Things to look for 1998 M3 testdrive

[rogcontact]

I am driving about 3 hours this weekend to look at a M3 I might buy. It is a 1998. What mechanically should I look for to tell if this car has been beaten on. I am seeing that a lot of people are complianing about a clanking sound, which could be sub frame mounts and bushings tearing/cracking. How do I check for this? Also, Some people are saying that there car is making a sound at about 1600rpm. My question, I guess, is how, When I am with the car, do I test it to tell what type of condition it is in? I am going to have it inspected by a mechanic, what should I tell him to inspect exactly? What can I inspect myself? How should I test drive it and listen/watch for? Any help would be much appreciated...



Thanks...

[Teh Prof]

Rear shock mounts, rear shock tower cracking, health of shocks/struts, ball joints, thermostat housing cracks, radiator neck cracks, hose cracks, camshaft position sensors, O2 sensors, bent control arms, coolant overflow tank circulation...

That should keep you busy for a while.