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Thread: What should i look for when buying an E36 M3?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2001
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    10

    Talking What should i look for when buying an E36 M3?

    What should i look for? ANything i should know about them before buying? Anything @ all would help. Thankyou ahead of time.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2001
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    10
    Anyone wanna help me out?:

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2001
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    Try to specify what year E36 M3 your looking at..
    06' BMW 530xi
    02' Porsche 911 Carrera
    11' BMW X3

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2001
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    Sunny Tampa Florida
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    look for blue, the m3 blue is so beautiful....
    oh,, you problaby meant, what things to be wary of,,,hehe
    just messin w/ya

    being year specific will help to lend a hand in your quest.
    what are your ultimate goals with the car?
    Tommy aka TampaTurboM3
    95 AA turbo M3
    11.679 @ 118.79 1/4 mile 11/20/2004
    Daily Driven, Stock Looking

  5. #5
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    If its a 95 make sure the water pump has been replaced with one that has a metal impellar. Thats probably the most major thing to check.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2001
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    just an old 328
    I guess the main thing would be the plastic impeller if its a 95 M3. I would ask for the service record or have his dealer print them out to see what the car was fixed for. There are a few recalls for the E36 that should have been done like a crankshaft sensor. Theres the brake light switch failure problem. I think there was a radiator cap recall. Thats it off the top of my head.. Oh and see how many thermostats he's been through..
    06' BMW 530xi
    02' Porsche 911 Carrera
    11' BMW X3

  7. #7
    Guest
    Here are a few things to seriously look for when buying. Checking for previous damages is key before buying, SO:

    - Check alignment of all parts. (Hood, doors, trunk, and what not)
    - Open the hood, There is a bar on there that should not be missing ever, if it is this indicates a possible front WAMO)
    - Open the hood, look for factory wealding marks. You can tell if some one has had to go in and weld. This would indicate a horrible crash.
    - Carfax.com*
    - Go though the gears, feel them all. (oh yeah baby )
    - Drive the car for 15min, make sure it doent over heat or have probs.
    - I like to find cars with NO mods, telling me this person would drive it as I would.


    Take it to BMW is the best thing. Those are just some visual inspection tips I have. Anyone think of anything else?

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jul 2001
    Posts
    55
    Originally posted by DaytonaM3/4

    - Open the hood, There is a bar on there that should not be missing ever, if it is this indicates a possible front WAMO)
    ?
    What bar?

  9. #9
    Guest
    Originally posted by /M/M/M3

    What bar?
    Man, make me take a pic of it why dont you! HEHE

    The green sticker thing, not really a bar. Sorry.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2001
    Posts
    55
    OK, thanks. But I don't even remember seeing that thing ever, out of all the M3 hoods ive looked under. Or maybe I just have not noticed it.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Feb 2001
    Location
    Central, NJ
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    just an old 328
    Also listen when u go over bumps for the rear shock mounts..
    06' BMW 530xi
    02' Porsche 911 Carrera
    11' BMW X3

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