M3 Evo (E36) facts, figs and pics

[am(3)azed]

Just bought a 97 M3 coupe, never rated BMW’s before this purchase NOW very impressed indeed. Before I do something bad to it are there any nasties to lookout for its done milage 75 k, BMW FSH. Any good places for facts, figs and pics?.

[lrussell5]

had a convertible one of these - congrats on getting the coupe (MILES better)! Engine was fantastic, typical faultless BMW engineering. I was told it's fairly common to see them go to 150k without any non-service work. Unless you've got a fantastic independent specialist I'd pay for the BMW work, they have all the right kit and diagnostics for this v complex engine and dicount all parts for cars 4yrs+ old. Brakes are some of the best I've ever had, inc Porsche.

[microboy]

Tell me everything about this car. I currently have a 328i convertible and I want to buy one of these. Everybody has said dont buy one but after all the advice I have had off people..I still want one. So give me all the invo advantage, disadvantage etc etc

[Tuff Noodell]

I had an E36 M3 for 80,000 miles - sold it with 125k on the clock.
It had a full BMW service history.

Only point to really look out for was the rear suspension - upper shock mount bushes every 40k and rear trailing arm bushes every 80k.

Brakes are excellent but they do wear out - expect 1 set of disks to last 2 to 3 sets of pads.

Also in common with all E36's watch out for those fog lamp lenses on the front of the car - all stones are magnetically attracted to them.

In summary it has been the best car i have owned. Goes fast but you can also cruise in it all day if you want.

[mondeoman]

quote:

Only point to really look out for was the rear suspension - upper shock mount bushes every 40k and rear trailing arm bushes every 80k.

Is that common all all E36's?? How much to get sorted?
Just curious........

[douglasr]

Double Vanos system has been known to go bang. £1800 to fix. The problem can be avoided as the bolts that attach the cams can be replaced with higher spec ones by a dealer(£100 ish). If you here a grating noise from the front of the engine then be afraid. The engine idle valve can go. This causes the engine to race (especially when the AC is on)
(Source: EVO 45 Mcoupe used buy guide(same engine)).

If you dont have a warranty, I would be tempted to get one as those bushes mentioned before are not that cheap, especially when you include £124 for a full rear re-alligment.

>> Edited by douglasr on Sunday 11th August 22:35