Should i get this M3?

[nitro325is]

On my way to work today I passed by a euro only car lot that had a 91 M3 for sale.It is Black with silver interior 114k.The interior is a 9 with only minor bolster wear ...no cracks,rips,tears, stains, anywhere.

The body is in great shape also with just one scratch on the rear quater panel.But the wing has visible cracks in the paint.Front spoiler has very minor scrapes.matching vin is on the hood, doors, fenders...indicating they have never been replaced.

Everythin works, ac, cruise, radio, Factory CD changer, etc.

Wheels are straight and glossy with 80% thread on tires.

One thing i did not like was that it had a really cheap but new exhaust that was 2 into 1 small outlet.Factory piping was still there till the cheap exhaust.It also seems to be leaking oil from its oil pan and front crank seal?

I took it for a 15 mile test drive and its such a different beast from my 325is.My modded 325is feels much faster to about 70.But after that the M3 is definetly faster and much more solid.I took it up to 130 without a hint of shimmy or shake.I think the crappy muffler is really holding it back.the car does not smoke on start up or after driving.

The price is only $9500.What areas should I look at.? I plan on keeping the S14 in there for about a year.Till i drop the cammed m50 in the 325is and sell it along with the modded "is" motor.That money will get me an s50 that will go into this M3.PLEASE dont start purists! I have been waiting for 3 years for someone that will finance an M3 and here is my chance.
M3 with s50 power is my dream machine ... a la Alex Mc...though it probably wont be as modded.But that is another 1-2 yrs away.

So back to the question what else should i check? I plan on doing a compression check and dyno before I buy.The owner is ok with this.I should be expecting about 160whp right? maybe a bit less cuz of that exhuast?

Any hints?

Thanks,

JP

[325 eta]

i buy it, e30 m3s only get rarer over the years. if i found one i try like hell and buy it. talk them down to 8 at least tho.

[bimmerphile]

for 9500 something is wrong with the car, or the dealership has no idea what they've got.

Take it to a reputable BMW shop first.

[KenC]

Take it to a reputable BMW shop first.

Do this before you make any decision. It'll probably cost you a bit to get it checked out, but it could save you from buying a 'lemon'

[nitro325is]

for 9500 something is wrong with the car, or the dealership has no idea what they've got.
.

They price all their cars at KBB.Good thing KBB UNDERPRICES e30 m3! :D 9500 is the exact price stated in KBB for that model/miles.Good thing they dont know its worth more then that! Hopefully! He pulled it out when I tried to talk him down.

[reelizmpro]

Sounds good. I'd definately look into it. Make sure the front struts are crack free and there is no rust or poorly repaired body damage. Prepare for the unexpected. Also make sure the engine is good.

[bimmerphile]

Also make sure the engine is good.

^---- critical part

[Spaz]

for 9500 something is wrong with the car, or the dealership has no idea what they've got.

Take it to a reputable BMW shop first.

:stupid:

no thats what i'd do...but i can check it out myself as i'm a mechanic :P

have it look at by a pro, and go from there...make sure the body is good at least, since your another one going to take away the e30 m3 history (the s14)
but if the body checks out then you have a nice platform to swap an m50/s50 on.

hope that helps

[shahe]

how much you wnt for the motor?

[UNHCLL]

How old are you?
Can you afford insurance, maitenance, and PROPER upkeep of the car?
Can you afford Proper Upkeep of the car?
Can you afford proper Upkeep of the car?


Catch my trend here?

*removed my objectionable "flaming" about s50 swaps*

[rscheiring]

Re: Should i get this M3?

So back to the question what else should i check?

Did you get a carfax to check for accidents, odometer, title, etc.? Is the title clear? You don't want a rebuilt title. Like everyone else said, make sure you get it checked out. Worry about the oil leak - you just can't have the engine rebuilt by any chevy small block guy. $$$.

I like to check all the mounts, bushings and belts too. Not expensive to replace these (as long as you DIY), but gives you an idea what attention this car has received. If its just crossed over 100k, there may be a pile of maintenance that needs to be done, and a $100 here and there add up pretty quick.

Anyway, that my

[Ryan Stewart]

If you buy it, its yours, swap it and enjoy rolling purists

If you are a billionaire build the s14 up to a 250hp 2.5l. If not drop in an E36 motor. (says the guy not buying an Alpina motor for his Alpina copy)

I wouldnt sit around too long but definately have it checked out by someone who has seen one before, I hear a broken S14 can get pricey. :? Shit tho, 9000 is criminal for one in Kansas.

[Rob]

CF/FG hood owns the weight gain. Soul and character is for music, not machines. MHO of course


back on topic

Like others said, have it checked out, maybe you found what we all want, a cheap good condition e30 m3 :D

[UNHCLL]

If you are a billionaire build the s14 up to a 250hp 2.5l. If not drop in an E36 motor.

It doesnt take a billionaire to build a 2.5l S14.

This isnt a flame:
I'm willing to bet that most people who buy M3's and then JUMP TO DO AN M/S50 swap DO NOT KNOW HOW TO DRIVE THE CAR. They try to compensate their lack of driving skill with the car with excessive power that is cheaply had.

FYI: My dads 2.3l mostly stock s14 lapped every car at a drivers school at NHIS (e46 SMG's, 911 Turbos, E36 M3, etc, etc) WITH THE EXCEPTION of ONE car.

1970's vintage 911T
its all about driver skill.

[DBurke]

FYI: My dads 2.3l mostly stock s14 lapped every car at a drivers school at NHIS (e46 SMG's, 911 Turbos, E36 M3, etc, etc) WITH THE EXCEPTION of ONE car.

1970's vintage 911T
its all about driver skill.

You should see this guy's similarly prepped S14 at WGI, a "HP Track". I don't ever want no stinkin' 2.5.

Giggling to self... Can't wait to ditch the AFM...