Trying to help a friend with an m3 purchase...

[roguenode]

He's looking at a 97 m3 sedan - automatic with 81,000 miles. I'm hoping to get an idea of what he should look for in terms of major problems, major maintenance that should have been done by now (timing belt, water pump, etc.?), and any other things to check as he looks at the car tomorrow.

Forgive my newbie ignorance. I'm just trying to help a non-Internet user get some info quickly.

Thank you.

[roguenode]

found these in search:

(Quoted from other forum posts)

*RSMs --> what's this?
* RTABs --> what's this?
* Plastic water pump for the 95s(just swap with the metal pump from 96+ or an aftermarket manufacturer).
* Radiator failure has been common for many M3 owners...people just forget.
* Fuel filter can get clogged easily if you don't use the high octane fuel and take the car above 4K every once in a while.
* 5th gear stick issue.
* Tie rods are very common failures...
* Control arm bushings are usually shot by 60-80K miles.(lolipop)
* The dashboard hanging down slightly on one side, usually left side.
* Power window problem
* Central locking --> can someone give more details?
* Tranny leak (reverse switch)
* Front underpanel
* Pixel display
* fuel sending unit / fuel gauge
* squeaking clutch pedal bushing
* moving manual vaders (bushing / weld) --> what's this?
* stumbling idle on cold-start (software update


TIA

[Loud_TIGER]

RSM - rear shock mounts. known to go out early in the car's life, around 50k miles. this is where the rear shock is secured with the subframe. if you dont replace it eventually it'll break and then your shock wont really be connected to your car.

RTABs - rear trailing arm bushings. i'll let someone else field this one.

plastic water pump - recently there's been some debate as to whether or not the metal one is actually better; i think bmw has a new model of the water pump out that is supposedly superior to both the metal and plastic versions.

central locking - this is only on 96+ up cars.. 95 did not have this feature. its a switch on the center console next to the shifter that locks all the doors. sometimes the switch dies or the fuse goes. easy fix.

[black_box]

where in illinois? I think someone posted a week or so ago about places in northern illinois to get a car inspected, that would be a really good idea. I know Patrick BMW in Schaumburg is good.