I want to get some expert opinions from you guys on a possible purchase. The car in question is a 1998 M3 sedan, everything looks really clean inside and out. The car has an Alpine flip out screen system, Sony PS2 with jacks wired to the front console, 18" HRE's, Bilstein lowered suspension, 47K miles on the odometer. I am going to bring the car in to have it looked at by BMW. The asking price is $30K. Any feedback or opinions on the price, things of concern, etc. is greatly appreciated. Especially from you E36 M3 owners or past owners. I wanna hear the good as well as the bad with this possible purchase. I looked online and have seen a TON of '98 M3s for $25K (granted they are mostly non-modified.)
I need a four seater, unfortunately, with my second baby on the way (it's a boy!)

Thanks everyone!

 

Having owned an e36m3, I can say the most important thing is extended warranty. Make sure it is in warranty for the entire time you own the car. A BMW CPO'ed car would be best in my opinion. For more info on quirks to watch for, see the thread on bmwforums.com (note this is specifically on '95 vs '96 cars but holds for any '96+ e36m3):

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthre...&threadid=64311

 

PM cravnpup. I'm sure he can help you.

 

The price seems a little high to me, but depending on what kind of HRE wheels you are getting, it might be worth it.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by negcamber
[B]Make sure it is in warranty for the entire time you own the car.

 

I have absolutly no problem with my E36s or any BMWs so far. These are very reliable cars.

My very first E36, I had 36000 mile before I wreck it. It has no problem at all. On top of that, I didn't claim anything under warrenty. I maintain this car all the time.

My second one, another 325is. I had 105K miles on it before I wreck this one. I start tracking this car at 50k+ miles (6 years ago). The people who knows me knows I go to track pretty often. and, I have no problem with this car either.

Now, on to my E36M3. I drove 35K miles just last year alone. Other than maintaince cost and track cost, I have no extra cost.

In my oppionion, I wouldn't buy a car with modifications. also, I wouldn't pay extra for the modifications either. All the mods are used already. Let me ask you, how much do you want to pay for a used PS2? or a used Volks for S2k? Most of the time, used items are usually half of the original worth. Also, $30K for a E36M3 is just too much money. I am sure you can find lots of it way under that number on Autotrader.com or even local newspaper.

Good luck.