How Reliable are the 98 M3's? 92k miles

[SupraFastTT]

I've been trying to decide on alot of different cars to trade my supra in because i'm looking for something cheaper to put a downpayment on a house with. Anyways, there's a sweet 98 m3 locally that has 92k miles selling for $13,995. 5spd... How good of a deal do you guys think that is? I've been diehard supra for like 5 years so this would be a whole new transition!

Are there alot of problems in this year car? can they go well past 150k with no problems ran normallY? thanks

[rcM3]

That sounds like a great deal assuming it is in good shape. Have it checked out by a bmw shop and pull the trigger when ready. Search around and you'll find these things last a very long time. Type in "mileage" and read the tons of threads about lasting ability.

BTW, I bought my '98 a year ago with similar miles and I definitely payed more than that.

And as a hint, use the 75k mile checklist at the top of this forum as a guide for things to pay extra attention to when you check out the car pre-buying.

[bob martin]

Just budget around $3000 for repairs, and you will be OK. A BMW is not a Toyota. Most parts last forever, some do not. On the E36 M3, there seems to be a larger than normal for BMW list of parts that do not last. However, they are well known, and, therefore, can be anticipated, budgeted for, planned for and dealt with.

Good luck with your purchase,

Bob Martin

[Coach]

I've had my 98' sedan for about 10 months now and it is more work than most cars. It seems like every month or so some little thing goes bad.

-RSM's
-Door lock actuator
-Brake light circut
-door speakers
-etc..

So far the joy of driving the car is well wirth the trouble and most if the problems are diy.

Good luck,
Brian

[DeeM3]

I've had my 98' sedan for about 10 months now and it is more work than most cars. It seems like every month or so some little thing goes bad.
-RSM's
-Door lock actuator
-Brake light circut
-door speakers
-etc..
So far the joy of driving the car is well wirth the trouble and most if the problems are diy.
Good luck,
Brian
Why did you replace the door lock actuator and how much was it?

[TX S3]

Ive owned five M3 in the last 5 years..My first one was when I was in Med School. Believe me, the cost of running them are not much more than your Acura or Honda.. no bullshit.
You have to realize that it still an import, but parts are available. The price for the 98 is def. cheap. Just exam it before buying it.

[M3/4 LIFE]

looks like a good price. get is checked out. good luck.

[liilpa09]

Why did you replace the door lock actuator and how much was it?
personally i've had to replace the passenger door lock actuator as well as the trunk lock actuator because they basically died and had to be replaced in order for me to be able to unlock the doors using my viper alarm system keyless thing. I was surprised that they both went bad and it was a pain in the ass to have to lock either the door or trunk seperately by hand when i had a keyless locking system installed.
When i would lock the doors manually, everything would lock, but using the viper keyless pad would make either the door or trunk not lock but everything else would lock. They both stopped working at different times BTW and i replaced them after they broke. my mechanic said it was common on e36's but i haven't heard of too many cases personally.
If you're considering an m3, you'll defenitly love it i can assure you, but like others said, save 1-3k for parts that need to be replaced and make sure you have the car checked out by a bmw tech before purchasing.

[rmani]

I've been trying to decide on alot of different cars to trade my supra in because i'm looking for something cheaper to put a downpayment on a house with. Anyways, there's a sweet 98 m3 locally that has 92k miles selling for $13,995. 5spd... How good of a deal do you guys think that is? I've been diehard supra for like 5 years so this would be a whole new transition!

Are there alot of problems in this year car? can they go well past 150k with no problems ran normallY? thanks

It won't be as bullet-proof or as cheap to mod and maintain as the supra, but overall they are good cars, just expensive to maintain properly.