Advice on an E36 M3

[AvusM3]

Hi guys, Yep I continue my search!

I have found an M3 close to home this time and have had a look, it is a 95 model coupe with 176k on the clock. All original and drives well! Cosmetics it has a couple of trolley bumps and bruises and the odd scratch here and there but no accidents. The owner wanted 90k for the vehicle and I offered 75k. Reckon it is a fair offer, clutch will soon need to be done and the sunroof guide is broken! What you guys think? The owner seems like a decent guy, don't want to do him or myself an injustice! Let me know pls. Will post some pics later!

 

[calypso]

Not really much to say on the info given.
Trolly dents are not a big deal, the PDR guys can sort that. How does it drive, still feel tight, how does it sound? Hows the interior? No rust in wheel arches or under the rear number plate?

 

[AvusM3]

Hey Calypso,

No rust on wheel arches, actually the only rust i could find was on the roof beading. Drives well, straight as an arrow, no vibration on the steering wheel, no vibration under hard braking, no vibration at speed, little bit of play on the gearstick, think that the "nylon bush" needs replacing, and the clutch takes low and is heavy. Thats it! One or two minor electric faults and the rest I have discussed above. Car sounds great, idles smooth and doesn't get hot! Will post some pics today! Tx Mate

 

[Dhp507]

Hey Calypso,

No rust on wheel arches, actually the only rust i could find was on the roof beading. Drives well, straight as an arrow, no vibration on the steering wheel, no vibration under hard braking, no vibration at speed, little bit of play on the gearstick, think that the "nylon bush" needs replacing, and the clutch takes low and is heavy. Thats it! One or two minor electric faults and the rest I have discussed above. Car sounds great, idles smooth and doesn't get hot! Will post some pics today! Tx Mate

Remember that thing is 17 years old so its going to need a update. Also did you check the rear subframes for cracks. What you planning? If it drives well probably will need a run through the mechanics just to ensure everything is in order

 

[AvusM3]

I am planning to purchase the vehicle and start a slow (and long) restoration project to get it as near as possible to original. Some plastics damaged like the running boards etc. There was a problem with the diff carrier and a bolt broke, the bolt was removed and the size of the bolt was increased slightly and replaced. That is the only rear or subframe problem that I could see or find out? The wheels are catching slightly in the wheel arches but this is largely due to the fact that the wheels have the incorrect profile/size. The suspension is crisp and the vehicle doesnt "roll about" at all. I think the mechanic idea is best!

 

[Dhp507]

I am planning to purchase the vehicle and start a slow (and long) restoration project to get it as near as possible to original. Some plastics damaged like the running boards etc. There was a problem with the diff carrier and a bolt broke, the bolt was removed and the size of the bolt was increased slightly and replaced. That is the only rear or subframe problem that I could see or find out? The wheels are catching slightly in the wheel arches but this is largely due to the fact that the wheels have the incorrect profile/size. The suspension is crisp and the vehicle doesnt "roll about" at all. I think the mechanic idea is best!

Well looks likes it going to be a good turn out as it sounds as if the vehicle was maintained mechanically. But neglected in its appearence thats not so much an issue as it is going to be a restorarion.

Kudos to you. I will love to own one one day. Still consider this the a purist machine. They don't call it the widow maker for nothing.

 

[calypso]

Subframe not a big issue on the e36. Do however check rear shock mounts. You need to pull back the boot carpet abit for that. Low clutch is not an issue, mines been low for 150000km and still going.
Also check heater and ac on both sides. The heater exchange likes to get blocked.

 

[ClassicB]

Did he accept your offer?

 

[AvusM3]

Hi guys, yes, aircon needs to be re gassed however the heater does work so no blockages, the chap asked me to give him till friday to think about my offer, so i will have to wait and see! Shocks seem fine and so do the strut mounts so i reckon its a go, just hope he accepts!

 

[kabal]

damn you guys and your buying of E36's raise:

really need to make a plan, but the missus will kill me :rollsmile:

 

[boost3d]

They are lovely 'drivers cars' I really miss mine. Especially the voice of that straight 6. Just try to do as much preventative maintenace as you can because breakages are costly on any 'M' car.

If your in jhb, call sunroof guys, they are relatively cheap and do good work wrt to the damaged sunroof.

Take the car to dekra/AA and get them to do a vehicle inspection.

Other then that, goodluck, I hope the deal goes through for you

 

[AvusM3]

I have concluded a deal with the owner the suits both him and I. In short I have bought an E36 M3, Avus Blue! Will post some pics as soon as I have taken delivery on the 1st. Very Happy Camper!

 

[moranor@axis]

thats awesome congrats :rollsmile:

 

[calypso]

Congrats

 

[Theo D]

Pics Brother raise:

:thumbs:

 

[Psymon69]

now you need to change your name:rollsmile: congrats!

 

[sclass]

Subframe not a big issue on the e36. Do however check rear shock mounts. You need to pull back the boot carpet abit for that. Low clutch is not an issue, mines been low for 150000km and still going.
Also check heater and ac on both sides. The heater exchange likes to get blocked.

Actually E36s (and earlier E46s) do have subframe issues, especially the Ms. You can even get OEM subframe reinforcement plates from the stealers. BMW realized this and had the reinforcements as standard on later M3 coupes. The reinforcements fit all E36 coupes (not sure about sedans), I’m actually going to get them for my 328

 

[kabal]

yes, you can actually use M3 front tower reinforcement plates, along with Z3 Mcoupe rear shock mounts and plates.

 

[moranor@axis]

hes talking about the subframe plates... they came on later M3s and are available as a retrofit from bmw

shock tower reinforcement is also a good idea...

 

[WyKiD]

One of my all time fave cars, congrats! Looking forward to the pics....:thumbs: