M-Series (M1, M3, M5, M6)General M-Series Discussion - If it does not fit into a more specific M Category above, please place it in here. In addition, previously archived M-Series discussion is located in this section.
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Hey there is a 1997 M3 with 130,000 miles on it. It is red and in nice condition. It even has a brand new clutch that was just put in. The asking price is $14,000. And I am really tempted to jump in on it. I believe these cars have timing chains so I dont have to worry about changing any belts. Do most of you guys find the e36 M3 to be reliable? Any other concerns you might have?
Also if you want to see it in action I posted my test drive of it in the video lounge. Just skip through the first part where my friend drives an S2000.
Yes, these are good cars. Chains are lifetime...I've never heard of anyone changing one...never heard of one failing.
As for any concerns, there really aren't any. Just maintenance. The coolant systems on these cars aren't great. Water pump, thermo, thermo housing every 40-60K, radiator every 80-100K.
That's an ok price. Keep in mind I got mine for $10.5K with fewer miles last September. You might keep looking.
14K is a little high for 130K. I got my 97 with 100K for 14k. I think that you bought yours from a crackhead if you got it for 10.5k. I remember seeing the pictures of it when you bought it and I was like "no way did he get that for that price". I swear that car has to be pieced together with stolen parts off ebay or something, LOL.
As far as service problems. I have a wheel bearing going out, and my thremostat needs to be replaced. They are not to bad about things going wrong with them, but when they do, get read to pay if you can't do it yourself. Little things to consider: Rear tires $200 each, oil changes (yourself $30) Dealership $100. I think you own one already so you know what it takes to keep it up.
Have the car inspected by a mechanic. Tell them that you will put down a $100 to hold the car. CARFAX doesn't know all. Have it looked at for frame damage and body parts replaced. These cars are fast and people crash them and have their friends fix it on the sides. Carfax showed nothing on my X5, but after I bought it, I took it to the dealer for warr work and they said that it looked like the left rear was slide into a curb and the shock and control arm were replaced.
When your paying this much money for a car that has over 100K on it (seeing as you could buy a new scion tc for 3k more, not like you would) you want it to be clean and taken care of. A lot of M3 are leased vehicles since not many can afford them new. People that lease them seem to drive them like rental cars.
Good luck and take pictures if you get it.
__________________ 2002 Bmw X5 4.4I
1997 Bmw M3 3.2L
1988 Sunbird Eurosport SLC 5.7L
14K is a little high for 130K. I got my 97 with 100K for 14k. I think that you bought yours from a crackhead if you got it for 10.5k. I remember seeing the pictures of it when you bought it and I was like "no way did he get that for that price". I swear that car has to be pieced together with stolen parts off ebay or something, LOL.
LOL, well not a crackhead but not that far off either. Used car dealership in Chicago that sells cars on ebay. I bought it at that price assuming that ALL of the standard E36 problems would be present. As it happened, I had to replace shocks/struts, VANOS assembly, a ball joint, coolant expansion tank, and rear shock mounts. Given that I was going to upgrade the suspension anyway, I didn't care at all about the shocks/struts. Other than that, and my little accident in December, it's been a dream. It was definitely a wonderful way to console myself for totalling the 528 :-) Original owner drove it a total of 17K miles in three years, then second owner drove it 90K in five years (highway miles, you think?).
You guys know this is like eating an entire bag of candy in front of a baby with no teeth right? haha Nah I'm just messin around, but the more I read the tougher it's gonna be to wait to get one haha. It's all good though....
You CAN find good deals out there. I found mine a mile from my house after searching for 9 months all over the place. Kid was having a kid so he needed to get rid of it. It's a mint 1998 with 90k.
Get a shop to look it over completely. If they give you a thumbs up, grab it.
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