post date: [May 13, 2007, 6:56pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bmw-info-learning/29247/1 "2007-05-13T18:56:09Z")
well i looked at a few BMWs kinda sparked my interest i looked at a 1997 328i and a few others i dont recall is there is anything i should know about? wear items common problems ect? thanks for any info and even if i dont get one, i dont see harm in takeing on knowlage i should take on some spelling lessons to haha
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### Author:  [@Griff](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Griff)
#### Post date: [May 13, 2007, 7:02pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bmw-info-learning/29247/2 "2007-05-13T19:02:53Z")
electrics are kinda iffy on the e36 still. i had a 96 328i auto and really didnt have too many problems with it. crank sensor, waterpump, thermostat, and pulgs/coils are all i had to replace maint. wise.
on my 98 M roadster, i have had 0 problems so far. been a very nice solid car and i’m extremely happy with it.
[bimmerforums.com](http://bimmerforums.com) is a good place to read up on stuff. a ton of info there!
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### Author:  [@Coldaccord](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Coldaccord)
#### Post date: [May 13, 2007, 7:09pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bmw-info-learning/29247/3 "2007-05-13T19:09:10Z")
meh. basically just check everything you would normally check in a car. early model (like first production year) e36’s had problems with their radiator i believe, and others had problems with t-stats and maybe water pumps.
e30’s are very anal about timing belts (MUST be changed every 60k or they snap) but e36’s have timing chains so its a moot point. e36’s also have hydraulic lifters. mmm
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### Author:  [@mike125k](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/mike125k)
#### Post date: [May 13, 2007, 7:43pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bmw-info-learning/29247/4 "2007-05-13T19:43:52Z")
rear trailing arm bushings, rear shock mounts go around 80-100k, not expensive, but trailing arm bushing are kind of a bitch to change. radiator, water pump and thermostat housing all should be changed/checked if around 100k, they are plastic and are prone to cracking, replace them with the newer metal versions.
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### Author:  [@KuntryQuestTSi](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/KuntryQuestTSi)
#### Post date: [May 13, 2007, 7:51pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bmw-info-learning/29247/5 "2007-05-13T19:51:05Z")
thanks for the info so far, maybe i should just think of random cars and post up stuff to learn, seeing i cant afford to just keep buying new toys
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### Author:  [@Griff](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Griff)
#### Post date: [May 13, 2007, 8:53pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/bmw-info-learning/29247/6 "2007-05-13T20:53:18Z")
if you do buy a e36 i may have a newer water pump for you if you want it. i bought it for my 328 but there was a brand new one already in there