Advice for M3 convertible i'm considering buying

[afcb]

Hi, just been to look at a M reg M3 convertible in blue this morning but have a couple of queries.

1: The bottle in the front left of the engine bay - what is it used for and how full should it be?

2: There was quite a bit of oil on the silver tray on the left hand side of engine, is this known as a problem or could it be overspill.

3: How tight should the gearbox feel - i'm coming from an auto supra so it might just be me but how much play should there be whilst in gear?

4: The elctric hood works fine although needs a slight push up to get it to retract, is there different motors for different stages or is it just sticking that can be easily sorted?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Ps Vanos changed 25k ago

cheers

Andy

>>> Edited by afcb on Tuesday 22 March 13:46

[JRSE]

afcb said:

Hi, just been to look at a M reg M3 convertible in blue this morning but have a couple of queries. 1: The bottle in the front left of the engine bay - what is it used for and how full should it be? 2: There was quite a bit of oil on the silver tray on the left hand side of engine, is this known as a problem or could it be overspill. 3: How tight should the gearbox feel - i'm coming from an auto supra so it might just be me but how much play should there be whilst in gear? 4: The elctric hood works fine although needs a slight push up to get it to retract, is there different motors for different stages or is it just sticking that can be easily sorted? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Ps Vanos changed 25k ago cheers Andy >>> Edited by afcb on Tuesday 22 March 13:46

Hi mate...

I wouldn't buy a convertbile again without a dealer warranty... Check out my thread on page 2. I've spent a fortune and still without my car. My hood operated perfectly and then packed up! Is it a full electric roof? If so different motors for different stages. I've just forked out for new ones.

Make sure the car has no water leaks!

An "M"... So that would be pre evo. Vanos wasn't an issue I believe - only the dual vanos on the evo. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Oil overspill? Wouldn't have thought so.

Might be worth spending £150 on an inspection. I did that with one car I viewed...

[gemini]

the hoods need a lift to start them - then they retract electrically

[mustard]

gemini said:

the hoods need a lift to start them - then they retract electrically

We know where theres a good one for sale dont we!

[gemini]

we do in deed
and shes a decent lass too

North yorkshire wave may get included in the price
Some of us would kill for that

[mustard]

gemini said:

we do in deed and shes a decent lass too North yorkshire wave may get included in the price Some of us would kill for that

Tiz a good wave!

[afcb]

cheers for the help lads

i've arranged for a full AA report for tomorrow now £375!!!!! better pass or a complete waste of money (i know its not if it stops me buying a shed but still nothing to show for it)

I've also been told that after 98 it was poss to have the hood retract remotely and you can buy a part to replace the locking handle to enable this on earlier ones. Is this the case and has anyone had or seen it done?

[JRSE]

afcb said:

cheers for the help lads i've arranged for a full AA report for tomorrow now £375!!!!! better pass or a complete waste of money (i know its not if it stops me buying a shed but still nothing to show for it) I've also been told that after 98 it was poss to have the hood retract remotely and you can buy a part to replace the locking handle to enable this on earlier ones. Is this the case and has anyone had or seen it done?

I had a BMW dealer inspect one car I looked at. That was £150.00. Well worth it IMO. It revealed the car needed an further £1k spending on it but the seller wouldn't reduce price... Exhaust manifold had a small crack, etc.

The hood on my '96 doesn't need a lift or anything!? The car I had inspected was also a '96 and the hood retracted remotely on that using a Clifford alarm.

>> Edited by JRSE on Thursday 24th March 11:56