More "buying an E36 M3" questions!
Discussion
I know this has been done loads before and I've read through the posts but I have a couple of questions anyway.
I've looked at a two cars, first one had full history but needed a few things doing (rusty arch, a/c, front discs, ropey gearchange) The second was much better - mint with 84k and excellent history (10 stamps at BMW and then 5 from Munich Legends and Bexley). The bills aren't present though so before buying I'll contact the garages to see what work was carried out, last service (oil) was only 1500 miles ago.
One thing I found strange was the fan was running all the time - is this normal?
When revving in neutral it takes a while to settle back to idle (not lumpy or anything, just not really 'tight'). Perhaps the engine hadn't properly warmed up.
Also the engine bay hadn't been steam cleaned so was able to check for oil leaks, there was a small amount near the filler cap but the Vanos looked OK and was quiet.
So are the above things normal and is there anything else I should look for? I'm probably being paranoid but I've bought some money pits in the past!
I've looked at a two cars, first one had full history but needed a few things doing (rusty arch, a/c, front discs, ropey gearchange) The second was much better - mint with 84k and excellent history (10 stamps at BMW and then 5 from Munich Legends and Bexley). The bills aren't present though so before buying I'll contact the garages to see what work was carried out, last service (oil) was only 1500 miles ago.
One thing I found strange was the fan was running all the time - is this normal?
When revving in neutral it takes a while to settle back to idle (not lumpy or anything, just not really 'tight'). Perhaps the engine hadn't properly warmed up.
Also the engine bay hadn't been steam cleaned so was able to check for oil leaks, there was a small amount near the filler cap but the Vanos looked OK and was quiet.
So are the above things normal and is there anything else I should look for? I'm probably being paranoid but I've bought some money pits in the past!
If you mean the engine fan, yes it runs all the time as its ran by the engine this is normal.
The fan has a thermostatically controlled viscous clutch, This clutch is positioned at the hub of the fan, in the airflow coming through the radiator.
This ensures thay the fan only works as hard a sit needs to to cool the radiator.
Some more info (if youve not seen it) http://www.mym3.co.uk/guide.htm
The fan has a thermostatically controlled viscous clutch, This clutch is positioned at the hub of the fan, in the airflow coming through the radiator.
This ensures thay the fan only works as hard a sit needs to to cool the radiator.
Some more info (if youve not seen it) http://www.mym3.co.uk/guide.htm
Edited by mpwr343bhp on Sunday 28th September 17:20
james28 said:
How much are you spending?
there are a few decent ones on ebay at the mo
Check all the underside as the cars sit quite low and are prone to speed bump damageAlso get a standard car with no mods
Disagree there. Nothing wrong with decent, sensible mods. Just avoid ones that have been chav'd up or neglected.there are a few decent ones on ebay at the mo
Check all the underside as the cars sit quite low and are prone to speed bump damage
Also get a standard car with no modsI'd go for the lower mileage one - based on what you say the former is neglected.
These are expensive cars to look after and those that have been properly cared for show it. I wouldn't buy a neglected example. Always gets me when you read classified ads "The time has come to sell my pride and joy! - immaculate apart from cracked foglight, faulty aircon and scuffed alloys" - not really what I'd call anyones pride and joy!!
Plus I rate Munich Legends. Ive used them many times, and they know older M cars better than BMW.
These are expensive cars to look after and those that have been properly cared for show it. I wouldn't buy a neglected example. Always gets me when you read classified ads "The time has come to sell my pride and joy! - immaculate apart from cracked foglight, faulty aircon and scuffed alloys" - not really what I'd call anyones pride and joy!!
Plus I rate Munich Legends. Ive used them many times, and they know older M cars better than BMW.
I think I will go for the second one I looked at - really clean example and very subtle (Silver, no spoiler or rear badge, sunflower alloys) and totally standard. I'll just check out the history as it'd be nice to see what work has been done.
My budget is £6k - have to say I haven't seen many nice ones on Ebay - they all seem to be Conv, SMG or the wrong colour!
My budget is £6k - have to say I haven't seen many nice ones on Ebay - they all seem to be Conv, SMG or the wrong colour!
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