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Thread: Thoughts on Potential Purchase

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2020
    Location
    NE Florida
    Posts
    40
    My Cars
    1998 328is Coupe

    Thoughts on Potential Purchase

    I am thinking of purchasing a dedicated HPDE/Time Trial car. Have a 2003 M3 on my radar screen, but I am a bit of stranger to BMWs (ran 944s for years). Targeted car did not have rod bearing recall performed as confirmed by BMW and has tuned SMG (no known history if pump has been replaced). Subframe issues in past, but work was performed by well known BMW race shop.

    Leery of the rod bearing issue and SMG. Should I steer clear of this one?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Springfield, IL
    Posts
    2,491
    My Cars
    '95m3(Avus)/996tt/4.8is
    If you are the DIY type but appreciate reliability above tenths, I would recommend (strongly) going with a 6 speed (or 5 speed conversion).

    Curious how the rod bearing recall went undone, didnt know that was a possibility. Anyways, just throw in new rod bearings and fix the vanos and race. They are fantastically balanced cars (with one of the sweetest engines BMW made) and you are aware of the weak points so you can address them and just drive. A heck of an aftermarket available and consumables are not bad (blank rotors for 30 bucks and 18" tires helps).

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2020
    Location
    NE Florida
    Posts
    40
    My Cars
    1998 328is Coupe
    Thanks OLeMiss and I do not understand the lack of rod bearing work either. But, I called local BMW dealer and was told they have no record of the service being done. Assuming the work was done, and with the car approaching 120k, should I be looking at doing it again anyway? According to the current owner, car has been a dedicated track car for awhile.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
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    Springfield, IL
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    '95m3(Avus)/996tt/4.8is
    I would say so, yes. Could probably do oil analysis for the next few oil changes if you wanted to put off until next winter.

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