BMW Repair: Just purchased 318i Touring 1996 - How much will a complete service be?, better mileage, bmw club

Question
Hi John,
Just wanted to know how much a complete service will be for this car, also if
you can recommend any specialist garages in the Bristol area to go to? If you
can possibly let me know here to get hold of online owners manual (pdf?). I
bought the car for 1400.00 with 12 months MOT / 125,000 miles, very good
condition inside and out with service history, do you think this was a good
price?
Many thanks - NB: Am new to BMW's so any helpful hints etc on this model
and year would be greatly appreciated!

Answer
A couple of answers, but not much help I'm afraid.


I don't take my BMW's to the dealers enough to have an idea of the costs of the complete service for them.  And since I'm in the US, I doubt I could help on a garage.

For an owners manual, I'd suggest checking eBay and also doing on-line searches.

Sounds like you have a great car for a very good deal.  The first BMW I bought was a '92 325i (same series as yours), and loved it so much I wound up later buying an '85 635, and three different 740's.  Sold the 635 and one of the 740's, and looking at buying an 840.  Reason I'm digressing here is to tell you the 318 is a great car.  As much as I've loved the power of the 325, I've usually wished I'd bought the 318.  Tosses much more, better mileage, and for the US market, takes regular vs. premium for the 325.

Advice?  Join a local BMW club. Very helpful.  Get to know Roadfly.com's message board for e36's well.  Incredible source of info.  

And most of all, HAVE FUN!