Cant Find My True Love!

[m3f_ginodg]

ive been looking every day for a month now, and how frustrating is finally having the money after saving up for so long, and then all of the sudden there isn't what you want for sale!!!! i know this is a lame post but im getting antsy, and its as close as i can get to actually posting something about my car...





by the way, im looking for a 97 silver/black 4 door, 5spd. am willing to pay around 15k...



any other places too look besides autotrader and local classifides? i live in portland oregon and there is one in the paper but he wants 22950...what a jacka$$...



any words of wisdom to carry me through these hard times :cry:

[m3f_mazur_fc5757570e]

Patience is the key I guess. Just don't get too antsy and end up buying something that isn't really what you want. You might regret it later on.

[m3f_Drifter_23d8df4bc6]

ah 15k for a 97 M3/4. And even a 5speed....



Just to tell you, you will be looking for a much longer time to find a 97 4 door M3 for 15k.



But good luck and don't ever stop looking. Something will come up.

[m3f_Ty Vil_fe6451789c]

bimmerforums classifieds and get ahold of me if you want me to go look at any cars with you I'd be willing to check something out before you take it to your mechanic. Finding what you want for 15 in the NW will be hard as prices usually stay pretty high here.

[m3f_///mach3]

I had a decent run of luck when I found mine - but still it was $18,000 from IL. Only a few minor issues, plus the std. repair work (bushings, impeller, etc.). plus some moron had messed up the brake lining, and cracked the rear stabilizer bar.. and minor rust in places (damned salt).. but, all in all, it's a damned strong car, and, me with a 2 year old, makes it practical w/ the 4 door.



Good luck loooking - and stay away from DINANed (or other FI) M3's w/ over 100k miles - they're on their last legs..



=)

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

Mine was easy to find. I went to work one day, was walking the lot and bam, there she was.



I wasn't even in the market to buy an M either.



A test drive later that day and the info about a new engine quickly put me in the market though.

[m3f_SATX3]

Mine was easy to find. I went to work one day, was walking the lot and bam, there she was.



I wasn't even in the market to buy an M either.



A test drive later that day and the info about a new engine quickly put me in the market though.



I bet you are helping him feel a lot better.

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

I bet you are helping him feel a lot better.



:haha: :haha:

[m3f_M Drei_5afef164e7]

I found mine from autotrader. I think I was the second one to call. But at that time I had been scanning many places for months. They are: autotrader, Yahoo Auto, Roadfly's Classifields, Turner's Classifields and bimmerforum's

[m3f_thmpr]

eBay. Sedans are always there. Search "M3 sedan" amongst other catch phrases. Couple silvers there right now - not exactly what you ask (white interor or automatic). Just wait for yours. Ask TONS of questions, get telephone number to speak in person, speak with car's dealer to get maintenance schedule. Get as many photos as needed for decision. If any doubt, seller evasive or hesitant, don't do it - another one will show up. Always does. For a purchase that large, pay for a reputable escrow company and quality interstate car hauler, if needed. Or ... on eBay, wait for a close car to show up you can inspect prior to bid and drive home afterward - fatten your sniper bid for that privilage.



Glenn

Phoenix, AZ

[m3f_Edgy_592e912c16]

Gino:



You're not done saving, dude. You can't narrow your search down so much, then put such a low top $$ you're willing to pay.



Just do the math -- E36 sedan only produced two model years, and lots of them were auto. Add to that the fact I assume you want one in good condition, and that equals PREMIUM. Oh yeah, you also want a particular exterior/interior combo...





OK, now maybe more helpful. Check Carmax occasionally, they sometimes have good cars that they don't really know how to accurately price. See threads on this topic. If I see one in the Roundel (official mag of BMW Club of America), I'll give a holler, but those are often top shape and hence top price.



Just for example, there is a guy here locally selling his Estoril 97 manual sedan with 85K miles for $21K (at least that's his listed price).

[m3f_ginodg]

i understand that i am going high but then again that is my ideal price...i am willing to go up to 17ish...and i just prefer silver due to it is the color that needes the least maitnience to keep looking astonishing....thank you all for your help.......



the search continues...

[m3f_MPOWR95]

I have a 95 Silver/Black M3 for sale that I'd be willing to take off the mods and sell for $15,000. It's a 5-speed, but its a coupe. Let me know if you have any interest...here's the link to the eBay auction.



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2485921246

[m3f_M Drei_5afef164e7]

Also check your local BMW CCA chapter's classfields. Less than 9000 M3 sedans were imported in 97 and 98, half of them are automatic. Because the practicality of sedans, they tend to have higher milage than coupes because people really drove them

[m3f_firstC]

I found my 1997 M3/4 Red through Autotrader. I was actually looking for about 3-4 weeks when I found mine 80 miles away. I actually paid $15,500.00 with 82,000 miles. I've had the vehicle for about 5 weeks now and am very happy.



Who knew driving a 'Hellrot' M3 would cause such attention. Anyways, good luck!



firstC