Help with purchase of m3

[m3f_sysm]

Hey guys,



I'm sure this will sound like a fairly newb post, however I saw a decent 95 m3 (has a 99 m3 3.2l engine which was replaced in 01 and has a total of 55k miles on the engine currently / 95k miles on the rest of the car) online and quickly test drove it today and FELL IN LOVE with the car. I know the engine has only 55k miles on it, however I was wondering if anyone has had any problems with their car ~ the 100k mark that might need to get replaced. I will be getting the car inspected later this week, however I wanted a headsup to something I should point out to a mechanic. Also has cold air intake, performance chip, Dinan low resistance stainless steel muffler, performance fuel injectors, UUC short shifter + transmission mounts, European floating rotors and has had the radiator and ignition replaced recently.



While I understand that this car will be an investment, I just want to make sure before I shell out $ for the car and hefty insurance bill every month I'm not missing something that could be wrong down the line and get screwed.



Anyway, hope this isnt a horrible question to ask. Figured I would ask a bunch of owners to get the true scoop. Thanks for yer time guys!



Chris

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

Welcome.



Check out our FAQ section quickly.



When I got my car, it had 101,000 on it and 2k on the engine. I since overhauled the suspension, replaced the radiator and the idler pullies, not to mention the passenger occupency sensor mat.

[m3f_2k_889896e9da]

passenger occupency sensor mat.



What exactly is this?



Welcome to the forum Sysm! Can you post some pics of the M3 you are looking at? Definitly get her inspected look hard at the suspension for weak points. Good luck...

[m3f_sysm]

Here are the pictures that he listed on the site. There are a few scratches on the backside (one of the downsides of living in Boston I suppose). Other then that the outside is almost flawless. There are some scratches on the seats, nothing major (no tears). I'm digging the yellow though, however the first thing that everyone says is "yea, but its yellow".. i dunno... i dig it =]







http://www.christide.com/~mixology/sysm/1.jpg



http://www.christide.com/~mixology/sysm/2.jpg



http://www.christide.com/~mixology/sysm/3.jpg



http://www.christide.com/~mixology/sysm/4.jpg

[m3f_2k_889896e9da]

REALLY NICE M3! Go for it if it checks out o.k.



Thats funny, everyone says that about my M3 ," RED?, why?" I say its a M3 so WHY NOT :tongue:

[m3f_sysm]

quick follow up question, i couldnt find it in the FAQ. I doubt you get much snow down in VA, but I've heard alot of stories about problems driving in the snow with an m3. I know the guy that is selling the car is including a pair of Blizzak snow tires, but I was wondering if anyone here had any comments on the subject. The owner said that without the snow tires its pretty tricky and he wouldnt suggest it, but with the snow tires as long as u are paying attention everything is fine. since i do live in mass. and we do get a decent amount of snow, ill def. be having to drive it from time to time.

[m3f_nixtfy_c9201d70ed]

Don't worry about the snow, most of the time it's the driver traveling to fast which causes the car to go off the road. My experience in Colorado has been that many times more SUV's and trucks are off the road than cars because of the false sense of confidence the driver's have of them performing on icy and slipppery roads. The only problem I have had with the M3 is that it can make you nervous interpreting how much feedback the steering wheel gives back in these conditions, all the more reason to travel at slower speeds in snowy conditions.

[m3f_Ty Vil_fe6451789c]

STAY AWAY FROM THAT CAR



It's a 95, in Dakar Yellow. The paint has no clear coat. IF the paint isn't already fading badly it will very soon.

[m3f_nixtfy_c9201d70ed]

If the car has been garaged consistently during it's life do not worry about the car fading. My 1986 cinnabar red bmw which I still have has not faded. In fact the only places which I have noticed are any plastic painted pieces fade quicker. The depth of paint on these none clear coated cars is several layers thick and can be buffed with much success if they do indeed fade by removing some of the dead paint. The advantage I have found with my 1986 is that any scratches are much easier to hide than a clear coated car. Most People with M3's don't buy them to let them sit in parking lots and if this one has you will be able to tell by the leather interior condition

[m3f_sysm]

well, looks like i wont be getting my m3 after all.



car needs new pads/rotors, read shock mounts are tearing, needs drive belt and a/c belt, power steering has damage and all clamps are leaking, arm bushings are torn, trailing arm bushings are torn, front diff mount is cracking, read shocks are leaking and front shocks towers are distorted.. to name some of the problems i remember



was hoping the car had not been driven so hard.. however, i guess thats how it goes. people dont get m3's to slowly drive to the store and back. oh well, search continues.