Buying an E36 M3

[Loom]

Hi all

I'm considering buying an E36 M3 to keep me going until I find the right E90 325i or 330i. It's a 1998 M3 3.2, 189000 km and according to the owner it has a FSH 'till 100k km and self serviced thereafter. I haven't seen the car yet but am planning to view it tonight. It supposedly is in an "immaculate" condition with the front fender repaired by a BMW approved panelbeater.

I am not too concerned about long term running costs as I don't plan to keep the car for long, perhaps only a year or so. However, I realise that at that mileage things can go wrong.

What do you guys think? What would a reasonable price be?

 

[Doomsdaya]

I've seen ones in poor condition go for 80K & clean examples going for anything well above 120k. So it all depends on condition....

 

[Loom]

That's the thing - this one is up for R55k...

 

[moranor@axis]

R55k... he probably knows there is lots wrong with it but go have a look...

 

[Loom]

Probably... he mentioned something about the seats having a tear/tears (phone broke up, couldn't quite get it) but according to him there are no mechanical/engine/gearbox problems.

I'm prepared to loose, say R10k in depreciation for the experience of owning an M3 but I can't dump R55k. Will have a look and let you know.

 

[Doomsdaya]

Probably... he mentioned something about the seats having a tear/tears (phone broke up, couldn't quite get it) but according to him there are no mechanical/engine/gearbox problems.

I'm prepared to loose, say R10k in depreciation for the experience of owning an M3 but I can't dump R55k. Will have a look and let you know.

Don't forget to take & post pics

 

[moranor@axis]

if its all cosmetic then it will probably worth buying and keeping for a bit, but it will probably be hard to sell when the time comes because people will think its run down...

 

[WyKiD]

I doubt anyone would be selling a decent M3 for R55 000.00 but hey go have a look and see for yourself....

 

[Loom]

I doubt anyone would be selling a decent M3 for R55 000.00 but hey go have a look and see for yourself....

Actually, it's R54 900.00 :rollsmile:

 

[Karthik]

Post pics , who knows it might be a good buy

 

[328ii]

If it is roadworthy (legal) and in good running condition, i.e. a lengthy test drive,
perhaps even a dyno test, then that is a very good price.

what code vehicle is it..?

 

[calypso]

Self serviced :flyfun:

 

[///MALCOLM325]

Remember if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is (quote).

But like everyone else has said, take it for a good run. Check for accident damage, check paperwork to see if is a rebuild/stolen and recovered car.

Check the VIN at BMW for comments.

Keep us posted.

 

[ossie]

Remember the old addage : 'Don't judge a book by its cover'? With vehicles its the complete opposite. Generally, if a vehicle owner couldn't take care of the outside then he sure as hell has neglected the rest of the vehicle as well. Just a warning. :=):

 

[boost3d]

I use to own an e36, and it costs alot of money to keep in good condition, 1stly, the mileage means that the car will probably need a brake change sometime soon, maybe a clutch change in the near future and if there is issues with the seats, what does the rest of the interior look like?

My advice, spend R500 and take the car for a comprehensive test at the AA. Tell the owner if his car is immaculate, you will reimburse him the R500 if you buy the car , but if there is issues, then he must foot the bill.... Easiest way to see if he is deliberately getting rid of the car or not..

 

[Loom]

Self serviced :flyfun:

I service both our vehicles (242k and 271k km) myself, so I don't see the problem with that (unless the problem is with my grammar :-D). He said they have a workshop and mentioned the street where their business is. I know of a car dealer in that street. It's a private sale but seeing that that dealer don't sell anything below R100k it might be a legit reason for selling it privately.

Any way, the seller has not returned my call asking for the registration and VIN numbers so I'll let go of this fantasy. I probably would have been disappointed but it was a nice thought :=):

Thank you all for the feedback!

 

[wikk3d88]

at this point in time, an E36 M3 is not an ideal daily unless you're willing to throw 10k per year at in in maintenance ( or more ).

Id rather look for a decentish 325i or 328i

 

[calypso]

at this point in time, an E36 M3 is not an ideal daily unless you're willing to throw 10k per year at in in maintenance ( or more ).

Id rather look for a decentish 325i or 328i

10k a year if you donrt drive it

 

[wikk3d88]

at this point in time, an E36 M3 is not an ideal daily unless you're willing to throw 10k per year at in in maintenance ( or more ).

Id rather look for a decentish 325i or 328i

10k a year if you donrt drive it

:roflol:

 

[QikNish]

At that price, probably code 3? Front fender repair could also mean shock tower damage... Or even a new tower welded on.

All in all... 2 cheap to be right.