practicality of an m3

[armeN]

here's the vin:

WBSAK0300J2195560

[Jarvis]

The engine was replace just a few years after it was new? What was the story on that.

I don't think he needs to worry about this particular car having a problem - early M3's (like this '88 in question) had oil starvation problems. I'm not sure exactly what the source or the fix for the problem was, but it gets mentioned all the time in the Roundel technical articles.

Anyways, it doesn't sound like Armen is really prepared to own and maintain an E30 M3. Don't take that as an insult, the M3 is definitely not for everyone. I love the M3, but even if I had $15K set aside for a car, and a $5-10K/year budget for repairs, maintence, and modifications I still would not buy one. They're just not a smart choice for a daily driver. Especially for someone who is also considering an SRT-4. I'll keep my opinions of that car to myself, but the fact that you're considering both of these evenly shows that you will not be happy with an M3.
I envy the owners of mint condition non-M E30's that are tastefully modded over those with good condition M3's and huge repair/maintence/insurance bills.

[parkerbink]

Here is the report:

Your Vehicle Checks Out! AutoCheck's database for this 1988 BMW 3-Series M3 (WBSAK0300J2195560) shows no historical events that indicate a significant automotive problem. These problems can indicate previous car damage, theft, or other significant problem.


Problems Checked Results Found
NHTSA Crash Test Vehicle No NHTSA Crash Test Record Found
Frame Damage No Frame Damage Record Found
Major Damage Incident No Major Damage Record Found
Manufacturer Buyback/Lemon No Manufacturer Buyback/Lemon Record Found
Odometer Problem No Odometer Problem Record Found
Recycled No Recycled Record Found
Salvage Auction No Salvage Auction Record Found
Water Damage No Water Damage Record Found



Vehicle Description | TitleCheck | ProblemCheck | OdometerCheck | Vehicle Information | Full History



Your Vehicle Checks Out! For this 1988 BMW 3-Series M3 (WBSAK0300J2195560) no indication of an odometer rollback or tampering was found. We determine odometer rollbacks by searching for records that indicate odometer reading that are less than a previously reported value. Other odometer events can report events of tampering, or possible odometer breakage.


Report Date: 08/27/2005
Date Reported Odometer Reading
09/09/1992 21,266
11/26/1996 131,155
06/26/1998 164,629
06/26/1998 164,630
07/27/1999 184,432
09/04/1999 185,433
09/14/1999 185,871
03/25/2000 190,219
05/07/2002 210,214



Vehicle Description | TitleCheck | ProblemCheck | OdometerCheck | Vehicle Information | Full History



Information Found! AutoCheck found additional information on this vehicle. These records will provide you with more past history for this 1988 BMW 3-Series M3 (WBSAK0300J2195560).


Problems Checked Results Found
Accident Data No Accidents Reported Through State Agencies Or Independent Sources
Corrected Title No Corrected Title Record Found
Driver Education No Driver Education Record Found
Duplicate Title Duplicate Title Record(s) Found
Emission/Safety Inspection Emission/Safety Inspection Record(s) Found
Fire Damage Incident No Fire Damage Incident Record Found
Lease Lease Record(s) Found
Lien No Lien Record Found
Livery Use No Livery Use Record Found
Government Use No Government Use Record Found
Police Use No Police Use Record Found
Fleet No Fleet Record Found
Fleet and/or Rental No Fleet and/or Rental Record Found
Rental No Rental Record Found
Fleet and/or Lease No Fleet and/or Lease Record Found
Repossessed No Repossessed Record Found
Taxi Use No Taxi Use Record Found
Theft No Theft Record Found



Vehicle Description | TitleCheck | ProblemCheck | OdometerCheck | Vehicle Information | Full History

Below are the historical events for this vehicle listed in chronological order. Any discrepancies will be in bold text.

Report Run Date: 08/27/2005
VIN: WBSAK0300J2195560 1988 BMW 3-Series M3




Event Date Event Location Odometer Reading Data Source Event Detail
09/09/1992 SANTA ANA, CA 21,266 Independent Source VEHICLE IN DEALER INVENTORY
11/26/1996 CA 131,155 State Agency PASSED EMISSION INSPECTION
06/26/1998 CA 164,629 State Agency FAILED EMISSION INSPECTION
PASSED EMISSION INSPECTION
EMISSION INSPECTION
03/30/1999 SANTA MONICA, CA Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE (Leased Vehicle)
07/27/1999 CA 184,432 Motor Vehicle Dept. ODOMETER READING FROM DMV
09/04/1999 LA CRESCENTA, CA 185,433 State Agency EMISSION INSPECTION
09/14/1999 GARDENA, CA 185,871 State Agency PASSED EMISSION INSPECTION
03/25/2000 BUENA PARK, CA 190,219 State Agency PASSED EMISSION INSPECTION
05/05/2000 LIVERMORE, CA Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE (Leased Vehicle)
01/28/2002 LIVERMORE, CA Motor Vehicle Dept. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
04/11/2002 LIVERMORE, CA Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE
DUPLICATE TITLE
05/07/2002 CA 210,214 State Agency PASSED EMISSION INSPECTION
05/09/2002 SAN FRANCISCO, CA Motor Vehicle Dept. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
05/26/2002 SAN FRANCISCO, CA Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE

