M3 Buying questions.

[m3f_kiem]

Hi everyone. I'm eyeing on these two 1998 4-door sedans. I want your opnions.



1. Techno violet.. ~70K miles - Automatic. Had 2 previous owners.



2. White.. ~48K miles - 5-speed with 1 owner. This one costs $3k more than the 1.



Both cars have the same equipments/accessories: eg. harmon kardon audio, spoiler.





What is your view on the "purple" color? Many think its gay - i think its just plain cool.



Would you rather drive an automatic or 5-speed?

I know these are are expensive to maintain. I dont know the average mileage to change the clutch, or the reliability of the automatic transmission and costs lots to fix when it breaks.





Do you think its worth paying extra $3K for 2?

[m3f_KUpolo]

Purple is cool. Automatic is gay



Seriously, your resale on the autos is not as good. There have been may threads on this forum of automatic owners wishing that they had gone the 5 speed route and wondering how much a tranny swap will cost.



So in short, yes, it is worth the extra $3K because you'll probably get it back when you sell the car.



Clutch life varies greatly based on how the car has been driven. I know some people are well over 100K miles on the original equipment.



Check out the e36 FAQ section before you buy and whatever you do be sure to have a mechanic look at the car before you buy. If could save you countless dollars and headaches down the road.

[m3f_97BLKM3COU_0f375e15e2]

Pay the extra $, you will regret not getting the manual. The clutch can last from 60-80 thousand miles before you have to get a new one, which will cost about $300 for parts, and another $3-$400 for labor.

[m3f_KUpolo]

Pay the extra $, you will regret not getting the manual. The clutch can last from 60-80 thousand miles before you have to get a new one, which will cost about $300 for parts, and another $3-$400 for labor.





I'm sure I'm jinxing myself by saying this, but I'm at 85K on the original clutch with no signs of slipping.

[m3f_kiem]

Looks like the comparison comes down to tranny priority.



If buying cars in the snow driven area - say chicago or buffalo, would rust going to be a problem?



Would you buy one that has mods like the chip upgrade - i just fear the driver is too agressive and something might go wrong with the engine. Thanks.

[m3f_KUpolo]

Looks like the comparison comes down to tranny priority.



If buying cars in the snow driven area - say chicago or buffalo, would rust going to be a problem?



Would you buy one that has mods like the chip upgrade - i just fear the driver is too agressive and something might go wrong with the engine. Thanks.



Rust isn't going to be any more of a problem than it would be on any other car. Just be sure you buy some good winter wheels and snow tires. I recommend running Nokian Hakkapeliittas on 16" wheels with no offset for maximum traction in the winter.



You have to assume that any M3 you buy has been drivne hard. The beauty of the car is that it was meant to be driven hard and is pretty reliable even it it has been worked. I wouldn't worry about a chip or Cold Air intake. I would balk at a car that had forced induction, but short of that, you should be fine.

[m3f_fivefreshfish]

I recommend running Nokian Hakkapeliittas on 16" wheels with no offset for maximum traction in the winter.



Do 16" rims fit an M3? I thought brake clearance was in issue with 16" rims.

[m3f_KUpolo]

Do 16" rims fit an M3? I thought brake clearance was in issue with 16" rims.



Most won't, but a few will. It is much better to have an extra inch of sidewall on your snow tires.

[m3f_Ty Vil_fe6451789c]

I'd NEVER buy an automatic M3.

[m3f_SleepRM3]

Get the white 5-speed with low miles. White is my 2nd favorite color behind Cosmos Black 4-door E36 M3s. Good luck!

[m3f_SleepRM3]

Hi everyone. I'm eyeing on these two 1998 4-door sedans. I want your opnions.



1. Techno violet.. ~70K miles - Automatic. Had 2 previous owners.



2. White.. ~48K miles - 5-speed with 1 owner. This one costs $3k more than the 1.



Both cars have the same equipments/accessories: eg. harmon kardon audio, spoiler.





What is your view on the "purple" color? Many think its gay - i think its just plain cool.



Would you rather drive an automatic or 5-speed?

I know these are are expensive to maintain. I dont know the average mileage to change the clutch, or the reliability of the automatic transmission and costs lots to fix when it breaks.





Do you think its worth paying extra $3K for 2?So which M3 did we go with? The white one I hope, I hope :beer:

[m3f_salty_80d4b8491b]

Looks like the comparison comes down to tranny priority.



If buying cars in the snow driven area - say chicago or buffalo, would rust going to be a problem?



Would you buy one that has mods like the chip upgrade - i just fear the driver is too agressive and something might go wrong with the engine. Thanks.

I wouldn't buy one that was winter driven in a rust prone area. E36's do rust . I have seen some ugly body panel perforation on Montreal E36's (Most likely the worst rust belt in NA...Bufallo not far behind). The White one is the way better deal if the condition is similar just because of the tranny and lower miles. Other forum members have had a very hard time selling their M3 automatics. White looks great IMHO and is a traditional high performance German colour.

[m3f_Edgy_592e912c16]

If buying cars in the snow driven area - say chicago or buffalo, would rust going to be a problem?



Kiem, I simply would not buy a M3 if that's going to be your only car and you live in a snow area. Sorry for the cold shower, but that's what I think.



Having said that, no question the one to go for is the manual with lower miles. You haven't given us the price, but $3K doesn't sound too bad as a premium, due to the relatively low numbers of manual sedans on the road.

[m3f_kiem]

All, thanks for all the suggestions. I couldnt buy any after all. If I could, I would have picked up the white one for $19k.



The bank only approves loans with vehicles from '99 or newer, with under 60,000. There is one bank that would approve, but the APR would jump from 8.25 to 13.85 - no thanks. I'll be looking for the 99 M3 then. Will let you know what I'll find.

[m3f_fivefreshfish]

The bank only approves loans with vehicles from '99 or newer, with under 60,000. There is one bank that would approve, but the APR would jump from 8.25 to 13.85 - no thanks. I'll be looking for the 99 M3 then. Will let you know what I'll find.



Does the bank only approve loans for cars that are up to 5 model years old? If so, you better get your '99 soon because when the '05 model year begins, the bank might change their lending criteria to '00 and newer. Best to clarify this with your bank to avoid any surprises and disappointment.