E36 M3 with a 6 Speed?

[johndock23]

Hey everyone,

My father is looking at an e36 M3 convertible. It is a very clean car with only 50k on it! The only thing that concerns me is the shift knob is showing a 6 speed, when I know in the US they only came with a 5 speed. This car was a Florida car owned by an older gentleman. I wouldn't think he would of done a 6 speed swap on the car, everything on it is original and in great shape. Could it just be a shift knob? Or possibly a Euro spec model? I have an e90 so I'm not very familiar with the e36. Here is the link.

http://www.motorcarsct.com/1998-BMW-...1/Details.aspx

Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks,

John

[yurisuika]

According to the VIN is it just a ZF S5D 320Z. It is most likely a knob swap.

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[RRSperry]

Why wouldn't an older gent swap in a 6 speed? I did... Does it have 6 gears?

it's like

y e e e
. h a a

Or

Y E E E
. H A

[pbonsalb]

I bet a smart person could sit in the car and determine whether there are 5 or 6 gears. These cars have been around for 20 years so it is quite possible a previous owner did a 6 speed swap or someone put a 6 speed ZHP knob on it. I know of one person who put a 6 speed in an E36 convertible in CT and sold it a few years ago.

[tsmith25]

You are correct, US e36 M3's all got a 5 spd. There is one very easy way to figure out if it has a 6 spd.

On another note, that price is pretty high for a convertible, even with really low mileage.

On another another note, I'm moving to CT in a year or so. My girlfriend is from Branford.

[johndock23]

He's going to look at it today at 12:30 so that will determine whether it has 5 or 6 gears. I just wasn't sure if that should throw a red flag. We will see, but thanks for the info. So the only way would be a ZHP knob or a 6 speed swap? There was no Euro spec that came to US, Right?

- - - Updated - - -

You are correct, US e36 M3's all got a 5 spd. There is one very easy way to figure out if it has a 6 spd.

On another note, that price is pretty high for a convertible, even with really low mileage.

On another another note, I'm moving to CT in a year or so. My girlfriend is from Branford.

Thank you,

What do you think a price for one like this should be with 50k?

And side note, I live in Branford! When are you moving to CT?

[scooper]

ask for pics of the manual trans. I would bet that it's just the knob. Most enthusiasts would put a 6 speed in a sedan or coupe not a vert. I would also think vert owners would rather put in a SC than a 6 speed.

[tsmith25]

I may have been wrong. I just looked at autotrader, and my own calculations from my recent research(coupes and sedans). I think he should shoot for $12k, but anything around $14k is probably fair.

[TostitoBandito]

Yeah prices for anything with under 100K, especially well under 100K, have been going crazy for a while. Even if it's a vert.

It's silly because these cars are old enough where basically all rubber/bushings are going to need to be replaced regardless of mileage. The mileage mainly buys you the fact that the drivetrain and interior are probably in better shape than most.

[johndock23]

Yeah that's true, it's still a 19 year old car. So the car comes with all the service records, it looks like the waterpump, thermostat, battery, brakes and some other parts were replaced by Redline Bimmer Performance in FL. Is there anything else to look at regarding these M3's?

[tsmith25]

Bushings and ball joints are about the only things that might be a problem. Ball joints are probably fine, and the bushings are probably about to die.

I would keep an eye on the shock performance too. they could be at the end of their life.

Drive shaft flex disc, aka giubo, which nobody can pronounce.

The differential rear cover sometimes leaks.

The power steering reservoir is probably leaking, and potentially the hoses that attach to it.

The engine gaskets are probably fine, but check the oil pan, and oil filter housing. Look for signs of oil or water near the exhaust manifold at the back of the engine. That is a common head gasket failure point.

basically anything that is rubber or has a seal.

[TostitoBandito]

Yeah that's true, it's still a 19 year old car. So the car comes with all the service records, it looks like the waterpump, thermostat, battery, brakes and some other parts were replaced by Redline Bimmer Performance in FL. Is there anything else to look at regarding these M3's?

radiator - the plastic neck cracks in the original radiator
all suspension bushings and ball joints should be inspected
make sure shocks have life in them
inspect the plastic trays under the front bumper, people clobber them on curbs

At that mileage I'd expect the driveline to be pretty close to flawless, so any odd noises coming from the engine, transmission, or diff should be looked in to.

[scooper]

that car is going to need a fresh set of tires as well. Those are the originals...

[jvit27]

The dark grey door card inserts are more of a red flag than a shift knob.

[iSeeiTake]

If it's a dealer car it will be a little higher than a private party. I wouldn't pay more than $10k if even that. But that's my opinion. Yet again another hype pricing.


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[Rooster20]

Condition, options, mileage and it is stock. I think that's a good price. Look at what you are getting.

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[bluptgm3]

3-spoke wheel, manual seats, stock radio are all a plus in my book. Shocks are probably done, 'Cut-n-Gut' Konis Adjustables are a good choice, use E46 M3 Convertible rear shock mounts.
Is the leather soft and pliable, as sign it has been garaged. Too bad there is no Hard Top.


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[Braymond141]

The dark grey door card inserts are more of a red flag than a shift knob.

Agreed and the vinyl is pulling away pretty bad.

[bluptgm3]

The dark grey door card inserts are more of a red flag than a shift knob.

The side airbag covers?


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[Braymond141]

The side airbag covers?


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The entire middle leather insert. Do you see "dove" gray? You should... and there isn't.

[bluptgm3]

The entire middle leather insert. Do you see "dove" gray? You should... and there isn't.

Looks like a factory covering is in place, there could be light/photo issues, car is in the shade and it is really sunny.


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[Braymond141]

Looks like a factory covering is in place, there could be light/photo issues, car is in the shade and it is really sunny.


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Nope. The door panels are wrong and falling apart.

[LockDots]

Looks like a factory covering is in place, there could be light/photo issues, car is in the shade and it is really sunny.


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Even if the lighting was off you should still see a difference in contrast between the middle insert and the rest of the door. Judging by the vinyl around the pockets I'd say the door's been "rebuilt" once before. Not necessarily uncommon for an E36, but when paying a "premium" for a low mileage example it's something to consider/bargain.

example:

[johndock23]

Thanks for all the help guys. Turns out, it was just a 6 speed shift knob, it is a 5 speed manual transmission. That's interesting about the middle insert of the door, I would of never of noticed it. My dad said the car did look a little more worn than in the pictures, it was in good overall shape but didn't blow him away. Right now he has a 2002 z3 and looking to get into something a little bit bigger and a little bit more performance. He felt as though the e36 m3 didn't really deliver on those aspects, the back seat has no room and the performance wasn't that much better (if at all) then his z. I think we may continue to keep looking, possibly an e46 m3 convert. Will keep you posted, thanks for the help and answered questions.

[pbonsalb]

E46 330i will need a lot less maintenance than an E46 M3. 335i is also worth looking at.