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View Full Version : General Chat Thinking of getting a 97-99 BMW M3


240sx_boi
10-12-2011, 04:02 PM
So I been thinking of getting a different car and the one that came to mind was a BMW M3. Here's the thing that keeps me from getting one I always been a honda/acura guy and never really took interest to BMW so im a total noob to the BMW sence. Some question i have in mind are these year model of m3 reliable? Bc im still in school and will need a reliable car. Any inputs or info from fellow M3 drivers on here will be a great help! Also im only looking for this the 97-99 bc they're in my price range i cant afford the newer ones yet lol :no:

thanks!
Rhys.
10-12-2011, 07:38 PM
keep the honda
egfreak
10-13-2011, 02:23 PM
save up some money then buy the newer m3's. im sure it'll be worth it in the end. Oh yeah, heard their maintenance is really expensive.
240sx_boi
10-13-2011, 04:15 PM
keep the honda
idk i want something different tired of going to the mall or anywhere and be scared to death that when i come out my car will be stolen(knock on wood)


save up some money then buy the newer m3's. im sure it'll be worth it in the end. Oh yeah, heard their maintenance is really expensive.
The newer m3 are nice but if i was to spend that kinda money i rather get something else and yes i heard the same about the maintenance one of my buddy works at a bmw shop and he says the parts are expensive as heck!!
fivex684
10-13-2011, 09:10 PM
95's take better to mods due to the older ODB system.
RL...
10-15-2011, 08:54 PM
Id stay away from those if youre afraid to spend $$$....theres a reason why ppl mod japanese cars
MeFryRice
10-15-2011, 11:37 PM
If you're in school and looking at the E36 chassis due to that's all you can afford then don't buy one. I've had two and although I had zero issues with mine, they do come with their issues as with every car. Stick to a Japanese car for reliability reasons.
tnomud
10-21-2011, 12:05 AM
If you're in school and looking at the E36 chassis due to that's all you can afford then don't buy one. I've had two and although I had zero issues with mine, they do come with their issues as with every car. Stick to a Japanese car for reliability reasons.

+1
Genji-Sama
10-24-2011, 06:50 PM
If you're in school and looking at the E36 chassis due to that's all you can afford then don't buy one. I've had two and although I had zero issues with mine, they do come with their issues as with every car. Stick to a Japanese car for reliability reasons.
+2
JBrakeS2K
10-24-2011, 07:12 PM
The E36 is very reliable.. you just have to make sure your following the maintenance schedule. The maintenance schedule..well thats going to cost you $$$

I can tell you right now in costs for my 05 E46 M3.. its insane dude. BMW of macon wanted 386$ just for an oil change.. i laughed in their face. They are outrageous, but even compared to 250$ normally anywhere else..its still insane. Inspection 2's (every 40k mi) is around 14-1800$ (depending on where you take it).

Yes, you can save a lot of money doing maintenance yourself. Oil changes, brakes, things like that are O.K...BUT - I dont know about you, but im definitely not comfortable putting shims in a 6000$ motor for a valve adjustment on a car im making payments on.

The e36 is a lot cheaper in cost vs the e46, but its still going to be expensive compared to most honda's. I will tell you one thing, you pay for what you get. My M3 is amazing, bar none. I love it more than a fat kid loves cake. If that means cutting costs in certain areas to drive my dream car, your damn right im going to do it. Check out http://m3forum.com. Im sure you will find better information for what your looking for there. From what ive seen IA is just a little biased with hondas lol (that isnt a bad thing either dont get me wrong).

Oh and dont forget, you can always look at the E46 ZHP or normal 3 series BMW's. They are probably about equal to the E36 M3 price range (and cheaper to maintain). Sometimes i wish i would have bought an E92 twin turbo 3 series non M vs my E46 M3... They are NICE.

Good luck dude. PM me if you have any questions man..
dorin48
10-25-2011, 08:47 AM
There's a decent 3 part buyers guide on youtube. It'll give you some footing ->

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4Z7WrN-tSE
RUFFIAN
11-29-2011, 03:55 PM
As someone who owns both an 88 535is and a 97 740il, if think it's expensive to maintain, you really don't need to go down that road. Trust me.
tnomud
12-09-2011, 04:05 AM
BMW's break and are expensive to fix. Buy a Honda!

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f296/tnomud/E46M3/DSCF1305.jpg
silversol
12-09-2011, 11:22 AM
BMW's break and are expensive to fix. Buy a Honda!

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f296/tnomud/E46M3/DSCF1305.jpg

EPIC money shift?
MeFryRice
12-09-2011, 12:58 PM
BMW's break and are expensive to fix. Buy a Honda!

Your incident may not have been something related to the engine built by BMW as there have been so many different hands in that car before you purchased it.
jdm eg6
12-09-2011, 08:03 PM
Id stay away from those if youre afraid to spend $$$....theres a reason why ppl mod japanese cars
x2
Slomaro Z28
12-09-2011, 09:47 PM
looked at Sti's or evo's?
tnomud
12-09-2011, 10:17 PM
Your incident may not have been something related to the engine built by BMW as there have been so many different hands in that car before you purchased it.

These cars had massive problems from 01-late 04 with rod bearings, this motor was just another statistic, They were recalled for it. Numbers on the block match the numbers on the paperwork from Chapman BMW in AZ. It had a new crate 2004 motor from BMW, to replace motor #2 which went on track. When I received the car, the motor had 200 miles on it. 100 of those miles were from Christian test driving it in Texas for me. I ran it to 1100 or so and it also pooped out. It was in my hands for 900 miles and was junk.
tnomud
12-09-2011, 10:17 PM
EPIC money shift?

epic oil starvation and seized rod bearing on 5 and 6 at once.
Elbow
12-11-2011, 09:13 AM
What do you want an M3 for? Performance or looks?

You could always get a regular E36, put M3 bumpers/wheels on it, spice up the interior, and a few engine mods and call it a day. Cheap cheap and would give you nice styling.
tnomud
12-11-2011, 01:36 PM
What do you want an M3 for? Performance or looks?

You could always get a regular E36, put M3 bumpers/wheels on it, spice up the interior, and a few engine mods and call it a day. Cheap cheap and would give you nice styling.

+1 e46 non-m cars are pretty bulletproof and common in boneyards now. E36 non-m cars are filthy cheap now too. Or just buy an EVO or WRX and be done with it.