High Mileage?

[CeeP]

<n00b questions>
Is it ok to buy an e30 m3 with 100,000 + miles on it because I have seen many of you have. Are there any problems when the engine has that many miles.
Also, when you get the 2.5L upgrade do you get a totally new engine or do they just put on new parts? And how much does it cost?
</n00b questions>

[Bry]

100k mile cars plus are sometimes even better than lower mileage cars, because they will most likely have more parts replaced on them. It all really depends on how well the car was taken care of.

A 2.5L varies in price depending on how much stuff you want to put into it. I would guess, that you could have a conversion done from 8k to 20k, depending on the extent of the work being done. You don't put in a new motor, you use the same S-14, but most people usually put more aggressive pistons in, bigger valves, etc.

[CeeP]

So, is there anything I should watch out for when buying a mile mileage e30 m3? Also when do the s14's start to break down because I dont want to buy this car and have the engine break down after a year.

[Bry]

It really depends on how well the car was taken care of previously, when it is going to start getting tired. Do a search in the E30 M3 board, there is a ton of info about what to look for.

[CeeP]

Ok, are there any tests that I can run or a BMW tech. can run to make sure the car is still in good shape?

[Bry]

Yes, I highly reccommend you take it into a good shop so that they can look over the car and tell you what is wrong with it, before you buy it.

To test the motor, you can have a compression test and a leakdown test done by the mechanic, which are good tests to see how well the motor still is (wether it is getting tired or not).

[CeeP]

OK, thanks for the info. I'm just looking into e30 m3's because I have always loved the looks of them. I'm getting my license on the 21st of this month and I have started saving for a "new" car. An e30 m3 is definately one of my top 5 choices right now.

[phae1017]

Originally posted by CeeP
OK, thanks for the info. I'm just looking into e30 m3's because I have always loved the looks of them. I'm getting my license on the 21st of this month and I have started saving for a "new" car. An e30 m3 is definately one of my top 5 choices right now.

Uh-oh, sounds like yet another flaming thread simmering here.:orangesle

[ESMcBlurM3]

Originally posted by phae1017
Uh-oh, sounds like yet another flaming thread simmering here.:orangesle

It shouldn't be.

Eric

[CeeP]

Wait you think I'm flaming the e30? I can't believe that you guys would think this. I love these cars!

[ESMcBlurM3]

Originally posted by CeeP
Wait you think I'm flaming the e30? I can't believe that you guys would think this. I love these cars!

I'm pretty sure that phae was anticipating this thread to turn into another "a 16 y/o shouldn't have an m3" thread.

Eric

[CeeP]

Oh, I'm not planing on getting an e30 anytime soon. I only have 3,000 dollars for a car right now, but my aunt said she would match the money I saved for a car, and I couldn't get a nice e30 m3 for 6,000 dollars now could I? In fact I'm trying to save up 10,000 dollars so i could get an e30 m3 and have a couple 1,000's to mod/fix up the car. I'm just researching whats wrong with that?

BTW what does y/o mean?

[CeeP]

LOL, I was just in the shower thinking and I realized that y/o means year old. Brain Fart!

[Bry]

y/o = Years Old :D

[CeeP]

You're 1 minute too late :) :rolleyes: :stickoutt :rolleyes:

[JamesM3M5]

You'll need $12k to buy an E30 M3 that won't need a ton of work yet still be priced within reason.

Mine had 166k miles and I paid $8400. It still required a few grand in parts and my labor to get it back into shape. If you take it to a shop, bend over and grab your ankles. It's gonna get ugly.

[norman]

Originally posted by JamesM3M5
You'll need $12k to buy an E30 M3 that won't need a ton of work yet still be priced within reason.

Mine had 166k miles and I paid $8400. It still required a few grand in parts and my labor to get it back into shape. If you take it to a shop, bend over and grab your ankles. It's gonna get ugly.
:biglaughb :biglaughb