Buying '97 BMW M3... Help?
 

Anybody got any advice for a mate of mine who is hoping to buy a '97 model BMW M3?
He took it for a test drive and felt some noticeable drive train slack in 1st & 2nd gears - is this a serious problem?

Any other advice/ things to look for would be much appreciated...

Cheers

Mick :D

Millions (well, a fair few) of threads on here about them. Do a serch.

Over and above basics, check Vanos. Can make the car feel weak and slack in 1st/2nd gears. Sounds grindy too when it's on the way out.

Cool cars though!!! :D

IIRC There's a problem with the VANOS units (BMW equivelent of VTEC) on these, they a prone to breaking at around 60k ?!? and require replacing at mucho cost. I did consider one myself instead of the Scoob and seem to remember seeing something about this. Get one that's already had it done and you should be okay for another 60k+ miles.

I'm still tempted, but would probably go for the newer shaped one if I returned to the BMW fold.

Tried thread search (honest ;) ) but won't search on 'M3' says it's too short a word!!!!!

Thanks for the replys anyway guys...

Cheers

Mick :D

Mick, search "M3*" in the titles of other marques. Rather than millions, I got about 7 results, a couple look OK for you.

check out www.bm3w.co.uk

I sold my 97 evo last august before the M5. Ok all i can say is go on bm3w.co.uk,they are quite cheap now.

However you have to remember that the service intervals are 6000-7000 miles if that, and they cost more to service than my M5. which has intervals of 12000 miles.

You can find some of them with bmw warranty, then u are safe but obviously the service costs of the dealer can hurt.

Vanos you will hear it on start-up and idle, its like a spray can being shaken if its wrong.

Be Careful, as they became cheap so did the owners.

Look for a low mileage, 1 or 2 owner car with fsh and you wont go wrong, you might pay a few grand more but at least you have a good chance of getting one that has no issues.

VANOS is the weak point, £600minimum to replace, the car must have full and comprehensive history to be a really credible buy. Is it from a dealer or private?
AA or RAC inspection highly recommended.
Some have been run by people who can't afford to maintain and service them correctly.
HTH.