Buying E36 M3, need opinions

[m3groupie]

First of all, I appreciate all of the info you guys have here, it has helped me with my E36 M3 shopping.

Here is the question:

I have found a low mileage 2nd owner E36 M3 (1997 M3/4 auto with 61K mi), with a clean Carfax record. But the seller has been totally honest and told me that a month after he bought it in '99 it was in an accident where he was rear-ended and was pushed into the car in front (a Jeep SUV). So there was front and rear damage, approx. $13K worth. All of it was repaired so well, I couldn't even tell visibly nor from driving it. By that dollar amount, do you guys think that is too much damage (i.e. bent frame, etc) or does it sound like a typical cost from both front and rear repair work?

Opinions please!

Thanks,
Kohji

[///M3ryder NY]

If you have full knowledge that the car was in an accident of that magnitude, I would NOT touch that car with a ten foot pole. It just doesnt make sense. There are enough prime example M3s out there, that you dont knowingly have to buy one that was in a pretty serious accident.

I dont care how good body work is, once it's done, it's NEVER the same...period! I would contine to look, you will find something else.

[Bassmaster]

Get the repair records and see what was actually replaced and fixed. Then make sure the discount price reflects the previous damage.

[12:03]

You sure you want an auto? thats like buyin an ice cream cone and sayin 'hold the ice cream' (just getting the cone)

You'd miss out on all the fun?!?

[m3groupie]

Thanks for the replies so far, keep 'em coming...As far as why I'm looking for an auto M3/4, work and rush hour driving necessitate it...Trust me, I would LOVE to get a 5 spd coupe, but just can't do it at this point in my life.

[ponq]

Now is always the time for a 5 speed in life, but to each his/ her own.

I agree with bassmaster. If the car is priced that much better than a car that wasn't in an accident, and you look at the repair invoice and all checks out, go ahead.

But it better be discounted if you know it's been in a wreck.

[Larry F.]

Groupie:

You didn't mention price. Yes, an untouched specimen would be preferable, but if this asking price is low enough, it can mitigate the risk. And, take it to a shop that knows E36's and have them do a buyer's inspection.

Ask the shop: "Don't you think it's a shame about the rear subframe mounts in these otherwise fine German automobiles?" and listen closely to their answer. If they go into a tirade about how that should never happen, how much it cost to fix the last one they ran across, keep talking. If they go "Huh?" walk away. You need someone who is familiar with these cars' foibles.

Good luck!

[m3groupie]

Yes, the asking price is pretty low, $17K from which I think I probably could get a discount from knowing about the accident, maybe 500-1K lower. I think that's a good price considering the mileage...

And I will go ahead with Bassmaster's suggestion and ask for the repair records...

Thanks!

[Larry F.]

I would not settle for more than $15K tops. My strategy would be to have some room for "discoveries" down the road, and $500 to $1,000 would not cover a thing.

There are lots of cars out there . . . .

[///M3ryder NY]

17K would be about right for a 97 with no accident history, and that mileage. That's way too high for that car! sorry... I wouldn't spend more than 14 on it knowing what you know.

and the auto thing....work and rush hour is a lame excuse....You WILL regret it.

[mikeo]

I loaned my son who lives in El Cajon and commutes into San Diego a '96 Dakar M3 Coupe with 5-speed when his car (auto) was down for an engine swap. He drove the commute for three months and believe me, he never complained about the 5-speed!

Mike

[GoBLue]

Not only will you regret having to drive an auto, but you will eventually have to sell it...and that probably won't be to easy :95

[BamaBlueModena]

I think the price may be high however if you have priced repairs on that kind of a car Believe me it does not take long to add up to serious dollars especially if they have to work on the front and the rear

[iwannadinanm3]

he's in southern california, the prices are always a lot higher down there. See if you can get him to drop a couple g's

[m3groupie]

Thanks for all the input guys...You've convinced me to steer clear of that particular M3 for sale, its just not worth it to take the risk on it with the prior accident.

I've also decided to go for the 5 speed instead. Damn I'm easy :stickoutt

[Suneal]

Nice choice :) And if you want some good places to look for cars, check out AutoTrader (http://www.autotrader.com), Roadfly's Classifieds (http://www.roadfly.org/bmw/classifieds/cars/), Turner Motorsport's Classifieds (http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/showadds.asp?Type=car), Cars.com (http://www.cars.com), and the BMW CCA classifieds (http://www.bmwcca.org/cgi-bin/BMWCCAclassified.cgi).

[scottwal]

Originally posted by m3groupie
Thanks for all the input guys...You've convinced me to steer clear of that particular M3 for sale, its just not worth it to take the risk on it with the prior accident.

I've also decided to go for the 5 speed instead. Damn I'm easy :stickoutt

good decisions, even having to deal with traffic in a 5 spd, it just increases your appreciation when you are able to go find a nice mountain road and break loose! Keep looking, you will find your ///M! :buttrock

[SpecRaceM5]

thats nuts to pay that much for a car that has had 13k worth of damage...isnt that damn near totaled...?well i guess with the prices of e36 m3's now it would be...it would have to be damn close to 10k for me to consider. just my 2 cents though. good luck

[G95M3]

I just picked up my second M3, my second automatic, a 97 with 38k miles fully loaded and never hit, four door. It appeared to be in good shape but still needed $1300 just in parts worth of maintainence and repair. I paid $18.5 in NYC. Autos are great if you haven't driven one. There are lots of auto haters on the boards but to each his own. You could always swap it for a euro six speed later (which is what every auto owner wants to do someday).

[JLee]

Glad to hear you steered clear of that car...I wouldn't have touched it with a 10ft pole.

It sounds like certain areas are still getting pretty good prices for their M3s, maybe I need to ship mine out to southern cali

but you should also consider checking nationwide and getting it shipped, its like $1300 for shipping coast to coast

jeff

[///M3ryder NY]

hint hint, right jeff? ;)

[m3groupie]

Thanks Suneal for the links, I didn't know about a couple of them!

FYI my ideal car would be:
-1997 and up, 5 speed coupe
-Black, silver or white (preference in that order)
-ideally no more than 60Kmi
-stock to slightly modded (i.e. suspension, intake, chip, exhaust, rims)
-clean title, no accidents (nothing major at least)
-looking to pay between $18-22K

Does this seem reasonable?

Thanks guys!

[JLee]

Based on what people are getting around here, I would think around $18K for the car you want is very very doable...

Nah Chris, I've decided to keep my car I think...:rolleyes:

Jeff