WTB: 96+ manual E36 M3

Check out the latest issue of Roundel.   The cars listed in there usually command higher prices, but most have been lovingly maintained.   I'd rather spend $15K on a super nice one, than $9K on a car that has needs.  I'd also look for a close to bone stock one---- as modified cars have usually led rougher lives.  

Look for one that already has an aluminum radiator,  and the water pump replaced.  If the shock mount bushings and RTABS have been replaced as well, that's a bonus.  Chances are the door panels will be loose, or detaching.   It's fixable with patience, as are nearly all the E36 issues. 

Happy Hunting!   I love mine, and it will be for sale---- but only after I'm dead and gone!  

In reply to Joe Gearin :

Thanks for the advice, and I don't blame you about the last line haha! I do plan on joining the bmwcca soon so I can peruse their listings and potentially make some offers. Would you say that's the best source (present forum excluded, of course) for finding an E36 M3? 

Bimmerforums or Roundel.  No, you can't have mine!

In reply to docwyte :

Noted- if you come across anyone slightly less attached to their e36, send them my way 

Is Kentucky too far for you ?

I know of a one owner 99 M3 - silver manual transmission

Complete engine was replaced at one point by BMW dealer.

Recent suspension - control arms, shocks and struts, along with Continental tires.

Car has 147,000 miles on it

Owner is co-worker asking $10,500 for it.

In reply to manydubs :

Hey- thanks for the response! The miles are a bit high, but I like the fact that it's a 99 and has that recent maintenance. Does your co-worker have any pics of the car or a link to the car somewhere? Thanks again.

It's silver, but...

I know this guy, though I have not seen the car itself.  I am sure it is as decribed.

In reply to Duke :

The car looks great, I just can't bring myself to own another silver sedan. Thanks for the response and the link, though.

In reply to Wizard_Of_Maz :

It is a silver coupe.

That is not a lot of miles, especially because the engine was replaced.

Here is more info: https://www.bmwcca.org/ads/178881

Wizard_Of_Maz said:

In reply to Joe Gearin :

Thanks for the advice, and I don't blame you about the last line haha! I do plan on joining the bmwcca soon so I can peruse their listings and potentially make some offers. Would you say that's the best source (present forum excluded, of course) for finding an E36 M3? 

I'd say the Roundel classifieds are probably the best place to find a really clean, well maintained E36 M3.   You can find better deals on the open market, but the cars listed there are generally well cared for, and loved.

On Craigslist you'll find good examples, but you'll have to weed through the crazy people and the junk to find them!  I'd also be far more concerned with condition than mileage.  These cars will run a long, long time if properly cared for.   If neglected, you'll spend more on getting the car up to snuff than you would've spent just buying a good example to begin with.  

Cool- thanks for all the responses everyone. At this point, I'm really looking for the four colors up top. I understand the production numbers for those are dwarfed by silver, but it still doesn't hurt to ask. I appreciate all the responses. Mileage isn't a super big concern to me, although anything above 150k is probably pushing it.

manydubs said:

Here is more info: https://www.bmwcca.org/ads/178881

 

 

Thanks again for the link- I may reach out to them over bmwcca. The car does look great.

Joe Gearin said:

Wizard_Of_Maz said:

In reply to Joe Gearin :

Thanks for the advice, and I don't blame you about the last line haha! I do plan on joining the bmwcca soon so I can peruse their listings and potentially make some offers. Would you say that's the best source (present forum excluded, of course) for finding an E36 M3? 

I'd say the Roundel classifieds are probably the best place to find a really clean, well maintained E36 M3.   You can find better deals on the open market, but the cars listed there are generally well cared for, and loved.

On Craigslist you'll find good examples, but you'll have to weed through the crazy people and the junk to find them!  I'd also be far more concerned with condition than mileage.  These cars will run a long, long time if properly cared for.   If neglected, you'll spend more on getting the car up to snuff than you would've spent just buying a good example to begin with.  

Absolutely- that's why I'm willing to be realistic about mileage. I still think above 150k might be pushing it, but I'd rather take a higher mile maintained car than a lower mile neglected one for sure (that, and the high mile one will actually be affordable). I probably should be less picky with colors, but after seeing a few Estorils in person, I can't shake my love for that color either. Thanks again for the info.

Can't hate you for loving Estorils Blue--- that's my favorite color for these too!   My Cosmos Black looks great when clean---- and for that 15 minutes it really shines!  

Keep in  mind that 200K on these is only 10K a year at this point.   Low mileage examples exist, but are getting tougher to find, and they command a premium.  FWIW, mine has 177K on it, and it runs like a top.  (a very entertaining top)   I spent about 400 miles in it this weekend, and it was fantastic.   I'll also  be headed to Atlanta for our big Speedfest at the Classic Motorsports Mitty event in the M3 later this month.   I'd drive it anywhere without  worry.   

Extremely difficult to find one with ~100k miles on them and even harder to find one with under 100k miles on it.  You'll pay a big premium for those and the best place to find one is at Enthusiast Auto Group.  They seem to be able to dig up low mileage examples.

I have a ~100k mile M3 in my garage, but its not for sale, plus its silver. 

Great points, and I'll certainly consider higher mileage cars at this point. I just want a manual coupe in a coolish color that's been well-maintained. The thrill of the chase is enough for now.  I've never been one to insist on owning only low mileage cars anyway. The S52 should run well past 200k, right? 

In reply to Wizard_Of_Maz :

Yes.  Very sound motors that are susceptible to overheating.  On a higher mileage motor I'd be looking to see if the head gasket has been done yet...

In reply to docwyte :

Great, thanks again for all the help. One of my friends actually races an E36 M3 with AER, and one of their more recent races came to an early conclusion due to head gasket issues. But yeah, I'll look at higher mileage cars too.