Looking @ 98 M3 convert.

[m3f_eric-s.]

Hey guys and gals,

I'm looking at an all stock '98 M3 covertible. It has 48K miles and is really clean. What should I check-out? Any common probles that I should be looking for? Kelly Blue book is low 20's. I'm a little concerned since it's a 6, soon to be 7, year old car. Would I be better off holding off for a '00 or so model?

Thanks for your time and hopefully you'll see more of me soon.

E. :nixweiss:

[m3f_speagle_641be587f7]

If that car is in near-mint condition, i'd say low 20's is a good price (that is unless it's an automatic.) Is this one a 5spd? It seems like all the ones for sale that i see are autos, which many people are'nt interested in.



BTW,they didnt make an '00 M3, so 99 is your last year unless you have the money for an '01 E46.



Anyway..my car has almost as many miles as the car you're describing. My only probs have been leaking power steering, broken differential bolt, and goofy Climate Control that needs that cheap fixing. I would check to make sure that stuff works properly, since they are all common problems that many of us have.

[m3f_eric-s.]

Speagle,

Thanks for the responce. Was it the power stearing box or hoses that were leaking. If it was the box can it be rebuilt or is better to just replace it? What was goofy with the climate control?

Thanks,

E.

P.S. it is an auto :???:

[m3f_o_0]

You don't want an automatic, M3's were made for manual transmission. Auto completely kills the fun of owning a touring/sports car - I mean, you don't see all the GT championship drivers putting their cars into drive do you?

[m3f_Brent_Vino]

if you WANT a Manual Tranny.... dont buy the car..



wait and you will find another M3 convertible.. you have to make sure it is exactly what you want. especially with an M3.

[m3f_DMan_d62e5d4102]

Check the tension straps on the top. That is an expensive fix that most likely won't be covered by any warranty.

[m3f_mbanks21]

I bought a 98 M3 vert (5 sp of course) with 48K miles and now have 54K miles. Tension straps need to be replaced, rear shock mounts, my tierods were frozen but other than that:



http://tinypic.com/eoq3s

http://tinypic.com/eoq2p

http://tinypic.com/eopyo





If youre concerned about the car being 7 years old than you dont know BMW :agree: Especially with it only have 48K miles.



*edit* my diff bolt was broken also but we fixed that when we swapped diffs.

[m3f_speagle_641be587f7]

sorry...i didnt check the post in a while... the funky CC...is that mine turns on and off, on and off, on and off...in periods of seconds..it can't make up its mind what it wants to do...it makes it a pain in the butt...especially when you need to defrost.



My power steering was just a hose that cracked..but now its doing it again....hopefully a hose again..although i do have a brand new pump if i need it.



Mbanks...nice lookin car...the estoril/gray is my favorite color (same color i have) although i opted for a hardtop this time...but i'm sure the vert is a blast.

[m3f_wsmc831_097c0cf94a]

It is :-)



unless it's time for new suspension (July) or tires (yesterday), or ......





...thankfully I forget all that every time I put the top down..which is as often as possible.

[m3f_mbanks21]

Thanks speagle. Im actually looking to change the gray out for black and add a set of sport seats

[m3f_Estoril73_908f73b8cc]

I just recently purchased a 98 vert Estoril blue last weekend and I LOVE IT!! Had 75,000 miles on it and still running strong. I would go for it before someone else jumps on it. These cars are rare and hard to find w/ such low miles. :thumbsup: