newbie general question

[backstay]

Thinking of getting an E36 M3. Seen several letters in Roundel where guys have had serious probs, like rear subs failing and other stuff. Is there a certain year to stay away from, or look for? What potential problem areas should be examined? Thanks!!
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[rmani]

No particular years are any worse than another. Main issues are the cooling system (water pump, radiator), and the RSMs and RTABs on the suspension.

[deilenberger]

What are "rear subs"? There are no submarines on an M3 (or any othe rcar I know of) - there might be a sub-woofer to fail, but that's certainly not a major issue.

A warning - being a tech editor has people always writing you with problems. Since the E36 series sold a lot of cars - and they're getting older now - it can appear to a tech editor that the cars HAVE a lot of problems. Thing is - the rest of us without problems aren't writing him to tell him we have no problems.

You'll get lots better info here. My car is running fine.

[mobil1]

The only serious problems I've encountered were the cooling issues as stated above. Very cheap and easy to fix yourself.

Aside from that, my car runs great, and I have a lead foot.

The only serious issue I can think of in year specific is valve spring retainers failing on some pre 10/95 M3's. Its not something to expect to happen, but the car is not immune from it either. Usually its a good idea to replace them in order to avoid a blown engine.

[backstay]

I meant Rear subframes; perhaps you refer to them differently. Thanks for the help.

[backstay]

chap on another forum says the Cabrios have severe cowl shake over uneven pavement or RR tracks?

[sxevegan]

Thing is - the rest of us without problems aren't writing him to tell him we have no problems.



very good point.