Going to look at a E36 M3
12-18-2015, 02:23 PM
#1
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Going to look at a E36 M3
Hi all,
I am going a few hours away to have my buddy do some maintenance on my Mom's 2009 335i convertible. Going to do coils, belt with pulleys, front brake job/fluid.
He has a 1997 M3 Sedan that he's selling with around 147k on it. Automatic Trans. I don't care about that though, can always swap later on. Clean carfax with 5 owners though.
Anyone here have an e36 S52 powered car? Any advice? I'm going to take it for a spin while he's working on mine. Not sure what they go for these days but I assume between 5-7K for high mileage.
Thanks!
I am going a few hours away to have my buddy do some maintenance on my Mom's 2009 335i convertible. Going to do coils, belt with pulleys, front brake job/fluid.
He has a 1997 M3 Sedan that he's selling with around 147k on it. Automatic Trans. I don't care about that though, can always swap later on. Clean carfax with 5 owners though.
Anyone here have an e36 S52 powered car? Any advice? I'm going to take it for a spin while he's working on mine. Not sure what they go for these days but I assume between 5-7K for high mileage.
Thanks!
12-18-2015, 02:59 PM
#2
I had 2 e36 m3's. One S50 and one S52.
You'll def want to see how the auto's shift as quite a few at those miles can slip. Ask if tranny fluid/filter was replaced before. Rear Strut Mounts go bad often. Front control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rods go bad before those miles. Check to see if Vanos was serviced at all before. Valve cover gaskets turn brittle and go bad. See if there is any oil in the spark plug holes. Driver's bolster usually gets pretty worn out especially on M vehicle models. Ask if the shocks have ever been replaced. Make sure all the window regulator and sunroof motor works. Make sure the HVAC fan control works properly and AC holds charge. Check for leaking power steering rack underneath.
Also see if they guy has more than one set of keys since e36's have the EWS systems.
Those are the most common things to go out that I can think of at the top of my head.
You'll def want to see how the auto's shift as quite a few at those miles can slip. Ask if tranny fluid/filter was replaced before. Rear Strut Mounts go bad often. Front control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rods go bad before those miles. Check to see if Vanos was serviced at all before. Valve cover gaskets turn brittle and go bad. See if there is any oil in the spark plug holes. Driver's bolster usually gets pretty worn out especially on M vehicle models. Ask if the shocks have ever been replaced. Make sure all the window regulator and sunroof motor works. Make sure the HVAC fan control works properly and AC holds charge. Check for leaking power steering rack underneath.
Also see if they guy has more than one set of keys since e36's have the EWS systems.
Those are the most common things to go out that I can think of at the top of my head.
Will check all those items.
12-18-2015, 04:43 PM
#6
Advanced
AWESOME CAR IN IT'S DAY
Had a 1999 E36 M3 Convertible, black, black, black. Next to my 58 Speedster it was probably the best car I have owned. Very solid. No rattles like the 996 C2. Only consistent problem was passing California Smog. However the 996 has the edge in driving fun.
12-18-2015, 04:56 PM
#7
Advanced
THIS...absolute truth..I miss my 95' S50 all the time, but as most German cars, they need extra love/care. Like bitter ex's they will stab you if they aren't cared for right.
Spend the time and get one that has been loved and you won't regret it.
Trending Topics
12-18-2015, 05:46 PM
#8
Three Wheelin'
Absolutely nothing. But that's what the loudest users on Rennlist want. Off topic anywhere and everywhere. Haven't you heard? Oh but don't be surprised if one of your 'on topic' threads gets moved out of the 996 board while a "where are the ****" thread remains firmly in place. That's the culture here, that's what I have learned. 
12-18-2015, 05:50 PM
#9
12-18-2015, 06:44 PM
#10
Rennlist Member
Absolutely nothing. But that's what the loudest users on Rennlist want. Off topic anywhere and everywhere. Haven't you heard? Oh but don't be surprised if one of your 'on topic' threads gets moved out of the 996 board while a "where are the ****" thread remains firmly in place. That's the culture here, that's what I have learned.
12-18-2015, 06:51 PM
#11
Race Director
Absolutely nothing. But that's what the loudest users on Rennlist want. Off topic anywhere and everywhere. Haven't you heard? Oh but don't be surprised if one of your 'on topic' threads gets moved out of the 996 board while a "where are the ****" thread remains firmly in place. That's the culture here, that's what I have learned.
12-18-2015, 07:23 PM
#13
Three Wheelin'
Absolutely nothing. But that's what the loudest users on Rennlist want. Off topic anywhere and everywhere. Haven't you heard? Oh but don't be surprised if one of your 'on topic' threads gets moved out of the 996 board while a "where are the ****" thread remains firmly in place. That's the culture here, that's what I have learned.
There is a "where are the ****" thread? I must have missed it
hmmm might just be an alias for KK
Might just be time for a gratuitous boobie pic
12-18-2015, 09:22 PM
#14
Race Director
Absolutely nothing. But that's what the loudest users on Rennlist want. Off topic anywhere and everywhere. Haven't you heard? Oh but don't be surprised if one of your 'on topic' threads gets moved out of the 996 board while a "where are the ****" thread remains firmly in place. That's the culture here, that's what I have learned.
12-18-2015, 10:25 PM
#15
Shameful Thread Killer
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
