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Thread: Value?: 1997 220K Auto 4 Door M3

  1. #26
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    I saw your link in the "engine conversion" forum so I decided not to respond there, because, well, that would be wrong.

    But please, for the love of everything M, don't put a Chebby engine in that thing! The S52 is a wonderful powerplant, and suits the M3/4 perfectly. Throw a 5 speed in that sucker and call it good, especially if your son is going to drive it. He will be able to brag that he is the only kid in his high school that can drive a manual, which may or may not impress his friends or the chicks. Plus, he might get to learn what driving an M car is all about, which goes much farther than being able to mash the go pedal in a straight line.

    And good work on getting rid of the hood art. It actually looks better now.

    Have fun.

  2. #27
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    Haven't read the entire thread BUT I did recently buy a similar car...

    Its a 97 M3 sedan, automatic, 205K miles, cali car its whole life, traded into a used car dealer. I had the car inspected by a local Cali BMW shop and they found very little wrong with it (oil pan gasket, slight PS leak). Yes it's had some paintwork but whoever the PO was took very good care of it (likely also due to strict emissions in Cali). No CEL's, abs or SRS issues. The car had new catalytic converters, O2 sensors, MAF, etc. Also had OEM shocks replaced, all bushings in decent shape. Interior and exterior 8/10, all power windows, locks etc work, ZERO rust. I ended up purchasing that car for $4600 and then having it transported to FL. Overall I'm VERY happy with the car it has been 100% reliable never had a single CEL or anything, everything just works. I am now in the middle of completely overhauling the suspension, and the second phase will be installing a E46 M3 S54 and 6Spd trans. So far disassembling it has been a breeze since there's zero corrosion on everything, it's in better shape than most northern cars 4yrs or older and it's now technically 21yrs old from its manufacturing date!

    Funny thing about the Avus M3 you purchased is I've seen it on Tampa Craigslist and local FB groups for a year or more now and nobody wanted it due to the hood paint stripe thing. Awesome that you are fixing that abortion.
    Last edited by M52 POWER!; 06-06-2017 at 10:57 AM.

  3. #28
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    Depends where you are from. I'm also been looking for an E36 M3. From my research and experience on the market I would stay away from that car. Automatic seems to also be less than a manual. I've seen a lot better condition autos with less mileage for around 5k. With body and wheel dents, CEL, mileage, I would stay clear. That car at most is a $2000~ car. Be patient, take your time, study the market some more. Good luck.


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  4. #29
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    Quote Originally Posted by iSeeiTake View Post
    Depends where you are from. I'm also been looking for an E36 M3. From my research and experience on the market I would stay away from that car. Automatic seems to also be less than a manual. I've seen a lot better condition autos with less mileage for around 5k. With body and wheel dents, CEL, mileage, I would stay clear. That car at most is a $2000~ car. Be patient, take your time, study the market some more. Good luck.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    He already bought it, I think for a pretty good price. Go read the thread. He also started a build thread that is linked somewhere previously in this thread.
    95 cosmoschwartz M3/2/5 : 2012-1/1/2014 (worn rtab's and bald rear tires in the rain)

    98 cosmoschwartz M3/4/5 : 2016-3/10/2017 (understeering SUV)

    99 Estoril M3/2/5: 6/16/2017-current

  5. #30
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    M_3_X is offline Breaking Stereotypes BMW CCA Member
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    Quote Originally Posted by jim89325is View Post
    I saw your link in the "engine conversion" forum so I decided not to respond there, because, well, that would be wrong.

    But please, for the love of everything M, don't put a Chebby engine in that thing! The S52 is a wonderful powerplant, and suits the M3/4 perfectly. Throw a 5 speed in that sucker and call it good, especially if your son is going to drive it. He will be able to brag that he is the only kid in his high school that can drive a manual, which may or may not impress his friends or the chicks. Plus, he might get to learn what driving an M car is all about, which goes much farther than being able to mash the go pedal in a straight line.

    And good work on getting rid of the hood art. It actually looks better now.

    Have fun.
    Ditto. ^^
    "If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough"
    -Mario Andretti.
    _____________________
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    2002///M3 Coupe, Steel Gray Metallic on black leather, three pedals.
    2005 X3 3.0i ZPP, Black Sapphire on Terracotta.
    1991 E30 325ic, AW, Black leather, Black top, three pedals.

