Any BMW owners here?

[Aking]

I've always wanted like a late 90s or 2000 BMW M3. I'd love to yank the motor and tranny out of one of these things. Any owners on the forum?

[cakes]

Antik does. His M3 is his avatar.

[ManOfBusiness]

E36 M3's are awesome... my second favorite car... not the fastest car you can buy, but it will out handle pretty much everything and is just a spirited car.

My daily is an E46 330ci

[Aking]

Originally Posted by ManOfBusiness

E36 M3's are awesome... my second favorite car... not the fastest car you can buy, but it will out handle pretty much everything and is just a spirited car.

My daily is an E46 330ci

I like the older models but now I'm looking at a black 02 328i now with 83k miles, debating on if I want this car or not. In the little research I have done, it sounds like the 3-series have no major motor or tranny issues, unlike the 7-series.

What year is yours? Mileage? Any major issues or complaints?

Here's the car...

[ManOfBusiness]

Originally Posted by Aking

I like the older models but now I'm looking at a black 02 328i now with 83k miles, debating on if I want this car or not. In the little research I have done, it sounds like the 3-series have no major motor or tranny issues, unlike the 7-series.

What year is yours? Mileage? Any major issues or complaints?

Here's the car...

I tell you what you buy an E46 and you will have no regrets...
The good news is there are no issues if the car is maintained. However there are some things you want to look out for.

-The vanos module fails due to the piston seals, this comes with age and usually start to go bad between 80k and 100k, you'll know if you hear a ticking noise coming from the upper valve train system, easy to spot. even when its broken the car runs fine, just slightly more ruff at idle and less torque all around.

-There is a rear part of the sub frame that cracks, Some get it some don't but don't be suprised if you do, won't keep you from driving the car, but is a costly fix if ur anal.

-Don't know if the 328's came with steptronic trans but the torque converters in those can go bad if you have a certain model which you can check, also in manual transmissions the reverse gear can stop working, not sure why tho.

-Some people have issues with their M54's burning oil between oil changes, I don't have that issue though.

as Far as I know thats it.

As For Me and My E46... NO issues at all! , bought it with 100k, put 14k on it and haven't had an issue yet besides a crack in the coolant overflow which was replaced free of charge but was only a $50 part. its an 03

Car is a relatively hard DIY car to work on, but its possible and the parts aren't "THAT" expensive.

Its worth it though. And that looks to be a very sexy well maintained 328, I really like the preface lift look

I urge you to check out E46fanatics.com and get a feel for the most common issues cause I know I missed a few. I haven't joined my self I just use them as an information base.

AND IF U WANT GO FAST RACE CAR, GET THE M3!

[LegendaryKA8]

Chiming in since I was poking around the forum. Picked up a '99 E38 740iL a couple months. Hit 250K a few weeks ago and still in love with the car. I love the E36 M3, but I'd have to say that the M roadster of the same era is what I'd pick up in a heartbeat. Same engine in the Z3 chassis. Get me one in silver or Estoril Blue Metallic and I'd die a happy man.

[Apex|000]

I own one and have several close friends who own stock and modified M3s ( e30s , e36s & E46s and one odd ball with a E92 -_-)

i currently own a E36 99' 328i , about a month ago i drove a E36 M3 for about a week and almost bought it. but i decided it wasnt worth the money. I'm like $3,000 into my current car and i'm going to invest in a TRM kit sooner or later . . . after i replace literally everything on the car first -_- , not that it needs it. i'm just being picky .

but to answer your question , i say go for it. E36 M3s ( 95 ( obd1) to 99 ) can be purchased rather cheap , depending on mileage and condition you're looking at between $6,000 & $15,000 ( for pristine garage kept ones ). have about $8,000 to $9,000 ready to spend if want a well kept E36 M3.

my question is , How much are you looking to spend ?

[Aking]

I just found a clean 2003 BMW 540i w/150k miles for $1500, but it doesnt run. Owner says he doesnt have time to mess with it. He owns a gas station and Ive seen him get out of a 2007 bimmer, a TL and an Infiniti. Money isnt a issue for him, Im sure its something simple like a fuel pump.

He says it cranks but wont turn over, gotta be the fuel pump. They're easy to get to on these, right under the back seat.

[Aking]

[ManOfBusiness]

U pick it up???