Bought my first car: DID I MAKE THE RIGHT MOVE??Help me out..

[M-technik-3]

I semi DD one, It's a car guys. While low mileage is nice I would rather have a car that gets exercise than one that sits. Mechanic things devolop issues if they are not used.

[bimmerboy08]

^ eh I dunno dude i still have my first car and I think it's pretty nice. Granted I did some mods to it that if I had to do over again I would do differently, but i wouldn't consider it messed up.

[wolfgangstbd]

first car a m3? dumb everybody fucks up their first car. i know because i have my first car it hasnt got any better yet.

[Unearth078]

if you dont know much about maintenance, this car isnt the right car to learn. if you want to preserve it, it needs to be maintained correctly the first time... you may not be able to afford to do it twice.

[rThor432]

The cool thing about that car is that you can trade it to me for my '97 M3. That means... profit for you! :)

[ben312]

S14 = you figuring out how to work on an engine or you get a big ass wallet. They are not cheap. And I loled at the s14s are like m42s comments.

[shiftbmw]

Since your not a mechanically inclined person, a lot of people on here are going to hate on you for buying that car.

I think he is going to hate himself for buying that car if he isn't mechanically inclined...or at least his wallet will :-)

Since it's your first car, I'd imagine you're bank roll is relatively small. Accordingly, I think you'll quickly become mechanically inclined...

Good luck, they are awesome cars.

[costumenationale]

As for easy upgrades for you, definitely get rid of those wheels and floor mats, BavAuto has nice floor mats that I like alot, also replace those wheels with OEM bmw's like style 5s or get Alpina style wheels. that's my preference at least.

Haha I couldn't agree more. When I first saw the car, I felt that the wheels & mat were ugly too, but what can I say? This was the only decent m3 deal around my town and i had no choice. :) But yea, definitely, when I'm done paying for the car, I'll do some upgrades. wheels, floormats, and then maybe preventative maintenance & suspension. I wish I knew more about mechanics tho...:'(

[TexasTerp]

When it comes to the M3 you're best bet for the majority of information is to look at S14.net which is the e30m3 site. but the engine is very close to the same m42 in the late model 318's that there should be plenty of good information for you here. Since your not a mechanically inclined person, a lot of people on here are going to hate on you for buying that car. If you want to take care of it, find a mechanic in your area that has experience with the car and has a good reputation for older bmw's. These cars are not like newer bmw's in anyway and if you are going to have someone else do the work on your car then make sure they know exactly what they are doing and have done it before.

As for easy upgrades for you, definitely get rid of those wheels and floor mats, BavAuto has nice floor mats that I like alot, also replace those wheels with OEM bmw's like style 5s or get Alpina style wheels. that's my preference at least.

8500 is an absolute steal! That car from what I see would normally be between 10-15k. Congrats and your gonna love that car, be responsible with it because if you get in an accident we're all gonna come after you!

Enjoy!

[chadthestampede]

Is there even a Bentley manual for the m3?

Nope.

Edit: the closest thing:

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html...ID=E30M3REPAIR

[Adrian_Visser]

Is there even a Bentley manual for the m3?

[Leaf]

I'm not sure what you are referring to, but he never told me to give the car a tune-up; in fact, he told me that majority of the components were replaced and that the car was ready to go. (i guess all sellers would try to get your money that way...lol) And I'm really sorry if I made some people jealous, but I'm really happy with the purchase hahaha. I still can't believe it's my car. But please don't say stuff like "you don't deserve it". I DID go through extensive research on the nature and history of the car, but I just lack general mechanical knowledge, hence I posted the thread. In case you guys were wondering about it, I did buy the car for around 8500 US...(i guess with the currency conversion). So was it a good buy? Help me out with how to maintain and ride it forever guys ! i really like the car..:)

P.S. BTW, i remember him saying that the car was recently repainted, and I'm the 3rd owner; the previous owner was a lady (drove the car for only a year according to carfax..) and a relative of the seller. She gave him permission to do w/e he wanted w/ it, so he just decided to sell it i guess..

Some of the only real advice your going to get on the forum (most people just talk shit instead of helping you out). Get a Bentley repair manual, should be on Bavauto.com or one of your local bookstores may be able to order it. Should be anywhere between 35 and 42 dollars. Best tool i've bought so far for my car...

[nizrulesall]

Even if you have to put alot more money into it, for 8500 it was a steal. Nice grab im envious.

[blunttech]

youll know in a year if it was a good purchase or not. it will tell you.
initially it seems like a good buy but it just depends on how it was maintained and cared for.
congrats on the purchase

[costumenationale]

Thanks a lot guys ! I was kinda worried (a lot actually..) that I simply made a foolish impulsive buy..But since you guys say it was a good purchase, I can ease my mind now...hehe