E36 M3 at 200k

[Dag]

I'm looking at a high freeway miliage E36 M3. It's at 200k. Cosmetically its extremely clean. Everything is operational.

Assuming it was maintained 'decently' as an average driver would, what should i expect to look at as far as replacement parts, maintenence, etc etc?

Anything i should be sure to look for as far as replaced parts are concerned?

Thanks!

[PaladinReed]

Im not sure how much of a tank the mxx/sxx is compared to the m20 as Ive never owned one but Id pass depending on price. I passed on three e36 trade offers because of high mileage. But i very well may be wrong. If it is cheap enough buy it for the body and swap in a 3k dollar lower mileage powerplant. good luck! :)

[delfin]

I think most M3s over 100k are about ready to die. 200k can't be much better unless it's been HEAVILY maintained.

[gazellebeigem3]

I think most M3s over 100k are about ready to die. 200k can't be much better unless it's been HEAVILY maintained.

huh? how many have you seen?

[reelizmpro]

Probably the same car I seen for $5K. 200K is pretty high but it all depends. If nothing was done, it's safe to say the engine is on it's way out. It's not uncommon to find 120-160K mile E36 M3's for 5K. I missed out on one on BF.c and met the new owner at a meet. The car was a steal. The PO got a new car and just wanted to get rid of it. There's a lot of E36's out there. I would wait until the right one comes along.

[dirty30]

I'm looking at a high freeway miliage E36 M3. It's at 200k. Cosmetically its extremely clean. Everything is operational.

Assuming it was maintained 'decently' as an average driver would, what should i expect to look at as far as replacement parts, maintenence, etc etc?

Anything i should be sure to look for as far as replaced parts are concerned?

Thanks!

Start by not believing a word the owner tells you, highway miles are miles, stuff is still rotating, brakes are still being used and so on. These cars will nickle and dime you to death if they haven't been maintained. Starting with the suspension. The rear trailing arm bushings will be worn, the lower ball joints will be making noise. The rear shock mounts wear fast unless upgraded. All these things will make the tires wear incredibly fast, take note of the inside edge. The exhaust hangers break and cause the muffler to sag. Guibo and center support bearing will clunk on hard acceleration. Brake light switches malfunction causing a constant light failure warning. Window regulators click when they need new clips. Vanos gets noisy but rarely fails on those engines. Most of the cooling system is plastic, if the owner has no idea when it ALL has been replaced it ALL needs to be replaced to avoid a breakdown. The center computer is probably pixelated. If the airbag light is on the passenger seat mat is generally at fault, either that or the buckle/ pretensioner has failed. Ignition cylinders spin free when they are on their way out. Those are some big things I would start with.

[dirty30]

I think most M3s over 100k are about ready to die. 200k can't be much better unless it's been HEAVILY maintained.

I assume you are speaking from experience, oh wait... you're not.

[e30e]

Over 212k on my e36 m3, but they do nickle and dime you to death.

[Dag]

Some great info posted, thanks guys!

[cabin]

What dirty30 said.

I've had 3 E36 M3s, 1 had 125k when I sold it and another with 140k when I sold it. Cooling system is definitely something to plan on replacing. I put it off on my last one and it ended up costing me $1700 (happened out of town and had to bring to a dealer); it had a bad water pump causing the fan to hit the radiator and all sorts of shit happened. Also with that many miles, plan on replacing mos bushings and suspension components.

Other than that, as long as they're maintained, the E36 M3 are pretty reliable cars. Sure they have their quirks, just like any other car, but I wouldn't hesitate to get another higher mileage one, as long as it's been properly maintained. Also, get a PPI, it can save you thousands down the road.

[CleanAzzE30z]

WHats your location?



Mariano

[nickpdx]

FWIW, I have a buddy with a VERY well maintained and clean 95 M3 with an S50. It has 155k on the odo and it runs like a top.

[2002maniac]

E36's were not built to last as well as E30's. Especially the interior.

[gearheadE30]

The e36 in general is pretty solid; most of them just don't receive the regular maintenance that they need, partially because they were so mainstream. E30s can run longer without maintenance mainly because of the less complex suspension and better-quality cooling system and interior materials. Otherwise, they tend to get rattly. Get a PPI if you don't know what to look for; these cars are far more complicated than an e30.

[Tbolt]

what is a PPI?