BMW 316 ex UK -rust?

gally · 30-08-2007 02:39PM #1

I,m considering buying a BMW 316 saloon ex UK 1998.I,m wondering if anyone could tell me if salt corrosion is a problerm on BMWs-and where to watch out for the dreaded rust.Anyone have experience of O Donovans Cars Ennis Road Limerick who imports from the UK and has a 316 Saloon in stock?

Henry Ford III · 30-08-2007 02:47PM

It could be.

Get a HPI and get the car up on a lift. Check fully. Bring a mechanic with you if need be.

No knowledge of seller.

michaelanthony · 30-08-2007 03:29PM

I got a 316 from Liverpool and there was quite a bit of rust. There was a hole in the floor and I had to get a plate welded over it to pass the NCT.

mmassive · 30-08-2007 03:43PM

Check for rust in the boot where the spare wheel is and at the sides of the boot. Theres a bit of rust in my uk model.
I've heard that O' Donovans are fairly good. The owner used to be a rally driver and drove Alfa's (I think!). Last week he quoted me 120 euro for a light service on my 318 coupe, which I thought was very reasonable.

JohnCleary · 30-08-2007 04:57PM

There's feck all on my 02 320d (came to IReland in Jan 07 with 73k miles)

I've just replaced the suspension and had a quick look around. Only places there were bit's of rust was around the screw's but nothing major, not even the need for a breaker bar to loosen them, normal socket set did the job

gally · 31-08-2007 12:21AM

Thanks for the info everyone-He says he,ll put it up on a lift and I,ll have a good look.

Mac 3 · 01-09-2007 12:08PM

I used to see a lot of E36 beamers for sale outside thier premises, any of them i looked at seemed like very clean cars usually sourced in the UK, I have a 320i of that age, no rust, the odd time I'd see a clean E36 around town and surprise, surprise, a sticker or plate surround from O Donovans.

no association with them btw.. best of luck with your search.

Just do the usual homework and you'll get a good un. Great choice to be had in the UK, most have good Service History and will be well kept..

maidhc · 01-09-2007 12:16PM

I know a guy who did have a UK one which needed €2k of welding around the rear suspensions due to rust. Don't know much more than that though.

JohnCleary · 01-09-2007 02:27PM

maidhc wrote:

I know a guy who did have a UK one which needed €2k of welding around the rear suspensions due to rust. Don't know much more than that though.

Crikey! Was the rust damage obvious to the naked eye?

BMW 316 ex UK -rust?

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