E36 M3 good value?

[TobyB]

If you stay on top of the maintenance, and figure a grand a year, at least, then an E36 is a good car.
If you neglect it, or buy a neglected one, it can cost an arm, a leg and a spleen to get
reliable again.
Perfect example is the radiator. It's $150. If it pops on the interstate, you now need an
S50/52. And have a car that's not worth any more than my $500 beater 318...

Good for diligent car people, or compulsives. NOT good for those who drive it until it breaks.

t

[nycmpower]

My bad guys. Kept coming back and seeing no response. The guy sold it right when I called for the asking price. There was another in the same condition for $9000. I've found another (97) M3 in my city for $6000 and I am setting up a test drive, but I'm a bit weary after hearing the many problems one may run into. I'm not that experienced of a mechanic, and don't know if I have the time, or tools, but I have a backup vehicle. People seem so torn as to wether they are reliable or not. One guy says I've done nothing but regular maintenance for 4 years and another has a power steering leak and gremlins etc.. E30s and e36s are the only cars that appeal to me ATM.

They're fun cars but upkeep and maintenance get expensive if you want it done right and can't do it yourself.

[nevetsi]

Well, now I'm looking at a '97 M3 with 140,000 for $6k. The problem with this one is the inspection is out of date and it hasn't been driven. Nice guy, but he doesn't want me to take it out of the parking garage unless I have cash in hand and I'm never comfortable doing that. So do I go look at it and only drive it around the garage and take a chance that it doesn't pass inspection?
It's like a 7/10 exterior and 7/10 interior.

Thanks for the help guys. I know this is an e30 forum, but I like the community here.

[cgk_iii]

Well, now I'm looking at a '97 M3 with 140,000 for $6k. The problem with this one is the inspection is out of date and it hasn't been driven. Nice guy, but he doesn't want me to take it out of the parking garage unless I have cash in hand and I'm never comfortable doing that. So do I go look at it and only drive it around the garage and take a chance that it doesn't pass inspection?
It's like a 7/10 exterior and 7/10 interior.

Thanks for the help guys. I know this is an e30 forum, but I like the community here.

If it were me i would tell the guy to meet somewhere a little more public, show him that i have the money, then go lock it up in my glove box while i took the car for a test drive. That way he knows you have the money and your money will be safe. Also make sure to scope out the area before you tell him you are there JUST incase hes not trying to pull a fast one.

[mikkodd]

Well, now I'm looking at a '97 M3 with 140,000 for $6k. The problem with this one is the inspection is out of date and it hasn't been driven. Nice guy, but he doesn't want me to take it out of the parking garage unless I have cash in hand and I'm never comfortable doing that. So do I go look at it and only drive it around the garage and take a chance that it doesn't pass inspection?
It's like a 7/10 exterior and 7/10 interior.

Thanks for the help guys. I know this is an e30 forum, but I like the community here.

Ask him for records. At 140,000k id want to see maintenance before id even driving it because at that millage stuff should have been done. I have had a e36 m3 convertible for almost a year and only thing that went out was a window regulator other than that it has been solid just make sure oil changes are done.

[nevetsi]

Well, since I'm not comfortable with the deal I'm just gonna pass. I have the time and money to find one I like under conditions I'm comfortable with. Thanks for the advice guys.