BMW E36 M3 anbody had one ? - NLC

[mrahead]

Currently looking for an every day car without spending too much. I have noticed a few of these for around £4K.

Just wondered if this is a good prospect for an every day runner ? or is it an expense account just waiting to open ?

These look like great performance / value for money propositions.

Looking to run something for a couple of years and not lose a lot of money on it.

Any thoughts ?

[jj]

4k to buy but easily 4k to fix if any major engine problems (not uncommon, our S50 engine ate its bearing shell)

Good shout if you get a good one but theres the 4k lottery

[j2 lot]

A mate has one that he got as an everyday car about 6 years ago so he could keep his E30 in better nick. He got his when it was newish (3 years old) and it hasn't needed any major work but he has it regularly serviced at an independent and has kept on top of maintenance issues. Interior on his is immaculate despite being 10'years old. From what I can gather a well maintained one will run for ever but if neglected small issues left unchecked will not be cheap. Seem to remember him saying that the syncro can be iffy on low gears and it's cheaper to get a new box rather than repair and that can be close to 4 figures.

That probably isn't much help but I think basically if it has been looked after it should be ok.

[GregR]

4k to buy but easily 4k to fix if any major engine problems (not uncommon, our S50 engine ate its bearing shell)

Good shout if you get a good one but theres the 4k lottery

e46 had the S54 engine though At £4k, you'll have a pretty tired example I'd have thought - inspection 2 services ain't cheap and could be scrimped on if its been pov-owned in the past. Make sure running-in service has been done (they came with some odd delivery oil that could only be used for 1k miles IIRC) so basically go in with your eyes open. They're still performance cars that require a performance car budget.

[Mike Scib]

4k to buy but easily 4k to fix if any major engine problems (not uncommon, our S50 engine ate its bearing shell)

Good shout if you get a good one but theres the 4k lottery

e46 had the S54 engine though

Ah but JJ is taking about his Z3M Coupe

I ran a 3 litre (non Evo as they have been known to have problems with there Vanos system which is expensive) M3 for 3 weeks. Great car, sideways everywhere! Sold as above, scared of a BIG bill

[jj]

4k to buy but easily 4k to fix if any major engine problems (not uncommon, our S50 engine ate its bearing shell)

Good shout if you get a good one but theres the 4k lottery

e46 had the S54 engine though At £4k, you'll have a pretty tired example I'd have thought - inspection 2 services ain't cheap and could be scrimped on if its been pov-owned in the past. Make sure running-in service has been done (they came with some odd delivery oil that could only be used for 1k miles IIRC) so basically go in with your eyes open. They're still performance cars that require a performance car budget.

Have another more-than cursory glance at the title

46s for 4 bags? Not for another few years yet methinks. I think when E46s hit 4k there will be lots of expensive problems waiting to happen especially with SMGs.

[GregR]

I did think it was unlike you to get detail wrong.

back in my suitcase I go...