What are common problems for '95 M3 engines? (if any) (new member!)

[m3f_fox1324]

hi everyone, i'm new to this board and this is my first (and very urgent) post. I'm a 19 y/o college student in New Jersey. Right now I'm very interested in a 1993 325 with a modded '95 M3 engine under the hood (or bonnet :P). I want more than anything to buy this car, but because of the price I would need some help from my father to cover the entire cost. Unfortunately for me, my dad is dead set against buying ANY bimmer, let alone one with an M3 engine, because he believes that they are prone to tons of mechanical problems which are very expensive to fix.



My question is: is this really the case? If so, what are some of the most common problems for 95 M3 engines and how expensive/difficult are they to fix?



Please be as honest and thorough as possible with your responses as you can, and anyone on the board who has had a good, trouble-free experience with their M3 is also encouraged to chime in!



Thanks a lot all,

-Nick Galasso

[m3f_sixwatches]

i have a 95 m3 the only problems i have had with the engine is the idle. it is all over the place when its cold, it even stalls sometimes but besides that its great. it has 60k miles on it right now and i bought it with 40k miles on it. im 18 going on to college and live in new jersey too but i think im selling this car soon.

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

Have you had your ICV checked?

[m3f_n8nod9it]

Have you had your ICV checked?





Repairs can be costly on a BMW, but BMW engines are very well engineered, and with a good vehicle history/documents you should be happy. Problems usually show up with the cooling system...waterpump, thermo-housing, radiator neck. These should be replaced if your car has more than 50k on it, and if there arent any documents showing upgrade to the metal impeller. The Vanos, similar to VTEC system, can be a costly fix if it is failing. Other than that, i know of no major problems, other than ones caused by the owner racing, or over revving the engine. Your dads concern is probably well intentioned, as younger drivers tend to be harder on their cars, and servicing BMW at the dealer are expensive unless you can do some work yourself.

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

Repairs can be costly on a BMW, but BMW engines are very well engineered, and with a good vehicle history/documents you should be happy. Problems usually show up with the cooling system...waterpump, thermo-housing, radiator neck. These should be replaced if your car has more than 50k on it, and if there arent any documents showing upgrade to the metal impeller. The Vanos, similar to VTEC system, can be a costly fix if it is failing. Other than that, i know of no major problems, other than ones caused by the owner racing, or over revving the engine. Your dads concern is probably well intentioned, as younger drivers tend to be harder on their cars, and servicing BMW at the dealer are expensive unless you can do some work yourself.



Someone sounds like a parent :smash: ... but ill agree on that. My frist car was an 82 bmw, at first, I didn't really want something that old... all my friends have newer faster cars.. but.. I fell inlove with the damn thing.. go figure. BMWs are good if you treat them right.

[m3f_GrkMf95M3]

The main problem with the 95 M3 engine is the water impeller (a $30 part). It was originally made of plastic and they later changed it to metal cause after time the plastic became brittle and would crack, causing the car to overheat. Other than that the engine is pretty solid. 95's dont have as strong valve retainers as the 96-99 M3 engines, but they can handle 7000 rpms no problem. Ask me how I know :smash: These engines are almost built proof. they are built very well and are very solid.

[m3f_camshaft_3417d47b3e]

Have a '95 M3 over here. 20k miles on it so far, and the only problem was having the climate control unit go dead and have to be replaced last year.



Austin

[m3f_dimabear_ad61e81ba7]

i have a 95' m3 with ....(drum roll)....181k!! and, it runs great. i bought it from my brother when it had 169k. he bought the car with 90k on it and took very good care of it. so yeah, 181k, and it's my daily driver.