95 M3 purchasing advice?

[Nate D]

I am interested in owning a '95 M3 for all around use and abuse. I plan to autocross and track the car minimally.

Are there any suggestions regarding trouble areas to avoid when searching for the right car? Do the motors usually die after 120k? Do the bushings etc in the suspension give out within a certain period? Do the tranny's have issues? What are the good and bad things to look for?

My thoughts are 5 speed (no brainer for track use), 100-150K mileage, body does not have to be pristine. I've even considered a salvage title car if it does not have extensive collision damage (alignment issues). Any thoughts?

Thank you for any feedback that will help me identify the right candidates.

-Nate

 

[sinisterE36]

salvage cars have an advantage if most of what you have to change or modify is already damaged or missing your not really losing or spending more money where you dont have too.....example :wheels,suspension,brakes are all things we change eventually even if we arent doing serious mods.
clean cars just arent always as clean as they claim to be (body and interior look good but engine beat to hell even if the compartment is clean)

the only advantage of a clean car is that if it has never been modified or lightly modified close to what your already gonna do.

p.s. another thing about salvage cars is that most insurance companies write off cars that have very little damage at all just causes its cheaper to write it off than to repair it at all?

 

[MReedBMWM3]

What's your budget?

I would search on BMW Forums, you have a better chance of receiving one owned by a meticulous freak.....

Here are few classified ads from BMW Car Club of America Classified Ads... You can bet this guys have kept up on maintenance.

1995 M3 5UXFA535X2LP47729 Blue/gray leather, 46k miles, 5-speed manual, Dinan chip, 6 CD changer, heated seats, all original, no accidents, garaged, second owner. $17,500 Philipp Othmer: 816 682-2344; zuba2@aol.com. (MO)

1995 M3 WBSBF932XSEH05849 Boston green/champagne, 103k miles, 5-speed manual, new P-Zeros, UUC shifter, Borla exhaust, never tracked, all maintenance records. $12,950 973 257-9490; masters3@optonline.net. (NJ)

1995 M3 WBSBF9324SEH07354 Red/black leather, 58k miles, 5-speed manual, new tires, new stainless cat-back exhaust, new H&R coil-over suspension, new PA inspection, new updated cooling system and brake line flush, 100% dealer service with all stamps and records, mint! $17,000 Rick: 717 541-8573; fsnyder17@comcast.net. (PA)

1995 M3 WBSBF9324SEH03210 Avus blue/gray leather, 77k miles, 5-speed manual, sunroof, CD changer, cruise, on-board computer, turbo (modified MechTech/Aerodyne kit), valve retainer updated, x-brace, Koni coil-over, RD Sport bars, GC adj camber, BBS RKs and Kosei K1s. Great condition, fun for daily driving, driving-schools or autocross. $18,000 Alain: 303 652-2974. (CO)

 

[codex57]

The main thing I remember about E36 models is to check out the water pump. Maybe post in the E36 section cuz people might be more knowledgeable or responsive in there.