No vader seats in 95?

[gorillajin]

Hello,

I am checking out this 1995 m3.
The owner sent me some pictures of the car, and the seats are just regular 3 series seats (no "M" logo). 95 didn't come with those seats?

It looks like there are some rust spots on window trim parts(black)...is this easy fix? I don't see any rust spots on the car though.



Thank you.

[savage217]

Most likely the lux package...

[Bud Brown]

lux package of any year e36 m3 does not come with the vader seats

[3two8eye]

I find the lux seats much more comfortable than the vaders.

Check out the extent of any rust to make sure it's surface only. I'm pretty sure tThe window trim is replaceable but I don't know how complicated it is to do.

[gorillajin]

thank you for the quick replies.
I just now found out that 95 model came with both manual and auto......I have this bad feeling about that the car is auto...since it's luxury package...????
I gotta ask the seller...but if it's an auto......
How is auto m3? I don't have any bad opinion about it, I just have driven manual gear box all my life.
My wife's car is mini and it's auto. I like it, comfortable and less hassle in traffic...but I just don't know auto M3.
Well my wife wants me to buy an auto so she can drive it lol.

Any ideas and opinions?

[DavidsM3]

thank you for the quick replies.
I just now found out that 95 model came with both manual and auto......I have this bad feeling about that the car is auto...since it's luxury package...????
I gotta ask the seller...but if it's an auto......
How is auto m3? I don't have any bad opinion about it, I just have driven manual gear box all my life.
My wife's car is mini and it's auto. I like it, comfortable and less hassle in traffic...but I just don't know auto M3.
Well my wife wants me to buy an auto so she can drive it lol.

Any ideas and opinions?


Lux cars also came in manual. My car is a 95 was a lux.

[Ace and Ivy M3]

Its a 5 Speed Auto Gearbox, so far i havent had anyone

complain of the that trans, the GM 4 speed well thats another story,

Does your M3 have an Armrest? <--Key Question :)

[gorillajin]

Thank you for the replies.
I am going to check out this car tomorrow.
Wish me luck!
I will check out the coolant system, water pump, and rear shock mounts.
Anything that I need to check out for 95 model?

[mipktb]

thank you for the quick replies.
I just now found out that 95 model came with both manual and auto......I have this bad feeling about that the car is auto...since it's luxury package...????
I gotta ask the seller...but if it's an auto......
How is auto m3? I don't have any bad opinion about it, I just have driven manual gear box all my life.
My wife's car is mini and it's auto. I like it, comfortable and less hassle in traffic...but I just don't know auto M3.
Well my wife wants me to buy an auto so she can drive it lol.

Any ideas and opinions?

In my opinion, automatic transmission seriously hampers the driving experience of nearly any performance car, but especially older cars like the M3. As far as I know, the M3 automatic transmissions are temperamental and a hassle. They're GM built and don't hold up as well as the manual. Aside from the 'fun to drive' aspect being diminished, they're heavier and get worse gas mileage. There have been plenty of auto vs. manual threads and people get pretty pissed sometimes, I guess everyone has their preference. I look at it like this: Auto - slower, heavier, less fun, more expensive but easier to drive and accessible (i.e. the wife) while the Manual - faster, more fun, easier to control in weather (which is a big deal in an M3, especially a '95 with squared wheels and no ASC) but easier to destroy in the hands of somebody who can't drive and more tempting to drive spiritedly (tickets). It's a personal choice, but unless you need an auto, go for the 5-speed.


Thank you for the replies.
I am going to check out this car tomorrow.
Wish me luck!
I will check out the coolant system, water pump, and rear shock mounts.
Anything that I need to check out for 95 model?

First, check the build date. The 1995 model year M3 had changes to the cylinder head in 6/95, so if the car is pre-6/95, make sure the valvetrain is in order (proper oil, no tick) as the post-6/96 M3 came with revised, stronger valve retainers. This is not a huge deal (I have a 3/95, no problems) just something to keep in mind.

Also, read through this: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=390209

And this, which is your best friend: http://www.edgemotorworks.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=55

Good luck! :buttrock

[Balthazarr]

Thank you for the replies.
I am going to check out this car tomorrow.
Wish me luck!
I will check out the coolant system, water pump, and rear shock mounts.
Anything that I need to check out for 95 model?

If you plan on anything other than using this as a DD, don't buy auto.
Great in traffic, but for fun..uh-uh.

[gorillajin]

In my opinion, automatic transmission seriously hampers the driving experience of nearly any performance car, but especially older cars like the M3. As far as I know, the M3 automatic transmissions are temperamental and a hassle. They're GM built and don't hold up as well as the manual. Aside from the 'fun to drive' aspect being diminished, they're heavier and get worse gas mileage. There have been plenty of auto vs. manual threads and people get pretty pissed sometimes, I guess everyone has their preference. I look at it like this: Auto - slower, heavier, less fun, more expensive but easier to drive and accessible (i.e. the wife) while the Manual - faster, more fun, easier to control in weather (which is a big deal in an M3, especially a '95 with squared wheels and no ASC) but easier to destroy in the hands of somebody who can't drive and more tempting to drive spiritedly (tickets). It's a personal choice, but unless you need an auto, go for the 5-speed.



