Dealbreaker on this M3/4/5?

[m3f_toothfixer]

I am actively looking for an M3/4/5 in the western US. Came across this one and got some info on it

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d.../?aff=atempest



I wanted some opinions about this part of the service history.

"Has to jump start, charge battery and test charging system, 1 amp draw on system, test and inspect for draw, lots of water under carpet, lift carpet and dry out, draw found at trunk light, clean and repair wire, draw is no longer there."



The car is in Oregon. Is this a deal breaker?

Thanks

[m3f_englishtom1596q]

Non m3 seats and lux package sucks but it is an awesome color. That service history I wouldn't care about. The problem was fixed. I would find out where the water came from (open window or bad seal).


Overall it looks clean and you'll pay a premium because of dealer and that color. Other than that with those miles and dove interior it's a $8k car

[m3f_Cdub]

Just my opinion, but I think the car is overpriced. I totally understand its a rare color combo.


However, It doesn't seen to me that the seats are original as there aren't any M stripes on the seats from what I can tell. Also carpet shade doesn't appear to match seats, kind of hard to tell, so that might be a good indicator the interior has been replaced. And of course all those fake carbon fiber pieces are aftermarket as well.


For an all original car, to someone that really like the color it MIIIIGHT be worth it. With all the discrepancies, I think you can prob do better.


To your original question, I don't think that issue is a dealbreaker. I would ask if PPI are allowed and bring it to an independent mechanic.

[m3f_matthugie]

$15k for a car with 150k miles? I understand it's a rare color and the M3/4/5 carries a premium but not that much.

[m3f_westopher]

However, It doesn't seen to me that the seats are original as there aren't any M stripes on the seats from what I can tell. Also carpet shade doesn't appear to match seats, kind of hard to tell, so that might be a good indicator the interior has been replaced.

Lux package cars didn't have stripes on the seats. Car looks nice. Its overpriced but if its what you want, its still not expensive. 14k isn't a lot of money.

The service history is a selling feature if anything. Its an old car, shits going to break, and it was owned by someone who fixed it. Thats a good thing.

I HATE byzanz, so the car doesn't interest me (sorry samgrant951, but I still actually love your Byzanz) so I wouldn't be interested at that price, but if it were the same car in techno on mulberry or something that aligned with my interests I'd have no problem paying the money for it.


Edit: Upon closer look you are definitely right about the seats. The carpet, dash, seats and doorcards are all weird as ****. I'd pass.

15k can get you an awesome e36.

[m3f_toothfixer]

Thanks guys, the info is really helpful

It's great to get some experienced eyes on a car.

The car is listed on cl for $13.5k

There was also some reported water damage from a sunroof leak.

I would like a white, blue or silver car so the rarity of the color is a non issue for me. The search continues...

[m3f_scoobiedoo2029]

the seats are correct to a 1997 lux. i have seen a 1998 lux with m striped seats and door air bags, but never a 1997 with pleated door pannels. my car has pleated door pannels and no m stripe seats.


price seems steep but its a dealer, apparently has some electrical monsters... fast and furious carbon bits and a love it of hate it color. dunno about this car it depends on what else the market has, sorted manual sedans are not a common car, this is EAG pricing though and noone complaines about thie pricing, but they back it up, this dealer, who knows

[m3f_M_Parallel]

Non m3 seats ...

What no M3 seats? It has the BMW sportseats, which every M3 sedan got.



Please don't tell me you're talking about those 3 little strips of leather not being there? That doesn't make it an M3 seat or not.



Then again, over here in Euroland, (at least) verts, never got M striping on the front nor back seats. Which is much cleaner anyways.

[m3f_Bimma360]

As stated, $15K should get you a great e36 M3. If I were in your shoes, with such and e36 budget, I would be shopping nation wide. With that kind of cash I wouldn't let location be my limiting factor.

[m3f_englishtom1596q]

What no M3 seats? It has the BMW sportseats, which every M3 sedan got.



Please don't tell me you're talking about those 3 little strips of leather not being there? That doesn't make it an M3 seat or not.



Then again, over here in Euroland, (at least) verts, never got M striping on the front nor back seats. Which is much cleaner anyways.

Mines a 98 m3/4/5 with dove sport seats and stripes. Didn't know they came without them

[m3f_MMMGP]

That's not gray interior, it's mulberry and so the car has a black dash. Seats are correct, no M stripes on lux packaged cars. Aside from the CF bits, interior appears to be correct from the photos.


Also has a factory spoiler, heated seats, cruise control, and the HK sound system.

[m3f_fiveightandten]

I am actively looking for an M3/4/5 in the western US. Came across this one and got some info on it

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d.../?aff=atempest



I wanted some opinions about this part of the service history.

"Has to jump start, charge battery and test charging system, 1 amp draw on system, test and inspect for draw, lots of water under carpet, lift carpet and dry out, draw found at trunk light, clean and repair wire, draw is no longer there."



The car is in Oregon. Is this a deal breaker?

Thanks

Breaks in the trunk wiring loom do happen. It shorts out the wiring and things like this can result. However, it's obviously a separate issue from the water. The water is what i'd be worried about. How long was it wet? Are the floor pans rotted out? Did it compromise the factory coating under the carpet? Etc.



It's not necessarily a deal breaker if you can confirm there wasn't any damage done. But that can be a big deal. However, it sounds like this isn't necessarily exactly what you're looking for. $15K is top dollar, so you should be buying exactly what you want, and in nice shape. I wouldn't settle for any question marks up in the air if the car isn't exactly what you want.



It sounds like you'd be flying out to see it, or buying it sight unseen. You may have to keep looking. Only you can really determine if that should be the case or not. If it were me, i'd want to see under that carpet. I'm also not entirely sure those front seats are factory leather. Carpet looks a bit too light as well, but the lighting in the pictures is a little weird...that may be all it is.

[m3f_Doghouse]

2 nice looking M3/4/5s just listed on eBay in CA by the same seller.

[m3f_toothfixer]

Thanks Poorhouse

This is a great forum

[m3f_100xTREE]

I've been looking out for M3/4/5s as well and I came across these:



https://www.bmwcca.org/ads/101326

https://www.bmwcca.org/ads/101331



They're a bit pricey for me but I thought I'd pass them along in case they align with your requirements