samsnead

My vehicle was recently stolen and I have begun a search for a new DD.

I previously had a 1996 maxima, great car-low maintenance costs and I didnt mind parking it on the street where it would get occasional bumps etc. I also thought nobody would steal it, oh well that theory is shot to hell.

I wanted to find something low maintenance and good on gas, I took out all the usual suspects this weekend(civics etc.) and just dont like them. I travel for work and often drive within 4 hours, so I want something comfortable. I also couldnt bring myself to buy a new car and park it on the street.

I had always been intigued by the E36 M3, especially since I can get a 4 door 5 speed. They seem to be fairly reliable, although parts will be pricey, and get ok gas mileage.

Anyone have personal experience with these cars? Am I stupid for think of buying something like this as a DD? I have a 3.2 and a 993 to play with, but I don't get in them as often as I would like.

Thanks in advance for Rennlister therapy!

GrFa

Yes, I have quite a bit of experience with them.

First, parts are not Porsche expensive and in general not much goes wrong with them. I am on my third a 98 four door, five speed with 89k on it now. I have been driving them since 01 and have also had a 4 door automatic. Figure shocks and bushings every 50k, a water pump, coolant expansion tank, and a radiator before 100k.

My 98 has a few mods and gets 22-23mpg consistently. The automatics are geared much higher and get much better mpg. Price of entry is pretty cheap now. Although, my 95 993 has a much more comfortable ride. Don't expect the M3 to be a cushy commuter. It is just about comfortable enough to drive daily.

axl911

Get one with the followings done/replaced:

updated metal impeller water pump
rear shock mount every 50K miles
rear trailing arm busing
updated timing chain tensioner
front radiator (neck may crack or broken)

Boeing 717

I have quite a bit if time in one of them as my dad owns one. I like the car and if it helps his now has 300,000 miles on it without ever hardly spending any money on it for maintenance. That car has never had a problem.

GothingNC

My neighbor has a 95 2-door with 210,000 miles on it.

Engine is modded and the car is not babied.

Only on the second clutch and the radiator/water pump replaced at 160,000

Looks excellent from the outside and the only wear evident on the interior is the front seats.

He is hoping to see if he can reach 400,000 miles within the next ten years (if we still have gas)

John

caronsd

Bought my 95 M3 new and took delivery in December 94. It'll hit 200K miles this week. At 130K, did a Dinan Stage 3 suspension and supercharger set-up (installed everything myself - I'm pretty proud, especially since the Dinan guys told me that it was a good looking installation). All new suspension bushings at that time, did the metal impelllr water pump, but still running stock radiator. The clutch is also original, but is starting to give a little chatter when cold, so I'm letting it pass 200K for braggin' rights, thenreplacing it along with a new LW flywheel.

Had to do clutch hydraulics at 190K, but otherwise it's just been brakes and tires. Great car. Well balanced. Decent mileage - 22 mpg with mixed driving and use of the boost.

Definitely worth a close look. I find that once you drive one, you're hooked.

Good Luck!

Stealth 993

Great fun car, but be careful, they are fun to play with, & a TON Of aftermarket!

There are a couple of weak parts...
1. HVAC "issues"
2. Door panles falling apart
3. rear subframe/trailing arm bushings (mostly tracked cars)
4. waterpump, thermastat/housing & radiator, they tend to last 30-50kmi

Very low maintaince, very easy to work on, very fun to drive, faster then the 240hp stats suggests.

samsnead

Thanks for the input guys, looks like it may be a good choice.

I found a 90k 2 owner vehicle, fully documented from new with the cooling system done in addition to koni shocks. Maybe I'll take a look(or find a kind local rennlister to help out).

993Brendan

All great advice. My 993 replaced a 96 M3 and I don't have a bad thing to say about it...other than it wasn't a Porsche which was why I sold it. Almost bought a M3/4 a couple of years ago, as a daily driver but found a nice 540i 6 speed instead. You'll love it!

Quadcammer

one of the most balanced cars I've ever driven (I had a 95 M3 with very minor mods).

I LOVED that car.

csertich

I had a '96 M3 for five years and sold it for my Porsche. Great balance and fun. Engine really sings above 5000 rpm.

See if you can find out if they replaced the water pump with an updated version. The original had plastic impellers that would disintegrate.

I really was in a position to keep the M3 when I got my 993 but sold it because.....who knows. Many times I'd wished I'd kept it.

chuck

MrRoboto

I REALLY miss my E36 M3. That near 50/50 weight distribution sure can instill confidence during spirited driving. Very practical too.

Mark Harris

FWIW--Tischer BMW in Silver Spring MD is the Sunset of BMW parts. We all know Sunset in OR is a great place for parts.

Well I needed a front drivers side door lock actuator for my Beamer.
Local stealer...$247.00

Tishcher had it in stock $112.00 shipped.

60K Service (Inspection II) Stealer wanted $950 parts and labor. Parts from Tischer $180 and 2-3 hours of my time and done.

CornerCarver

Just don't take the E36 M3 to the track. You will want to turn it into a track car. Prior posts cover the maintenance items.

mike993c2s

Great car. I had a 97 M3 4 dr 5 spd that I bought new, but eventually traded it in for a Boxster S..... in retrospect, I should have kept it and used it as a DD. The car is very reliable except for the items mentioned above. Lots of torque, very little electronic gadgets. I used to drive it year round in Boston (with snow tires for the winter), as well as occasional track use. You'll love it too!