Talk me out of an E36 M3

I’ll probably consider it if he ever responds to me again. I asked about maintenance and he just went radio silent. 

New possibility now. 2009 128i manual, 108k miles, salvage title due to hail damage (already been fixed other than small spot on hood), $6k. Looking at it at lunch tomorrow. Anything specific to 1 series I should watch out for? I know water pump and cooling system.

codrus said:

Keith Tanner said:

Tyler H said:

Just bought a 98 M3/4/5. 

A what?

an M3 with 4 doors and a 5-speed.

 

Yep...and I remember the introduction of the M3 sedan being the death of the M3 when I was in college. Between 4 door M3s and 4 door pickup trucks, I was sure that the world was coming to an end.

Now, I'm forty with three kids.  Both of those things look pretty sweet.

Skylarhagler- Look into the E46 330i.  They're like a puffy E36 M3 at half the cost.  That $3500 will go farther for virtually the same car that had a lot of improvements.

I can't bring myself to talk anybody out of my favorite car of all time...buy a well sorted example and you will love every second. Just buy one. Or two. You wont regret it.

The only issue with the E36 M3 is that prices for the E46 M3 have come down far enough to be in the same ballpark.

Unless you’re talking about a ratty E36 M3 (which can be had for pizza money), you might be better off holding out for an E46. 

The E46 M3 is much more car as well but does have some specific issues that the E36 doesn't have...

AngryCorvair said:

My cheap E36 ///M experience

What pushed you to sell it instead of keep it/Challenge it?