E36 M3 EVO SMG - any problems?
Discussion
FastRich said:
Hi folks,
I'm thinking about buying an M3 EVO Convertible SMG, well taking it as p/ex against my Porsche 968. Are there any faults I should look out for with these, particuluarly with the SMG g/box? Any tell tale signs of a bad one?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Rich
What model M3 is it mate? I'm thinking about buying an M3 EVO Convertible SMG, well taking it as p/ex against my Porsche 968. Are there any faults I should look out for with these, particuluarly with the SMG g/box? Any tell tale signs of a bad one?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Rich
M3J.
Well clearly as per question he is buying an e36 m3 evo vert!
There can be problems with these as they were the first versions. Not nearly as good to drive as a manual obviously. Think the usual rule is get it thoroughly checked before purchase, HPI, require a bulletproof history etc!
However you will get a more concrete answer at www.e36coupe.com/forum
There can be problems with these as they were the first versions. Not nearly as good to drive as a manual obviously. Think the usual rule is get it thoroughly checked before purchase, HPI, require a bulletproof history etc!
However you will get a more concrete answer at www.e36coupe.com/forum
Thanks fella's.
I'm seeing the car tomorrow and have the facilities to carry out an HPI check so I'll do that as standard practice. I just don't know what to look out for with regard the gearbox as I've not driven one of the early SMG's. The later ones can be jerky so I'm expecting that but I'll keep a well trained ear on the job for clunks/rattles/grinding!
Thanks for the link too, its helpful!
Rich
I'm seeing the car tomorrow and have the facilities to carry out an HPI check so I'll do that as standard practice. I just don't know what to look out for with regard the gearbox as I've not driven one of the early SMG's. The later ones can be jerky so I'm expecting that but I'll keep a well trained ear on the job for clunks/rattles/grinding!
Thanks for the link too, its helpful!
Rich
I would avoid buying an E36 with SMG. They have plenty of problems and can be a slag to fix.
Aside from that when buying an E36 M3 you want to get them properly checked out as the cost of repair relative to the cost of buyinging these days is pretty high.
I would advise you sepak to an independent expert in your area and see if they can inspect for you. Personally I only ever use these guys... www.bmsport.com (0208 304 97 97)
Aside from that when buying an E36 M3 you want to get them properly checked out as the cost of repair relative to the cost of buyinging these days is pretty high.
I would advise you sepak to an independent expert in your area and see if they can inspect for you. Personally I only ever use these guys... www.bmsport.com (0208 304 97 97)
Bugger,
I didn't realise they were that bad! Suerly with a full BWM service history and only 54k it shouldn't be too bad???!!
Its not a car I would choose to buy but its coming in P/ex against my current car, which has been bullet proof, so I'm going to sell it anyway!
If I go ahead hopefully it won't cause too many problems
I didn't realise they were that bad! Suerly with a full BWM service history and only 54k it shouldn't be too bad???!!
Its not a car I would choose to buy but its coming in P/ex against my current car, which has been bullet proof, so I'm going to sell it anyway!
If I go ahead hopefully it won't cause too many problems
If I could add a note from my limited experience;
Generally, any M3 you buy should be bought on condition and not necessarily mileage. If you go for both, you will pay dear.
A full SH with a stack of bills/history is a must, (doesnt have to be BMW) otherwise walk away. You need concrete evidence that the car has been religiously maintained by people who know what they're doing (hence the suggestion that a full BMWSH isn't always necessary
). If so, you shouldn't have too many worries.
Not had any expereice of the SMG, but cars thus equipped tend to sell for less. You can read into that what you will, but I prefer the manual. I also belive that early SMG cars suffered a lot of problems but that may well be typical interweb heresy.
Interestingly, I actually considered a 968 before I bought the M3, but found the expereice strangley underwhelming. The Bimmer may not be quite as sharp to drive but IMO it has loads more character and an engine to die for.
Which brings me onto the final point that you may or may not be aware of. If the VANOS goes, an indi will charge you ~2k to repair it. Make sure the car you are looking at sounds as sweet as a nut, with no nasty groans/whines on startup. If the engine whines when hot (many liken the sound to marbles being swirled around in a tub
), then walk away. Many report the odd growl when cold and have had no problems, but if the car's doing it when hot, then from my research, it is a sign the VANOS is about to pop.
HTH
Incidently, feel free to drop me a line if you ave any more queries. I cannot help with the SMG, but as I bought my car a month ago, the knowledge from the research I did is still fresh in my mind.
Generally, any M3 you buy should be bought on condition and not necessarily mileage. If you go for both, you will pay dear.
A full SH with a stack of bills/history is a must, (doesnt have to be BMW) otherwise walk away. You need concrete evidence that the car has been religiously maintained by people who know what they're doing (hence the suggestion that a full BMWSH isn't always necessary
). If so, you shouldn't have too many worries.Not had any expereice of the SMG, but cars thus equipped tend to sell for less. You can read into that what you will, but I prefer the manual. I also belive that early SMG cars suffered a lot of problems but that may well be typical interweb heresy.
Interestingly, I actually considered a 968 before I bought the M3, but found the expereice strangley underwhelming. The Bimmer may not be quite as sharp to drive but IMO it has loads more character and an engine to die for.
Which brings me onto the final point that you may or may not be aware of. If the VANOS goes, an indi will charge you ~2k to repair it. Make sure the car you are looking at sounds as sweet as a nut, with no nasty groans/whines on startup. If the engine whines when hot (many liken the sound to marbles being swirled around in a tub
), then walk away. Many report the odd growl when cold and have had no problems, but if the car's doing it when hot, then from my research, it is a sign the VANOS is about to pop.HTH
Incidently, feel free to drop me a line if you ave any more queries. I cannot help with the SMG, but as I bought my car a month ago, the knowledge from the research I did is still fresh in my mind.
as an FYI....
a way to check the Vanos variable cam timing system which is gear driven and located at the top end of the engine block closest to the front of the car, find a quiet spot and pop the bonnet and get close to this point. Get someone rev the car gently to 2.5k and hold for a couple of secs then release. As the recs drop if you hear a distinctive "brrrrrr" noise then the vanos 'may' have a problem.
Having said that, some vanos systems make a bit of noise but are ok. Another indicator is a fussy pick up from low revs. All M3 Evos require a few revs to really get charging but they shouldn't stutter.
But, before you get put off by Vanos horror stories remember that stories of failure, whilst common, are overpublisised by those that have suffered.
a way to check the Vanos variable cam timing system which is gear driven and located at the top end of the engine block closest to the front of the car, find a quiet spot and pop the bonnet and get close to this point. Get someone rev the car gently to 2.5k and hold for a couple of secs then release. As the recs drop if you hear a distinctive "brrrrrr" noise then the vanos 'may' have a problem.
Having said that, some vanos systems make a bit of noise but are ok. Another indicator is a fussy pick up from low revs. All M3 Evos require a few revs to really get charging but they shouldn't stutter.
But, before you get put off by Vanos horror stories remember that stories of failure, whilst common, are overpublisised by those that have suffered.
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