I'm sure there have been cases of M3 trannies taking a dump, just like 911 trannies. I spend a LOT of time on the M3 boards, and E36 M3 tranny failures are not common. I can't remember the last thread about one breaking.

Common E36 M3 failures are water pumps up to '96(plastic impeller), radiator necks, rear shock mounts, and various electical things, all of which are easy fixes.

Nice car, Thom! :cool:

A guy I worked for bought a new M3 Evo in 1996 (Euro: 321bhp, 6spd, 6 throttle bodies) and for some reason needed two new differentials within the first 9k miles. He was a mature driver in his 60s and didn't race the car. After the 3rd diff was installed, it was plain sailing. A truly awesome coupe.

Enjoy!

I think there great cars. I had a 4 door 97 supercharged and a 2 door 98. I loved them both. I wouldn't mine buying another one just to have for a everyday car since the price has came way down. I drove those cars like I didn't care about them and they never gave me a problem. Here some PICS of my 97 I used to have.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads4/11098078232.jpg http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads4/81098078248.jpg

From what I've seen, M3 people are as-or-more fanatical about their cars than 911 people. Most of the time when I go to the track, M3's (particularly E36's) outnumber 911's

Cost of Ownership

2004 BMW M3



2004 - 2008 Ownership Cost Rating: Worse Than Average
Ownership costs are the costs to purchase and operate a vehicle over a period of time. Understanding these costs can save you money and help you make a wiser financial decision when it comes time to select a vehicle.

Regardless of the "value" claims that you may read in car reviews or hear in ads, a vehicle's economic value is based on how much it will cost to own and operate compared to its purchase price. In a sense, purchase price are "what you pay" and the ownership costs are "what you get." The less you pay for what you get the better off you are.

Ownership costs can differ greatly. The cost to own and operate two different vehicles with equal purchase prices can differ by thousands. Of course when evaluating ownership cost for used cars and trucks, a vehicle's condition and mileage will greatly impact ownership costs, therefore it's important to compare similar vehicles in similar condition for an accurate picture.



Depreciation $22,434 <------This is why you paid so little
Financing $6,234
Insurance $13,775
State Fees $739
Fuel $6,439
Maintenance (Detail) $4,654
Repairs $1,461



Total 5-Year Ownership Cost $55,736

IntelliChoice Value Rating
Vehicle Class Sport
5-Year Ownership Cost $55,736
5-Year Cost, Similar Vehicles $51,100
Difference $4,635
IntelliChoice Value Rating Worse Than Average <--Their words Not mine


http://www.intellichoice.com/reports/vehicleReport/vehicle_nmb/12255/section/ownership

Nobody buys used BMW's I see 635's for $1500.
Thats Cause they arent worth fixing when they break.
Thats my point.

I had an L7 that was in pretty good shape maybe 8 years ago. I sold it when it needed a new exhaust (they wanted more than I sold the car for:))

Hey Steve: Tom paid $10,700 for the car. Don't you think that's a good deal?

Anyway, aside from the BMW, what sedans do you recommend?

Yes He got a good deal .
When he sells it after it breaks and he spends $5k fixing it.
He will get $2500.
That not such a good deal.

You have to look at BMW like Bic lighters.
Use them while they work then throw them away.
When I buy I want to at least get my purchase price back.

I can sell My 1986 560Sl today for the same price I paid for it 10 years ago.
The BMWs I have own all were sold for more than I paid for them.
But the are not new Bmws and I sold them to guys in Europe.
You wont be selling any late model BMW back to germany for more than you paid for it.

Wow, can you tell me what next week's lottery numbers are, too?

Seriously, you have convinced me. I now totally hate my M3 and I'm going to sell it tomorrow, regardless of the fact that it's been a great car. Thanks for helping me see the light. http://www.pelicanparts.com/support/smileys/shake.gif

He's not buying a 2004 M3.

I see the same thing in the porsches other tha 911's.
Priced a 928 lately or a 968.
They have very little resale vs cost of the car new.
.
The guys that think they are getting a car based on what they think is a good deal only to find outthat when itbreak the repairs cost more that the value of the car.

where are you seeing 635's for $1500? I'd love to get one at that cost...

Maybe, if you can't turn a wrench yourself. I'm guessing that's not the case with Thom. Your statement could apply to ANY car, even (gasp) a Porsche.

Interesting. I've heard more than a few Porsche mechanics say the same about 996s and the upcoming 997s. That, in short, they're garbage, and in ten years' time, early 996s will be available for $10-$15K, not withstanding the fact that Porsche built a crap-load of them. That tells me that the air-cooled models, even the 964, will become much more appreciated in the future than they are now.

What do you think?

My point withn the 2004 was that the car is $47k new but in 5 years will cost you $53k to own.

It that sounding like a Good deal.
Also buying a use M3?
You know unless you got it from a little old lady, that is has been Driven to redline many times.
If you look at the Ads you will see most are sold just under 50K miles when the warratny is no longer valid.
The Reason $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ to fix.

This is true of the Late model porsches also.
How can a replacment 996 engine only cost $8k
That is because the are not ment to be repaired.
You cannot buy a valve cover for a 996 from the dealer.\They only sell the complete head.

Simply and categorically untrue if you have even slight mechanical inclination. I'd be willing to bet most people on this board do their own wrenching. Mine is approaching 100K, has been very reliable (even with heavy track use) and still drives like new.

I don't. But I do my own "paying," which is why Steve's words are having resonance with me.

Like I said...*most*.

I really don't think a 1995 M3 will be any more or less reliable than a 1995 Porsche. If they were as bad as Steve seems to insist, they certainly wouldn't have the incredible following and huge aftermarket that they do (kind of like the 911, don't you think?).