M3 ownership?

[m3f_danwink]

Hello everyone. I am interested in locating a 1995-1998 M3, I would like a 4 dr from 97-98 if possible but will consider either car. My question is in regard to reliability and cost of ownership for a M3.



How reliable has the M3 proven to be, what areas are prone to failure. Is there any online buyers guides for these cars?



Also, how expensive is an M3 to live with? I don't want a car that requires constant outlays of cash (my audi V8 comes to mind) and regular downtime.

[m3f_M3BOUND]

The reliability ratings that I have seen are very good. I just purchased a 98 sedan with 114k and had it gone over by a BMW mechanic. He said they are very reliable and durable like to be driven hard (within reason). Keep in mind that the engineering and parts that make the car so good are expensive to replace. This insurance is another to look into.



Nothing can match the grins per mile.......I picked up my car then went on a 8 mile loop of s turns, off and on ramps and traffic weaving and just had to bust out laughing.....damn, what a car!

[m3f_erikM3]

The M3/4 did not come out until 1997 so you can narrow your search to 97-99. My car is very rel. @ 62,000 except for rear tire replacement comes along fairly often.

[m3f_danwink]

Thanks for all the info.

Eric, it looks like all of your cars might have the same problem with replacing rear tires... :beer:

[m3f_mcdonaldb]

actually you can narrow it to 97-98, they didnt make it any other year, they only made about 4500 in 97, i have a 97 alpine white 4 dr automatic and i have had it since june and not a issue with it yet.

[m3f_danwink]

Tell me about the automatic M3's. I know it is a 5 speed, is it an autoshift and how nicely does it work? I am suspect of owning an automatic BMW but have seen a couple good auto M3's for sale.

[m3f_mcdonaldb]

It has three mode, Regular , sport and manual. I like having it since i drive in traiffic twice a day and i have had many sticks in the past and didnt like the constant shifting every two seconds. But there are many days that i wish i would have gotten a manual, but i could not find a manual m3 4 door that didnt have under 50K for less than 28K, i paid 23.3K for my car with 42Kmiles, so i jumped at this car and compromised on the stick. But if i was buying a coupe i would get a stick for sure, Hope this helps let me know if you have any other questions.