rico2k_uk

looking at getting one of these, anyone know what the running costs are?

Richard_P

How long's a piece of string type question!

They are getting on a bit now so potentially suspension, brakes, exhaust, abs sensors etc all needing replaced on many examples.

If your buying a 5k one, rememeber it was originally a 40k car so if things start going wrong the cost of the car could quickly double.

There are now lots of ex-nova drivers driving them like nova's (and running them on the same budget). Still an excellent car if you get a good example though!

rico2k_uk

sorry, should have put a little more info.

its a 1999 bmw m3 e36 evo, 3.2ltr, etc etc. totally standard, and going for about 10k. full equipment as standard. i like it cause it is totally unmolested. so hopefully had a better life. i only do a couple of miles to work in the morning, back in the evening, drive to the gym , and every once in a while drive to dundee (30 or so miles) for a bit of shopping. never race, cant be arsed, so the thing will never be pushed.

quite lookin gofrward to a good test drive at the weekend. just hoping anyone can give a few pointers on what to look for? I hear the VANOS system may need a once over, but otherwise ok.

Thanks ppl!

Raartoot

a definate yes on the Vanos, I had the Baby M3 95 3ltr with the one vanos and I had it checked out by friend of mine, After 45mins of messing around, the seller remembers he had the original receipt for the New vanos, 4 months old, Cheers then I swiped the Motor off him..........then sold it 2 months later for another Scooby!!!

rico2k_uk

any other bits i need to look out for? sorry ppl for posting here, but there are no good m3 owners clubs!

Richard_P

Dundee? Where are you based?

Here's a basic buying guide -

http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/art...113610,00.html

What I said before applies though, basics like exhaust can be expensive. They aren't bad cars to work on in some ways if you do stuff yourself or use an independent specialist labour times aren't too bad.


Basically if the vanos hasn't been replaced then it needs done from what I remember. I think it's a £2500 job too.

Should be reliable apart from that.

Check the rear arches, they go on all E36's, look for bubbling, if there is even a hint of it then by this time next year you'll have rust spots showing on the outside so budget to get it looked at.

What's the history like? At that money it should be comprehensive.

easyrider

Having had an Evo before, i can say that i feel they are overrated-like many a scoob owner, i sold my scoob to get an M3 only to sell it 6 months later to get another scoob.
Dont get me wrong, theyre a very capable and quick car - just not that involving, wallow about when pushed hard, dont feel very tourquey ,all the power is at the top end.
Genuine parts such as discs/pads,sensors ect are actually quite reasonably priced when you compare it to Subaru's extortionate prices.

Gary.

rico2k_uk

its not going ot be used all that hard, just the odd trip on the dual carrageway. i live in perth which aint far from dundee.

thanks for the buyers guide, been looking for ages for a decent one

Richard_P

What's also worth a look is Carsurvey.

http://www.carsurvey.org/model_BMW_M3.html

All owner reviews so can be biased either way but a lot of people list whats gone wrong so gives a general idea of repeat issues and costs.

FletchCSL

www.bm3w.co.uk