Thinking of a E36 of E46 BMW

[Jagshund]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

I'm calling photoshop on that!

Sir, I am taken aback! How dare you attempt to sully my reputation!

I can't remember if I ran a filter on that pic or not. It was taken the week we bought the car, so it had probably been washed three times that week. Dipping it into that vat of 'Mop-n-Glo' didn't hurt much, either . . .

[RedBaron]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

Ok guys... Tell me what to look out for on a 108k miles e36 M3?
What forums to check out?

Bimmerforums.com

Replace waterpump and radiator.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by RedBaron

Bimmerforums.com

Replace waterpump and radiator.

And suspension bushings. I'm yet to see a BMW that doesn't need suspension bushings in the 100k range. On the upside the parts are cheap, and they're very DIY-able.

Point of reference, a local BMW club member sold his absolutely pristine E36 M3 coupe with 60k for about $13k recently after a LONG time listed for sale. When I say pristine, I mean not even any rock chips. I wouldn't pay over $10k for an E36 M3 unless it was fantastic, higher mileage E46 M3s are dipping below $15k pretty regularly.

[porsche4life]

Matt I'm dropping you a PM for an opinion...

[VincentVega]

Check the rear subframe mounts, lots of info available.

[RANDY P]

2000 328CI- at 60K developed airbag problem dealer couldn't diagnose. Pretty common with early E46.

Get a later one with ZHP. E36 is simpler car and the interior is poor quality- glue wears off and interior falls apart.

rjp

[Sarc]

Originally Posted by sketchers356

Thanks for a quick lesson on the reliability of different years and models of 3 series BMWs!

Bimmer magazine published a 3 series buyers guide a couple years ago covering all generations up to the E46. I'd be happy to scan and post if you like...

[porsche4life]

I know that wasn't directed at me... But could you?