Originally Posted by Garf

It's purely a money making law. The 15 year rule is in place to deter people from importing cars, this supposedly generates more business for domestic vehicles. They (the government, funded by the car dealers) are trying to make it harder to import cars from abroad to ensure that they make more money. It's really quite stupid. They are making more paperwork, "stricter" regulations and more "safety" regulations which they say ensure that the vehicles being imported are safe and not a hazard. Which is a load of bull, If the car dives in Japan, it'll drive fine here too (I'm talking cars in fine condition). Like my car also, being in mint condition, (not trying to brag), had to pass DOT inspection : 89$, dirt and soil inspection : 45$, taxes: 571$, as well as parts for DRL's, stupid side reflectors that aren't even on vehicles here anyway etc etc. It's purely a money-driven set of regulations. Anyway, it's worth it since most North American cars are rubbish (from the same era as the ones able to import).

Anyway, as for a comparison between the max and the BMW:
BMW:
192 hp
181 ft/lb torque
weighed in at exactly 1,400 kilos (3080 lbs)
Saloon
I6, 2.5L
bone stock

Maxima:
160 hp (GXE)
some torque
3400 pounds give or take
Saloon
3.0L V6
intake, bushings, suspension

Basically the only thing these two cars have in common are the number of doors. The BMW has far more responsive steering, better power and torque, so much grip, and far less body roll. The trunk space is about equal in the two cars, the back seats, however, are far smaller in the BMW, with the seat adjusted for me (5 foot 11) there's enough legroom in the back for a 5 year old. Overall, the BMW is far smaller than the Maxima, and lower too. This is just based on some spirited driving, mileage on both cars is a large factor and it's kind of like comparing apples and oranges. The Maxima is a sporty family sedan, the 3 series is a sports oriented 4 seater focussing more on performance than comfort. just my $0.02

It's still a lot of fun driving the Maxima, but not fun enough for me to keep it. It has been a really good car to learn on etc. And it should help pay for some rims for the BMW.

Originally Posted by Brudda Bob

The mileage on the car is low, however, these cars notorious for cooling system problems. The water pump has a plastic impeller, so is the fan and a host of other cooling system components.

If you havent already joined a forum, I strongly recommend such. The link below has common E36 issues.http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=311638

You can also join: http://www.bmwcca.org/ and recieve discounts, the membership fee isnt expensive and is well worth it.

I wont remind you how expensive parts are for these cars. The forums usually have excellent prices.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/ has diagrams with part numbers and prices (similiar to http://www.courtesyparts.com/

Best of luck!

Originally Posted by Garf

Anyway, as for a comparison between the max and the BMW:

BMW: 181 ft/lb torque


Maxima: some torque

Originally Posted by wikipedia

In 1989, the Maxima received the 160 hp (120 kW) rating, but also used a variable intake plenum improving torque to 182 lb·ft (247 N·m) @3200 rpm.