What is a high mileage for an E36 M3?

[nickyd100]

Re: 3.0 non-evo model.

One I am looking to purchase has 138K on. FBMWSH upto 120K and then 2 independant services.

We all know that these cars are built to be driven hard, and I was wondering what a realistic life span for one might be.... any thoughts?

I have heard this one running, and doesnt sound tappety, a little louder than usual but it has had the cats removed so that explains that, starts first time and idles nicely. Anything else to look / listen for?

In addition is it usual for these cars to use oil? If so how much?

Thanks for the help guys.

[M5Dave]

From what I've heard, the non evo engines in these cars are pretty bulletproof, as are the gearboxes, and will easily do 200,000 miles with no issues if properly maintained.

The very last of these cars is now more than 10 years old, so it will be getting difficult to find low mileage ones, one with 138,000 miles should have plenty life left in it if it's been looked after.

I had the Evo version and it never used any oil between services.

[nos4a2]

I had both the 3.0 and the 3.2 Evo E36 M3. Neither used any significant amount of oil and both did over 100,000 miles in 3 years without trouble, but the Evo needed 3 VANOS units (luckily under warranty!!!)...

Edited by nos4a2 on Friday 9th February 03:36

[pentoman]

nos4a2 said:

but the Evo needed 3 VANOS units (luckily under warranty!!!)...

GHolu crap. Meant to type "Holy", it came out wrong but I think GHolu crap still covers my shock.

[M3John]

I personally think that nowadays milage isn't such a big concern. It's the cars history and condition that'd be important to me. Take a look at the pictures of mine on my profile and tell me what you think, i wont tell you the milage. It's a 3 owner car and the first was a BMW director and the second was a friend of mine. I would not be put off too much by the car your talking about, just be sure to get it off to an indipendent's or your local main agent for an indipendent inspection.

M3J.

[pentoman]

I agree that mileage isn't a concern in terms of cosmetics/vehicle life and cars can still look great and have loads of life left with lots of miles, but I think it does take its toll on things like suspension parts/bushes and all that sort of stuff.

More so on a performance car I'd prefer a lower mileage. Especially as some stuff can get expensive on performance cars. It's not really such an issue on a turbodiesel estate workhorse!

[green_mean_zx10r]

have a look at my m3 on here for sale, old engine lasted 140,000 miles has new 1 in at 90,000 miles they do go forever mine was because garage put wrong oil in it, they had 2pay for new engine,

[green_mean_zx10r]

or ebay item no 180081673954 2 door coupe estriol blue, 19" breytons etc etc playstation,tvs to much to list, on board rolling road set up,for better pics, mine has been rolling roaded at a proven 328 bhp, not a claimed fact

[naetype]

Mines on 127k just now and it runs better than the last one I had that was on 95k. My previous one ran up over £3k in the space of 6 months and I've currently spent less than £500 on this one in the same period.

Condition, condition, condition