Discussion
Is there any reason that a 6K M (E36 M3 or E34 M5) would be a bad idea? Want something nippy but saloon like to use as a daily driver. Probably put around 20K a year on it.
The hand built element of the M5 is rather appealing but can you get a good 3.6 for 6K? There seems to be a lot of 6K M3's about but I take it 90% of them are dogs?
Matt
The hand built element of the M5 is rather appealing but can you get a good 3.6 for 6K? There seems to be a lot of 6K M3's about but I take it 90% of them are dogs?
Matt
I have an E36 M3 coupe that I paid less than £6k for and it's done 150k miles and it's fine. It's not immaculate but it's got a fully stamped BMW service history and has been well looked after.
As long as they've been serviced as they should be then they should be strong for 200k miles plus.
As long as they've been serviced as they should be then they should be strong for 200k miles plus.
You can pick up decent E36 M3s for £6k. I had one that was at that price and was 100% reliable and a great car - went right and had a good service history. Avoid ones that have had loads of owners, and make sure the book is all stamped up and you should be able to get something that fits the bill.
You can pick up an early 3.8 for £6k if you don't mind it having more than 100,000 miles on it.
The most expensive thing you're going to have to worry about with the later ones is the £3k cost of replacing the suspension when it goes.
Engine & gearbox are solid and will do 200,000 miles as long as you give it good oil and keep up the maintenance.
The most expensive thing you're going to have to worry about with the later ones is the £3k cost of replacing the suspension when it goes.
Engine & gearbox are solid and will do 200,000 miles as long as you give it good oil and keep up the maintenance.
M-Five said:
The most expensive thing you're going to have to worry about with the later ones is the £3k cost of replacing the suspension when it goes.
100,000 miles odd is no problem, obviously the M5 was built as an executive missile and as such their nearly all going to have post 100K mileage. Any common failiure points that require attention? The T16 costs around 3K a year to keep on the road as a daily driver so anything under this is acceptable.
I take it the 3K suspension is the Nurburgring electronic adjustable stuff? Any reason you can't just remove the electronics and fit it with some Bilsteins? I'd much rather be able to set the car up to my requirements that way.
Cheers
Matt
apache said:
Have a look here Matt
www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=28683&s=273
your's looks in good nick apache !
You can put on aftermarket suspension, but there are not many option available in the UK.
Hartge used to do a kit, but stopped a few years back and the last ones were sold last year at Birds.
One or two guys on the www.m5board.com/vbulletin/ have done the change, and the final cost was around £2k anyway.
Alternators (£400), air flow meters (£300+labour), idle control valves (£200+labour), are the common 100k+ problem areas.
Suspension bushes also need regular replacement to stop a bit of 'wandering', but then you might as well do the thrust arms as well.
There are not a lot of upgrades for the e34 M5, and what there is comes mainly from the US for the earlier, less powerful US cars.
Hartge used to do a kit, but stopped a few years back and the last ones were sold last year at Birds.
One or two guys on the www.m5board.com/vbulletin/ have done the change, and the final cost was around £2k anyway.
Alternators (£400), air flow meters (£300+labour), idle control valves (£200+labour), are the common 100k+ problem areas.
Suspension bushes also need regular replacement to stop a bit of 'wandering', but then you might as well do the thrust arms as well.
There are not a lot of upgrades for the e34 M5, and what there is comes mainly from the US for the earlier, less powerful US cars.
This is a timely topic as I want to downtrade from my E39 M5 and move to the E34.
I really am interested in all the fine details of 140k+ miles on the motor etc and the viability of not having to poor cash in.
I have been to Munich Legends and chatted with those nice guys, as well as driven a low mileage LE.
There is even a car on the PH site with 160k on...
Any info greatly appreciated...
Cheers M5Sime
I really am interested in all the fine details of 140k+ miles on the motor etc and the viability of not having to poor cash in.
I have been to Munich Legends and chatted with those nice guys, as well as driven a low mileage LE.
There is even a car on the PH site with 160k on...
Any info greatly appreciated...
Cheers M5Sime
One thing to consider when deciding between an M3 and M5 of that vintage is, what kind on driving is your day to day milage?
If you do a lot of low speed town crawling with only occasional high speed blasts then I would advise you to avoid the M5 and go for the M3. The M5 is a peaky beast and will only do 15-18mpg around town. The lumpyness does become a pain after a while.
The M3 is more civilised in this respect, plus you can pick up 4 door Evos for around 6k now, which are even easier to live with because of the double Vanos.
If you do a lot of low speed town crawling with only occasional high speed blasts then I would advise you to avoid the M5 and go for the M3. The M5 is a peaky beast and will only do 15-18mpg around town. The lumpyness does become a pain after a while.
The M3 is more civilised in this respect, plus you can pick up 4 door Evos for around 6k now, which are even easier to live with because of the double Vanos.
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff