Found '96 M3, need advice on purchase...

[m3f_supercub04]

I just found a '96 M3 for sale with 109,000 miles. I've noticed a few things on it that make me wonder if it would be a money pit or not.



1. High mileage

2. Damaged rubber door seals

3. Missing passenger door handle cover

4. Seats in need of leather reconditioning



I know these aren't major items, but they add up after awhile.



What are the major maintenance items I should check were done to this point?



Does anyone have any experience with maintenance items past the 100K mile mark?



The asking price is $14K, oh yeah, it has Dinan Cold Air Intake and Stage 2 Computer as well.



Any help or guidance would be great, thanks!

[m3f_mbanks21]

109k is really nothing for a BMW engine as long as the oil was changed and other basic maintenance was done. These engines can see over 200k. Seats can be reconditioned, door handle covers can be bought for cheap, rubber seals can be replaced. Ask the seller if the waterpump has been replaced and ask for maintenance receipts. Tell him to lower the price to accomodate the money you will have to spend to get it where you want it. $14k is a little high for that many miles though.

[m3f_FLY G-550_9b0fb0d13b]

Find out if he is the first, second or third owner. That might help you figure out how the car has been maintained.



Those little things don't seem like much, but if this person did not take care of minor issues, who knows if he took care of regular service. :hmm:

[m3f_supercub04]

109k is really nothing for a BMW engine as long as the oil was changed and other basic maintenance was done. These engines can see over 200k. Seats can be reconditioned, door handle covers can be bought for cheap, rubber seals can be replaced. Ask the seller if the waterpump has been replaced and ask for maintenance receipts. Tell him to lower the price to accomodate the money you will have to spend to get it where you want it. $14k is a little high for that many miles though.



Thanks for the quick reply. I'll follow up on the MX questions, thanks for the sound advice...

[m3f_salty_80d4b8491b]

I think you would be far better off paying in the 16-17 range and getting a car with 60-80k. It would cost less in the long run and be worth more in a few years.

[m3f_rlearp]

I just picked up a 98 with 51k miles for $19.2k, car is in very good condition. Methinks from looking at them over the last 10 weeks or so that you could do better on the price, that one should be lower or just look around longer. I found some nice 97-98 examples with that sort of mileage for $15-16k that were in nice shape - needed nothing. I was willing to travel for the right car though - I live in NC and went to OH to pick mine up. If you can travel and use TraderOnline you'll find a good one, it might take a bit though.

[m3f_KUpolo]

Be sure to have a Bimmer mechanic look at it first. It could save you thousands down the road.