What does this mean?

[doughboyea]

Hello everyone, this is my first time posting in this forum. There's a 1997 white automatic M3/4 for sale in my area for $17,900, with 56,000miles on it. I asked the dealer for more photos to be emailed to me... this is one of those pics:
What does it mean with the check engine light on and the "inspection" thingy lit up?

[KingScare]

the oil needs to be changed...NOW!

[cam540]

Its needs an inspection, which will cost you several hundred dollars. You may also want to ask yourself one question, do you really want an automatic M3?

[ARCHER]

My '98 is due for Inspection II and the indicator looks identical to your photo. Inspection II will run you ~ $700 - excluding any additional items that may need replacing.

[EXtech]

uhhh, did everyone forget about the check engine light being on?? Was the key just turned on or is the car running??

[doughboyea]

Is that a normal routine occurance? Like would i pretty much find that on all other M3's with somewhere around 60K miles? Can any mechanic do the "inspection" or only a dealer? What's involved with that... is it like a tune up? Bottom line, is the M3 in question worth getting then?

Thanks

[doughboyea]

Originally posted by cam540@Mar 1 2004, 05:32 PM
You may also want to ask yourself one question, do you really want an automatic M3?

Actually I do.... I commute and haven't had too much experience with manuals. Being in traffic (stop and go and stop... ) freaks me out. I don't want to deal with an added stress factor in my life.... haveing an automatic, though not as sporty, is easier peace of mind for me.

[cam540]

But this is an M3

[doughboyea]

Originally posted by cam540@Mar 2 2004, 06:42 PM
But this is an M3

And your point.....

[e36_m3_Turbo]

Originally posted by doughboyea+Mar 2 2004, 05:43 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (doughboyea @ Mar 2 2004, 05:43 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-cam540@Mar 2 2004, 06:42 PM
But this is an M3

And your point..... [/b][/quote]
its more of a weekend car then a commuter, a m3 is not made to sit in traffic, its made to be pushed to the limitz

[doughboyea]

Originally posted by e36_m3_Turbo@Mar 2 2004, 07:15 PM
its more of a weekend car then a commuter, a m3 is not made to sit in traffic, its made to be pushed to the limitz

I drive 60 miles a day, its not that I'm in traffic for all of those 60miles, I'm just saying that when and if i do run into traffic on certain parts of my commute, it would just suck to have a manual... I am aware that having the manual would be a blast. I also know that that would be an added expense to have to replace a clutch every so often, besides, like I said before, I'm not too experienced with a manual, having had to have my g/f show me the basics on her '89 VW.

And by the way, why shouldn't an M3 be a commuter car. The whole point to commuting is transportation. Why should I have to settle for some shitty little Honda or other asian import for my mode of transportation. I currently have a Mercedes 190E2.6. It's a highway car, I don't want to replace a German peice of machinery with one that is made cheaply. I want quality, I don't want to waste my money on something that will just be a peice of shit... Now if your telling me that an M3 CAN'T HANDLE COMMUTING, well, I guess I'll have to go back to Mercedes or perhaps even a VW.

So in other words, an M3 is not really worth getting then if you say that it is a mere weekend car. Let's put down the M3 then why don't we, since it can't handle a little commuting.... ::sarcasm::

Now.. back to the post at hand... is the M3 that I mentioned above worth getting... what's involved with an inspection... is it the same as a tuneup? Is it expected to occur every X miles? Should I look elsewhere for an M3?

Thanks

[KingScare]

On a well and regularly maintained car...there should be no reason for those yellow and red squares as well as the check engine light to light up.

I think the previous owner didn't do his homework.

Although not necessarily critical...it should indicate that maybe the owner neglected other aspects...

get that car checked out man...

[XM3]

man if ur gonna pay that much for 97 m3 automatic.

I totaly agree with cam540. it's M3 man automatic is killing it. plus in my opention.

97 car is gonna give u problems. I have experienced this. I would rather put downpayment and get a new m3 then pay 20 for 97 one. just my openion...

[doughboyea]

Maybe I should clarify something. I'm not weathly. I have an old car in need of repair and am considering a newer vehicle. I'm looking for a car that has over 200hp that isn't a trap for cops. I'm 22 in college with a part-time job. I cannot afford a brand new M3..... yet. For now, an older "performance" vehicle is what I can afford: At $18k, with $5000 down over 60months comes $294 a month... this I can afford (+insurance+gas+college bills.... + few hundred left over for just incase )

Do any of you recommend another auto? I tried a C43 with 76K miles, NOT impressed. Tried a 2003 VR6 Jetta, eh, it was ok. F150 - gas...gas...gas. Audi S4 - no torque at highway speeds... not impressed. Don't really want American, nor do I want asian.

[cam540]

If you are quote a 'poor bastard' then why not get a 328i or 323i.

My point is that this is an M3, its a high performance racing car that was never meant to have an automatic.... I don't think the car can be truely enjoyed with an automatic.