E36 M3

Author
Discussion

Neil_M

694 posts

183 months

Monday 20th October 2014
quotequote all
A great thread full of good accurate info smile.

My advice would be "history, history, history"... Buy one that has been looked after, owned by an enthusiast and go from there. It's already been said, but many aren't maintained well, ran on a shoe string and they deteriorate because of that.

However many tasks on the car are DIY, so if you are happy to get your hands dirty, you will save yourself a fortune.

Don't be put off by horror stories of the VANOS. I repaired mine for buttons.

Preventative maintenance is also a good attitude to have, which can save you issues in the long run.

If you buy a good one I think your money would be safe enough.

Luckily BMW have a great parts supply and most things are still available. If you find a good friendly dealership, you may well start getting discounts.

There is a great community surrounding the cars, so you will never be stuck for help.

I've a "restore" thread on mine if its of any help... http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

stevep944

327 posts

217 months

Monday 20th October 2014
quotequote all
Neil, just read right through your resto thread, very good, your attention to detail is amazing.
This and your thread are great for picking up info about these cars.
I'm in NI too, considering buying an e36 M3, would you mind if I pm you for an opinion on a couple of cars currently for sale over here?

jonah35

3,940 posts

156 months

Monday 20th October 2014
quotequote all
Output Flange said:
jonah35 said:
Get a GT2 if you can afford it.
Less a case of affording one, more a case of no such thing existing.

An Evo should be able to manage mid-30s MPG on a run, which isn't bad. They're generally pretty reliable, but as others have said can suffer a few problems, but mostly age related now. They can suffer from water getting into the ECU enclosure, so that's another thing to keep an eye on.

The hardest part is finding a decent one. Lots of rusty old snotters around, very few properly cared for cars. Lots have been converted to track/race cars, as they offer such bang for buck.

If I could find a reason to oust something else to make room, I'd definitely have another.
ok, GT Imola Edition (GTII) to be pedantic but it's commonly known as a GT2


Output Flange

16,793 posts

210 months

Tuesday 21st October 2014
quotequote all
jonah35 said:
ok, GT Imola Edition (GTII) to be pedantic but it's commonly known as a GT2
It's not being pedantic. Calling it a GT2 is the same as calling it an E46: wrong.

As enthusiasts it's our job to get these things right.

Neil_M

694 posts

183 months

Tuesday 21st October 2014
quotequote all
Output Flange said:
It's not being pedantic. Calling it a GT2 is the same as calling it an E46: wrong.

As enthusiasts it's our job to get these things right.
Just call it a red M3 and be done you two wink.

Neil_M

694 posts

183 months

Tuesday 21st October 2014
quotequote all
stevep944 said:
Neil, just read right through your resto thread, very good, your attention to detail is amazing.
This and your thread are great for picking up info about these cars.
I'm in NI too, considering buying an e36 M3, would you mind if I pm you for an opinion on a couple of cars currently for sale over here?
No problem at all mate, fire away...

The problem is really needing to see the cars, as many are advertised as mint.

EtcEtc

20,566 posts

171 months

Tuesday 21st October 2014
quotequote all
Output Flange said:
It's not being pedantic. Calling it a GT2 is the same as calling it an E46: wrong.

As enthusiasts it's our job to get these things right.
This man does not represent me.

Output Flange

16,793 posts

210 months

Tuesday 21st October 2014
quotequote all
EtcEtc said:
This man does not represent me.
Knockout.

EtcEtc

20,566 posts

171 months

Tuesday 21st October 2014
quotequote all
Output Flange said:
EtcEtc said:
This man does not represent me.
Knockout.
wink