1. This is the m50 engine. Its very different then the m20 motor. Electronic ignition meaning coils over each spark plug.
2. There should be a tranny dipstick on the automatics. In terms of fluid, take a peek in the manual. I'm a 5 speed manual guy, so I have ZERO experience with the e36 auto tranny.
3. There really isn't a list of "what will break" on the E36's. I've had 2 E36's both with the same m52 motor. I currently have a 525 which has a m50 motor. If the motor sounds healthy, IE no chatter or clatter when running over 2k rpm, then you should be OK. The valves get worn out quickly, pretty quickly on the m50 motor. My wagon has clicking valves, so I don't beat on it. Other then that, DON'T use synthetic oil, get mobil HIGH MILIAGE oil which is a 10w40 I think... it works faboo! It won't burn a drop of that shyt!
Problems I've encountered have been because of the previous owner. So no real motor issues with my car's or my friends! E36' body's have MANY problems. One of them is the wiring harness to the trunk causing the "break light failure" easy fix. Another is the electronic baffel motors for the AC system failing + the electric fan motor and diode pack. I mean other stuff can fail, but those are the things that happened to me with every car I've worked on or delt with.
After you get the car, change all the fluids, radiator, oil, tranny lube if you can. Check for leaks after the change to insure no further problems and then you should be all set. I change my own oil within 3k OR earlier if it gets dark. Keep the oil ALWAYS FULL on the dipstick, there is no "oil low" light like on the e34. If the oil drops off to the low mark on the dip stick, it could damage something.
Enjoy the car, keep it lubed and when stuff breaks, replace it. You should be able to run it well beyond the 200k mile range as long as you don't abuse the motor or transmission.
- 2001 E46 330i Sedan
- 2000 E36 Dinan M Roadster (S52 / 270hp)
- 1991 E34 Touring Sport (project car)
I'm still learning, so bare with me!