E36 M3 Help

dr.jay · 01-08-2009, 07:00 AM

My local BMW dealer just got in a 96 M3 and I am interested in it. Anyone have or had a E36 that can chime in with some expieriences as far as maintenance and realiability issues. It has 75k on it and some Dinan goodies, only problem it they are asking $13k

I looked it up on KBB and edmunds and highest price I've seen is $9k.

MisterSkiMask · 01-08-2009, 05:11 PM

I had a 1995 e36 M3, it was a great car. If the water pump hasn't failed then it will in the next 5000 miles.

I sold the car to a friend, and he had a fuel pump go out around 90,000 miles give or take. Other then that the car was solid. I have read about rear subframe issues with cars that had lots of track days.

rubber_ducky · 01-09-2009, 08:14 PM

water pump & radiator end tanks.

But more importantly, have somebody look at the rear subframe mounts as well as the shock towers. These both have a tendency to tear.

M3SWEETNESS · 01-09-2009, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubber_ducky

water pump & radiator end tanks.

But more importantly, have somebody look at the rear subframe mounts as well as the shock towers. These both have a tendency to tear.

Could not agree more. E36 M3's are one of my favorite M's but once they get close to the 90k mark there's a good amount that needs to be done and suspension is one main one!

attbimmer · 01-09-2009, 11:04 PM

E36 M3s are great. I still have a 1995 that is stripped down and is mostly used as a track car. The E9x M3 is great, but my E36 is way more fun on track/autox.

In addition to what people have mentioned: If the stock shocks haven't been replaced then they are definitely due. Most suspension bushings and front control arms could probably be replaced. In addition to the rear shock towers/sub frame, the front shock towers and rear sway bar mounts are a bit weak and can crack. These problems usually start to show up when stiffer shocks/springs/sways are used for years. The front diff bolt can come loose and break as well, so it should be checked.

Like with any car it all depends on how well the car was maintained. It could be that the previous owners has kept the car in excellent shape and you won't need to do much.

Either way E36 M3s as a whole are fairly reliable and parts for them are cheaper than for any other M cars. In addition the electronics are fairly simple compared even to the E46s, so that is nice when working on them. Also there is just about everything you could ever want available from the aftermarket.

01-08-2009, 07:00 AM	#1
dr.jay Lieutenant 14 Rep 465 Posts Drives: 2011 135 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Greenwood Always Up to No Good iTrader: (1)	E36 M3 Help My local BMW dealer just got in a 96 M3 and I am interested in it. Anyone have or had a E36 that can chime in with some expieriences as far as maintenance and realiability issues. It has 75k on it and some Dinan goodies, only problem it they are asking $13k I looked it up on KBB and edmunds and highest price I've seen is $9k.
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01-08-2009, 05:11 PM	#2
MisterSkiMask Banned 147 Rep 2,014 Posts Drives: I Can not say Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: you must not know iTrader: (0)	I had a 1995 e36 M3, it was a great car. If the water pump hasn't failed then it will in the next 5000 miles. I sold the car to a friend, and he had a fuel pump go out around 90,000 miles give or take. Other then that the car was solid. I have read about rear subframe issues with cars that had lots of track days.
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01-09-2009, 08:14 PM	#3
rubber_ducky Colonel 386 Rep 2,988 Posts Drives: roach coach Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: boston-ish iTrader: (21)	water pump & radiator end tanks. But more importantly, have somebody look at the rear subframe mounts as well as the shock towers. These both have a tendency to tear.
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01-09-2009, 11:04 PM	#5
attbimmer Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 260 Posts Drives: '08 E90 M3, '88 E30 M3 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: socal iTrader: (5)	E36 M3s are great. I still have a 1995 that is stripped down and is mostly used as a track car. The E9x M3 is great, but my E36 is way more fun on track/autox. In addition to what people have mentioned: If the stock shocks haven't been replaced then they are definitely due. Most suspension bushings and front control arms could probably be replaced. In addition to the rear shock towers/sub frame, the front shock towers and rear sway bar mounts are a bit weak and can crack. These problems usually start to show up when stiffer shocks/springs/sways are used for years. The front diff bolt can come loose and break as well, so it should be checked. Like with any car it all depends on how well the car was maintained. It could be that the previous owners has kept the car in excellent shape and you won't need to do much. Either way E36 M3s as a whole are fairly reliable and parts for them are cheaper than for any other M cars. In addition the electronics are fairly simple compared even to the E46s, so that is nice when working on them. Also there is just about everything you could ever want available from the aftermarket. __________________
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