E36 M3 Convertible

[B16A4]

hi guys!
im new to the forum and im in the process of buying a 98 E36 M3 convetible euro spec. the car has a milleage of 96k and was imported late last year from the UK. at the moment i havent test driven the car, hence i would like to know the possible things that may be on their way out, e.g the vanos. also can the diagnosis tell of problems likely to come or it can only show existing problems. at the moment im driving a B18 VTEC and a lot of my friends are scaring me about maintenance and stuff. however technically im a bit clued and i have noticed that with the help of the forum unnecessary costs at the dealership can be avoided!

 

[444YYY]

At 96k, everything should be ok. Just check if its 96000 km or miles....
I think the vanos is the weakest link there. Maybe the guys that have overhauled them can give you a better idea.

If its a Euro import then, the engine has a different compression ratio to our 3.2L cars. So make doulbly sure that only 95 octane goes into that motor. Never 93 octane.....
That was the reason why ours got the lower compression ratio...

 

[Chavoos]

Take it for a full inspection somewhere. Spend the few extra hundred bucks. Check for any accident damage and ensure that it is mechanically ok.
By the way , can you share with us the price you are looking at paying ?

 

[B16A4]

90 000 max. This is because car is foreign regsted but im not woried about that.