The M-Roadster is back.

[vtec_guy]

Boxster all the way.

...............................errr so anyway, where were we? oh yeah, i'm sure the new M-Coupe will live up to everyone's expectations, it's pretty much guaranteed to be much better than the previous M-Coupe, and that is still though of as an incredible car today, so I think we have much to look forward to. does anyone here read performance BMW Magazine?

 

[Young_Warrior]

Yooooooo your a bmw vehicle technician. Can you tell me anything about buying a E36 second hand like anything that tends to go wrong on them after a certain milage.

 

[Wolfe]

@vtec_guy: I'm also looking forward to the new M-coupe exceeding the old one. After all, the Z4 itself is just plain better than the old Z3.

@young_warrior: Okay, okay, just making sure you weren't some "old cars suck!!!" wacko. As for your question about the E36, one thing I can tell you as the owner of an older BMW is that the important things last forever, but the little things will annoy the hell out of you (broken/worn HVAC components, broken/worn interior bits, irregular engine idle, little wires and hoses causing big problems...)

 

[Young_Warrior]

Ah thats good to know. Im just going to look up myself for e36 with a nice condition interior and as long as the car runs I'll be happy.

 

[Onikaze]

Yeah, I was gonna say, the power windows, power locks, sunroof, stereo, A/C, and various hoses will all need replacing more than likely, just to save you some headache later.

The engines, transmissions, and everything back to the rear differential tend to be bulletproof, sometimes the differentials go out, and it's good to check the rear suspension bits, some models had bushings or something that would deteriorate rapidly.

Oh, I imagine a Z4 M-Coupe will be quite worrisome to Porsche's Cayman S.

 

[Danny]

Oh, I imagine a Z4 M-Coupe will be quite worrisome to Porsche's Cayman S.

I roll my eyes to that statement.



I like the Z4 Coupe, but BMW would need to improve on the Roadster vastly, and the M Coupe even more so.

 

[vtec_guy]

Yooooooo your a bmw vehicle technician. Can you tell me anything about buying a E36 second hand like anything that tends to go wrong on them after a certain milage.

Well, I change a lot of rear sub-frame bushes on old E30s, not so much on E36s though, its when they get really old and worn that those need changing. but its not really something that goes wrong in the sense that it CAN be repaired. But do the BMW heritage a favour and dont tune the crap outta it.

I've been working on a disgusting looking E30 Cab. recently thats been tuned by hartge (the most revolting BMW tuner out there) and it sounds so bad. They've also put some big curvy bumpers on it which really doesnt go wiht the old square E30 look.


....oh sorry where was I, err, yea ill pm you or let you know if I find out any more on the subject. Do you want to know what can go wrong mechanically or what might need repairing cosmetically too? it all depends on what you want.

 

[vtec_guy]

some models had bushings or something that would deteriorate rapidly.

These are the bushes I was talking about, you wont be able to change them yourself without a ramp for the car to go up on so unfortunately youll probably have to pay for it to get done.

 

[Young_Warrior]

Thanks V-tec guy basically anything that can go wrong mechanically or anyhting to look out for when taking test drives.

 

[el flexo]

but, you haven't seen the back of the z4m, with the new tail lights. although i still agree, not agressive enough, the perfect example of a proper m model, m3csl

 

[Wolfe]

but, you haven't seen the back of the z4m, with the new tail lights. although i still agree, not agressive enough, the perfect example of a proper m model, m3csl

If you're talking about looks, I think they ruined the front bumper on the CSL (god damned dimple... ).

 

[skicrush]

I think this was originally posted by M Spec. It is excellent advice:

Tips on buying a '95 M3:

-Get a compression check done. Over-revs were common on the early cars because ham-fisted drivers would pick the wrong gear when the soft tranny mounts flexed enough to move the gates. Uneven compression will show any valve damage due to this. It will also give you a general idea what shape the engine is in.

-Have a good BMW shop spend a lot of time looking at the suspension. Especially the rear. Early M3s are notorious for going through rear shock mounts and toe bushings. Shock mounts aren't bad to replace, but if a worn bushing allows the rear control arms to rub against the metal carrier, this means body damage.

-Make other sure common wear items like the water pump and radiator have already been replaced. Fuel pumps are also problematic on early '95s.

-If the car looks too good to be true, then it probably is. Check for over-spray, bondo and mismatching panels. Each BMW body panel has a VIN number stamped on it. Replacement panels will show a "-R" at the end of the VIN. I once looked into a '95 that had an unbelieveably nice Mugello Red paint job. Upon closer inspection, I discovered it had been wrecked. Twice.

-Follow the same tips you may get for buying any other used performance car. Make sure you get records and books if you can. Do a title search. Have a good mechanic go over it with a fine tooth comb. A GOOD BMW specialist should be able to look at the list I just made and immediately recognize all the troublespots.

-Be weary of "M3 conversions" from 325s or 318s. Done right, they are good cars. Done poorly, they are worthless.

(There's probably a few other little things I forgot.. it's been a while since I made a list like this... I'll add them if I remember any more)

There are lots of good ones out there. A well maintained M3 is one of life's great pleasures. Good luck on your search.


M

 

[Young_Warrior]

^Good post.

 

[vtec_guy]

to be honest I have only been working in BMW garaghes fora total of 2 and a bit months so im not the best person to ask. But good ol' M-Spec there seems ot know what to look for, good advice.

 

[m7ammed]

Not sure if anybody posted this : first pic is a photoshop ,2n one is the real thing being tested:tup:

 

[Young_Warrior]

The first pic looks nice.