[armeN]

not too shaby... decisions decisions!!!! :evil:

[///M42 sport]

I think you already have your mind made up but I'll put in my opinion anyways. If you have to nickle and dime your budget to own an m3 then its not for you. Take the $200/month allowance do whatever the hell you want with a 325is. I had this very decision before I bought my mtech. I don't regret it.

You need to ask the folks at s14.net to be realistic. They'll tell you what the majority of us are saying but I don't think you'll listen.

[bmwm3n528]

You've certainly shaken up the r3v community with your choice of car. How about you just make a decision.

[AdamF 88iS]

I don't think he needs to worry about this particular car having a problem - early M3's (like this '88 in question) had oil starvation problems. I'm not sure exactly what the source or the fix for the problem was, but it gets mentioned all the time in the Roundel technical articles.

Please don't spread mis information. There's enough of it in this thread to write a book on.

There was an issue with them getting a gulp of air up the oil pump on long, hard right hand corners at the track. It's a situation you'd have a hard time even coming close to on the street, especially if you keep your oil level up. A simple baffle takes care of it.

To everybody in this thread: If you haven't owned one, don't talk shit on them. Keep in mind that it is very rare to have somebody post about how trouble free their M3 has been on an internet forum for no particular reason. On the other hand, as soon as somebody has a problem there is usually a post in some forum or magazine tech section asking for help right away. YOU ONLY SEE THE BAD SIDE ON THE NET. Keep that in mind before you form opinions. There are 5000 of these cars in the US, dont let a few bad luck cases from people who got in over their heads or don't know how to properly maintain an E30M3 change your mind.

There are no problems inherant in the M3 that make it unreliable in any way if it is properly cared for. The do produce much more vibration and heat than M20s, and thus you have to keep a little closer watch over things, but if you're willing to open your hood once in a while they are 100% reliable just as much as a regular E30.

It is true though that once it does go out on you it can be big money to fix. Thats why finding a good one is so important and I will side with all the others in this thread who are suspicious about the engine work.

[Jarvis]

Please don't spread mis information. There's enough of it in this thread to write a book on.

There was an issue with them getting a gulp of air up the oil pump on long right hand corners at the track. It's a situation you'd have a hard time even coming close to on the street, especially if you keep your oil level up. A simple baffle takes care of it.

I'm not spreading misinformation. There WAS a problem and a fix for it as you just described. I even clarified that I didn't know exactly what the problem/fix was - and that he wouldn't have to worry about this car having said problem. What exactly is the mis information that I spread?

[AdamF 88iS]

Please don't spread mis information. There's enough of it in this thread to write a book on.

There was an issue with them getting a gulp of air up the oil pump on long right hand corners at the track. It's a situation you'd have a hard time even coming close to on the street, especially if you keep your oil level up. A simple baffle takes care of it.

I'm not spreading misinformation. There WAS a problem and a fix for it as you just described. I even clarified that I didn't know exactly what the problem/fix was - and that he wouldn't have to worry about this car having said problem. What exactly is the mis information that I spread?

It's directed towards everybody. This thread saddens me very much to see a car that I specialize in and make my living with being talked down on by a community that supposedly worships them.

[Jarvis]

It's directed towards everybody. This thread saddens me very much to see a car that I specialize in and make my living with being talked down on by a community that supposedly worships them.

I can only really speak for myself, but I think most people in this thread who have been trying to steer people away from M3's are doing it for the sake of the M3. The community worships these cars to the point that a lot of people actually get mad when they see one fall into the hands of someone who isn't prepared/willing to make sure the car stays in perfect condition.

[AdamF 88iS]

It's directed towards everybody. This thread saddens me very much to see a car that I specialize in and make my living with being talked down on by a community that supposedly worships them.

I can only really speak for myself, but I think most people in this thread who have been trying to steer people away from M3's are doing it for the sake of the M3. The community worships these cars to the point that a lot of people actually get mad when they see one fall into the hands of someone who isn't prepared/willing to make sure the car stays in perfect condition.

I understand and agree with that. Please see my first post in this thread.

I just think that the manner in which it's being done is poor. Don't talk shit about the car. Please. They are great machines and they dont deserve it.