  6. #31
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    Apologies for bothering the purists.

    It will maintain the balance we hope...goal is restored M3 (other than Koni's and H+R springs) and add the aluminum LS engine and T56 sixspeed trans-hopefully it will be very close to the same weight. I will weigh before and after...

    I'm a Chevy guy at heart, but have been a BMW and E36 fan for sometime.

    This car isn't a creme puff and at 220,000 miles-can't say much useful life left as it was.

    For the last year, the car has degraded...baking in the sun, battery held in by wood, etc.

    Shoot for only 375 CHP...

    We will see if it pans out!

  7. #32
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    Well, after 120 days under the knife...it runs with a new heart!

    410 HP aluminum 5.3 that my son built...along with a T56 Magnum and 3.92 gears. Only 15 miles, but can tell this will be a very fun car.

    More to follow!



    https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...or-with-LS-T56

  8. #33
    MauiM3Mania's Avatar
    MauiM3Mania is offline Observer/Master Skeptic Moderator
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    Cluster still looks like a Christmas tree.

    What did you end up paying for the car?
    04M3 TiAg 69k slick-top 3 pedal
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  9. #34
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    Maui: Yes the project is not complete...no AC, no heater, no cruise, and no ABS...but it has a V8 built by my son (no of driving age!)...that is what I'm proud of! ;-)

    The ice cream shop jaunt was big smiles around with V8 bass (two mufflers so it doesn't sound like an old Nova!)

  10. #35
    MauiM3Mania's Avatar
    MauiM3Mania is offline Observer/Master Skeptic Moderator
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tim Mc View Post
    Maui: Yes the project is not complete...no AC, no heater, no cruise, and no ABS...but it has a V8 built by my son (no of driving age!)...that is what I'm proud of! ;-)
    Bravo!
    04M3 TiAg 69k slick-top 3 pedal
    99M3 Cosmos 61k S50B32 euro 6Spd

    88M3 AW 43k miles Project FS


    WTB: 3.5" Eurosport/Conforti CAI

  11. #36
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    Made it to the strip tonight with 650 miles on the clock.

    Took three runs...finally a clean of one with 13.27 @ 109 mph. Many challenges still so could likely see a 12-second run as it sits with a stock 5.3 liter with mild camshaft. 85 mile round trip at 85 mph...nary a complaint.





    Not bad for a 12-year old engine builder...6500 rpm sounds wonderful!

    We are sold on the E36!

  12. #37
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    Not bad. I would have expected a better 1/4 mi result with that much power. Modded S52 can rip off similar times and break 12’s with weight reduction.

    Good to see you turn this car around.

  13. #38
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    We will try harder next time...;-)

    This was a good baseline from which to start. Another visit with a tachometer, less than 90 degree weather, corrected fuel curve, no spare, and less gas...it will run 12's as well.

    Good fun!

  14. #39
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    I should have mentioned that the car weight before and after was within single digits difference (3237 auto six cylinder versus 3200 5.3 V8 with 6 speed [missing AC compressor and condensor]) No fuel or people were included.

    Fun car especially with the 3.91 gear...

    Last edited by Tim Mc; 10-09-2018 at 09:19 PM.

  15. #40
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    I have a 1997 e36 m3 4-door with 188k miles. Automatic. Pretty clean given the age. No engine mods. Anyone know what that’s worth? Any takers?

  16. #41
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    Less miles than ours...a $4000 guess without pictures.

  17. #42
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    Quote Originally Posted by MrSandman View Post
    I have a 1997 e36 m3 4-door with 188k miles. Automatic. Pretty clean given the age. No engine mods. Anyone know what that’s worth? Any takers?
    Last year I bought a 97 me sedan auto with a rebuilt title 185k that runs and drives but needed and still needs some work for 2700. So I'd say anywhere between 2700 and 4500 depending on body and interior condition.

  18. #43
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    Quote Originally Posted by MrSandman View Post
    I have a 1997 e36 m3 4-door with 188k miles. Automatic. Pretty clean given the age. No engine mods. Anyone know what that’s worth? Any takers?
    With maintenance records, no rust, vin stickers etc it's probably a $4-5 grand car. Automatics just don't command the same kind of price a 5spd does. The game is the game.

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