Thinking of picking up a E36 M3. Need advice
#1
10-24-2005, 01:07 PM
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Location: Saratoga, CA / USC, LA
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Thinking of picking up a E36 M3. Need advice
So I'm considering picking up a e36 m3 coupe and wanted to get any advice from people in regards to their reliablitity and any common problems they have. Also are there large benefits in getting these cars with lower miles vs. higher miles. Either way I'll be looking for 70k mi. or less. Feel free to pitch in!
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
#3
10-24-2005, 01:59 PM
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Originally posted by msb2tg996
get a 95' it's easier to mod.
get a 95' it's easier to mod.
If you get a 95, immediately replace the waterpump as the impeller is plastic.
Depending on the mileage of the car, regardless of year, the rear toe bushings will likely need to be replaced. Inspect RSM's, too.
I've had two e36 m3's over the past 6 years and they are such a thrill - you will enjoy this car greatly. I've been out of the scene so long, I forget what else there is to tell you. If i think of anything I'll let you know. Great car!
#4
10-24-2005, 07:25 PM
If you get a 95, immediately replace the waterpump as the impeller is plastic.
__________
actually if you have more than 70k miles on any year m3, replace all of above and radiator as well. you don't want them to fail, overheat, and warp the head and even the block.
95 is particularly prone to headgasket problem.
the rear toe bushings will likely need to be replaced. Inspect RSM's, too.
_________
if u intend to drive it hard. replace ALL the bushings, engine, tranny and diff mounts.
__________
actually if you have more than 70k miles on any year m3, replace all of above and radiator as well. you don't want them to fail, overheat, and warp the head and even the block.
95 is particularly prone to headgasket problem.
the rear toe bushings will likely need to be replaced. Inspect RSM's, too.
_________
if u intend to drive it hard. replace ALL the bushings, engine, tranny and diff mounts.
#6
10-26-2005, 02:19 AM
Having just picked up an e36 mspec I can say that as a daily driver they're great. The only prob I had was the air con pump which died three weeks after I got it. $1000.00 later it's fine.
They respond to mods really well, so far I've put a full reiger system on mine and vanos along with a re tuned ecu and TCM (traction control module).
Like I said, as a daily driver that you can have fun with they are great bang for your buck.
My "M" spec.
Please note Not an M3
They respond to mods really well, so far I've put a full reiger system on mine and vanos along with a re tuned ecu and TCM (traction control module).
Like I said, as a daily driver that you can have fun with they are great bang for your buck.
My "M" spec.
Please note Not an M3
Last edited by zameil; 10-26-2005 at 02:27 AM.
#7
11-03-2005, 12:42 PM
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Location: Richmond, VA
Age: 38
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Originally posted by Life Dies
[B]If you get a 95, immediately replace the waterpump as the impeller is plastic.
[B]If you get a 95, immediately replace the waterpump as the impeller is plastic.
Depending on the mileage of the car, regardless of year, the rear toe bushings will likely need to be replaced. Inspect RSM's, too.
The radiator neck is plastic and tends to crack soon after you cross the 100k mile mark...
The 95s had 7.5" wheels stock all around with an unstaggered tire setup, while the 96+ models have a 7.5 front wheel with an 8.5 rear on a staggered tire setup.
95s dont have traction control, 96+ do
Red and Yellow 95s (Dakar 1 and Mugello, respectively) didnt have clearcoats..just single stage paint.
The suspensions tend to be shot by 75k-80k miles depending on the way the car was drive.
If you have more questions, please feel free to post them..I think I can pretty much field any of them..
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