First, check the build date. The 1995 model year M3 had changes to the cylinder head in 6/95, so if the car is pre-6/95, make sure the valvetrain is in order (proper oil, no tick) as the post-6/96 M3 came with revised, stronger valve retainers. This is not a huge deal (I have a 3/95, no problems) just something to keep in mind.

Also, read through this: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=390209

And this, which is your best friend: http://www.edgemotorworks.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=55

Good luck! :buttrock

Thank you for the good links.
It was very helpful.
I gotta check this car whether it's an auto or manual since I have never driven M3.
I agree with your thougts on auto vs manual. I like both in different situation. Auto, easy on daily drive traffic, but no fun. Manual, more control and fun...sucks in traffic.

Well I actaully want a 4 door M3 but it's hard to find. Either expensive or auto tranny. I just have to drive this one and see whether I like it or not. When I decide to buy a car, it's always how I like the driving feeling.


Its a 5 Speed Auto Gearbox, so far i havent had anyone

complain of the that trans, the GM 4 speed well thats another story,

Does your M3 have an Armrest? <--Key Question :)

So no 95 M3 were produced with 5 speed auto gear box in the US?

[YelloJello]

Hey Gorilla,

I was actually looking at this exact same car... for an LSx swap.

It is a pretty decent price... but I wonder why the front bumper is non-m3 bumper... unless '95 had that (the one without mesh in the middle).

I still have my e36 auto, it runs great and fun to drive, but not as nice as a manual, especially for carving up the twisties.

I'll pass this deal up to you, but let me know how it goes and if you forego it only based on a not so great engine (since I'm gonna remove it anyways).

Good luck.

[Phore]

Make sure the Vin starts with WBS... I've seen people trying to sell fake M3's. But ya, generally no vaders means lux package. It should have wood trim and metal door interior handles.

[gorillajin]

Hey Gorilla,

I was actually looking at this exact same car... for an LSx swap.

It is a pretty decent price... but I wonder why the front bumper is non-m3 bumper... unless '95 had that (the one without mesh in the middle).

I still have my e36 auto, it runs great and fun to drive, but not as nice as a manual, especially for carving up the twisties.

I'll pass this deal up to you, but let me know how it goes and if you forego it only based on a not so great engine (since I'm gonna remove it anyways).

Good luck.

Hey Yellojello,

Yeah, I am going to check it out tomorrow if the owner has time to show the car. I will post here after I check it out.
Wish me luck.


Make sure the Vin starts with WBS... I've seen people trying to sell fake M3's. But ya, generally no vaders means lux package. It should have wood trim and metal door interior handles.

I will make sure to check that out! Thanks for the good info!

[gorillajin]

Ok, I don't know what it is.
The owner never returns my phone call or replies my email.
He or she at least let me know that it was sold or not.

I guess I missed the chance to test drive a M3.
What a lame seller.

[Andrewmc]

Vaders are a mixed blessing anyways. Sometimes I feel as if I'm going to fall out of the window on hard corners if it weren't for the seatbelt.

[Veedubbvr6]

Vaders are a mixed blessing anyways. Sometimes I feel as if I'm going to fall out of the window on hard corners if it weren't for the seatbelt.

that..and back pains on longer drives! :(...LOVE the look of them though....just wish I had door panels more like the lux package and adjustable lumbar support.

[VictoryGarland]

that..and back pains on longer drives! :(...LOVE the look of them though....just wish I had door panels more like the lux package and adjustable lumbar support.

Vaders are the only seats I've ever been in that don't give me back pains on long drives (8-10 hours). Maybe you are shaped funny or you slouch? :stickoutt

[JJCTHE1]

Hey Gorilla,

I was actually looking at this exact same car... for an LSx swap.

It is a pretty decent price... but I wonder why the front bumper is non-m3 bumper... unless '95 had that (the one without mesh in the middle).

I still have my e36 auto, it runs great and fun to drive, but not as nice as a manual, especially for carving up the twisties.

I'll pass this deal up to you, but let me know how it goes and if you forego it only based on a not so great engine (since I'm gonna remove it anyways).

Good luck.

The Lux Package doesnt have the front black lip underneath the front spoiler, so it "looks like" a "non m3" bumper, but it is, just a lux package bumper also has a different grill insert. you can "de-lux" the car pretty easily but its not cheap for all the parts.

as for being an auto, well they just arent as much fun..period...also resale value is typically less, but drive both and see what you like.

as for a sedan, there should be a decent amount of auto sedans out there..