Need help M3 owners please chime in.

[m3f_BMWtomas]

I am looking to trade my current car for a 95 M3. What should i watch out for?

Genuine M3s have vader seats, different mirrors, m3 badges obviously, exhaust, rear trailing arm marking or something, m3 on brake calipers pressed out, bumpers etc.


IS IT TRUE that e36 M3's vin codes start with WBS???

I know the only true and safe way is to run the vin (which i plan on doing).


Sorry about dumb/stupid questions, but thanks anyways. I have no experience with M3s, i just have an old turbo bmw. I plan on going to look at it tomorrow or sunday.. will let you guys know what happens.

[m3f_white-hot]

Subscribed!!

[m3f_BMWtomas]

inb4igetflamed

[m3f_anarekist]

sigh. good luck dude. you should take the care you're interested in to the dealer for a PPPPPP inspection.

[m3f_Em&M]

Hey,



Good luck my friend! Read up, search this forum, do your homework.



Here's a classic thread: http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=300562

[m3f_Richardsperry]

You shouldn't have to watch out for anything, maybe a strat bus...



Anyway, pay me $16,500, and you can have mine. Done... I don't drive it anymore...lol

[m3f_propchef]

You shouldn't have to watch out for anything, maybe a strat bus...



Anyway, pay me $16,500, and you can have mine. Done... I don't drive it anymore...lol

Yea, but is it a real M3? Does it have badges and stuff?

[m3f_E36.Mthreezey]

^ lol

[m3f_white-hot]

Yea, but is it a real M3? Does it have badges and stuff?

[m3f_xmetrix]

I got a ppi and it was ****ing bullshit, they totally missed that the car had no auxilary fan, the rtab carriers were installed upside down, and the ****ing fcabs were worn. I knew it didnt have the aux fan and the fcabs were worn, but wtf, upside down suspension parts. shows how well dealers follow a checklist.


Grab your phone, go to the car, pull the vin # from the dash and check it at realoem.com , also pull the vin from behind the block (use a mirror or inspection camera) to see if its the original engine, check each fender for vin #'s. check each door for vin #'s, and remove the rear license plate to check that vin. if theres no vin, its an aftermarket trunk lid (unless they put it on the inside on other years thatn those i own. if there's a DOT tag, its a replacement fender (lowers value to purists/collectors), jack up the front end and tug on the wheel side to side, into and out from the car, check for play. Check for cracks/signs of fatigue on the rtab carrier and rear subframe. Check flexdisc couplers on the driveshafts. check to see if the thermostat housing is metal or plastic. check the fuse panel, see if they're all Geniune OEM BMW style fuses (replaced fuses usually means electrical problems/grimlins/harness swap/retarded po). Check for rust if you see any, RUN AWAY!

[m3f_idriveastick]

...yeah check for VINs on every panel--that'll guarantee the car's all original. Not like they could tape over the VIN sticker and spray...

[m3f_fiveightandten]

...yeah check for matching VINs on every panel--that'll guarantee the car's all original. Not like they could tape over the VIN sticker and spray...

Fixed.


I have a swapped trunk on my car (took my spoiler trunk off). It has a VIN, but that VIN doesn't match the other panels on my car. You could do the same with a junkyard fender, bumpers, hood, etc.


Make sure they match. Also, paint work isn't the end of the world. What i'd be most concerned with are structural deformations from an accident:

-Check the front rails for any signs of deformation, repairs, or new rails welded in.

-Check the spare tire well for any signs of deformation, repairs, or a new floor pan welded in.

-Pull back the carpet in the trunk and check for hammer marks or creases in the quarter panels.

-Check the unibody around the side skirts for any deformations, fresh undercoat, etc.


Additionally, there are VIN tags on the rear quarter panels. It's almost directly under the fuel filler door. Same on the other side. With a flashlight, you can see them inbetween the bumper and quarter panel. Look for overspray on the tags.

[m3f_roarE36M3]

As long as it says M Power. You are good to go, lol.



Also, not all M3's have vader seats. There are sport and luxury models.



If it goes vroom vroom... it's gotta be an M. But seriously just do a search and you will find your answer.