Discussion
Have been to look at a white e30 m3 today. (its on here for sale) It looked in excellent condition to me i looked around scuttle panals and they looked good, The engine sounded quite noisy to me was wondering if they are normally like that. It sounded like tappet rattle. It run smoothly and did not smoke and pulled well and the timming chain has been changed, (so they say any way) Also is there any where else i should be checking or does any one know the car, Its about the sixth car down in for sale section and its a white one, Any help would be appreciated, Cheers Tim
Having owned an E30 M3 for over six years....the best advice I would give you is take someone with you who knows them very well. There are so many things that can be skimpt on or overlooked by owners who either don't have the money to look after them properly or just tart them up to sell.
Pretty much every part is special to the M3.
I'm not trying to preach (honestly) but I thought I knew a bit about them and as it happens I did buy a good one however, I have spent most of those six odd years replacing parts (obviously not major parts) with standard M3 bits that I didn't realise at the time weren't genuine M3.
The one you looked at may well be a good one but I would take someone along with you for a second look that really knows about them.
Moreover, if you find a good one.......you will not regret it. I do not ever envisage selling mine.
Pretty much every part is special to the M3.
I'm not trying to preach (honestly) but I thought I knew a bit about them and as it happens I did buy a good one however, I have spent most of those six odd years replacing parts (obviously not major parts) with standard M3 bits that I didn't realise at the time weren't genuine M3.
The one you looked at may well be a good one but I would take someone along with you for a second look that really knows about them.
Moreover, if you find a good one.......you will not regret it. I do not ever envisage selling mine.
Edited by hesnotthemessiah on Sunday 18th July 22:02
Edited by hesnotthemessiah on Sunday 18th July 22:04
Edited by hesnotthemessiah on Sunday 18th July 22:05
It did get better as warmed up but still quite harse sounding. I dont know any one who knows about these M3's unless there is any one out there in the know who lives that way out (edge of london) with some spare time, I really want to buy it but dont want to buy a bag of hassel, Cheers.
I wouldn't buy a car like that unless I can get a specialist to look at it. Does the BMW Car Club offer a service where they will look at cars ? Quite a lot of owners clubs will do this (obviously you would have to join)
I know there are some M3 forums around but not sure where all the E30 M3 owners hang out ? Try and find out who specialises in servicing these cars in the South East and see if they offer the service. Munich Legends obv have a good reputation but they sell them too so I don't think they will help you!
Good luck....I'd love to own one.
I know there are some M3 forums around but not sure where all the E30 M3 owners hang out ? Try and find out who specialises in servicing these cars in the South East and see if they offer the service. Munich Legends obv have a good reputation but they sell them too so I don't think they will help you!
Good luck....I'd love to own one.
Worth while asking when the valve clearances where last checked, they should be done at each inspection 2 iirc. Having said that these engines are a little tappety anyway by their nature, worth looking at the service book to find out what oil is in it, too thin an oil might cause tappety sounds. If the engine sounds noisy it may also be a timing chain issue ££. Many people put an E46 m3 tensioner on them which can help but isnt a permenant fix for a worn chain.
For info other areas to check are the inlet manifold gasket blocks, these leak unmetered air in when worn and lead to rough runnning when cold. 100 quid for the blocks and a morning to swap them. Check for sealing by spraying carb cleaner around the joint. It'll stall if there is a leak. Gear box lay shafts can get a bit grumbly as well, you'll hear this on idle. The wiring to the cooling fan goes brittle where it runs under the rad from the thermostat housing.
These are old cars now so a refresh of the suspension bushes dampers etc will make them handle as new.
Also its worth while replacing the plastic bushes in the gear linkage, you wont beleive how much play you can take out by doing this cheap simple job.
Great cars I loved mine and wish I still had one.
editid to add bexley motorworks in london know loads about e30 M3. I'd steer clear of the people from munich in east sussex after a couple of bad experiences I had with them.
For info other areas to check are the inlet manifold gasket blocks, these leak unmetered air in when worn and lead to rough runnning when cold. 100 quid for the blocks and a morning to swap them. Check for sealing by spraying carb cleaner around the joint. It'll stall if there is a leak. Gear box lay shafts can get a bit grumbly as well, you'll hear this on idle. The wiring to the cooling fan goes brittle where it runs under the rad from the thermostat housing.
These are old cars now so a refresh of the suspension bushes dampers etc will make them handle as new.
Also its worth while replacing the plastic bushes in the gear linkage, you wont beleive how much play you can take out by doing this cheap simple job.
Great cars I loved mine and wish I still had one.
editid to add bexley motorworks in london know loads about e30 M3. I'd steer clear of the people from munich in east sussex after a couple of bad experiences I had with them.
Edited by pikeyboy on Monday 19th July 12:29
api330 said:
It did get better as warmed up but still quite harse sounding. I dont know any one who knows about these M3's unless there is any one out there in the know who lives that way out (edge of london) with some spare time, I really want to buy it but dont want to buy a bag of hassel, Cheers.
I work up in beds - may have a spare hour on two on saturday - where is the car located?I've had mine for 6 years now so know what I'm looking at.
hesnotthemessiah said:
pikeyboy said:
editid to add bexley motorworks in london know loads about e30 M3. I'd steer clear of the people from munich in east sussex after a couple of bad experiences I had with them.
Ditto R:E Munich Legends. Edited by pikeyboy on Monday 19th July 12:29
Have you had problems with cars you've bought from them or work they have done on a car ? I ask as I may be in the market for an oldish BMW over the next year so interested whether to strike them off the list.
I've had my E30 M3 for around 8 years, bought it through munich legends and not had any real problems at all.
I bought it with a list of things that needed doing at a lower price than if they'd done them all and then put it up for sale. I could then decide if and when things were done. I had a full bare metal respray 2 summers ago and Stuart, then the parts guy and now seams to be more involved in the management was very very helpful, I think I'd still be waiting for parts if I'd waited for the main dealers to work out what I was after.
Before they left munich legends I also found both Barney and Tony helpful, Barney would often have a quick look at both my M3's knowing full well I'd fix it myself following his diagnostics which was generally spot on.
I think there was a lot of talk and differences of opinion around their recommendation that E30 M3's have the timing chains replaced as a preventative measure, It's an expensive job and a lot of people see it as making up work but I think thats something that will always cause disagreement.
I wouldn't rule them out when looking for a car, a number of very good E30 M3's come up for sale by or through them although they are normally at the high end of the market.
I bought it with a list of things that needed doing at a lower price than if they'd done them all and then put it up for sale. I could then decide if and when things were done. I had a full bare metal respray 2 summers ago and Stuart, then the parts guy and now seams to be more involved in the management was very very helpful, I think I'd still be waiting for parts if I'd waited for the main dealers to work out what I was after.
Before they left munich legends I also found both Barney and Tony helpful, Barney would often have a quick look at both my M3's knowing full well I'd fix it myself following his diagnostics which was generally spot on.
I think there was a lot of talk and differences of opinion around their recommendation that E30 M3's have the timing chains replaced as a preventative measure, It's an expensive job and a lot of people see it as making up work but I think thats something that will always cause disagreement.
I wouldn't rule them out when looking for a car, a number of very good E30 M3's come up for sale by or through them although they are normally at the high end of the market.
Quite noisey compared to what? They have 16 shimmed valves so are never going to be whisper quiet like a modern car.....though if it sounds like an old diesel London taxi then it prob needs looking at but if it just 'rustles' a bit I wouldn't worry.
Mines done 180k miles and sounds pretty good compared to some I've come accross.
Tappet check/adjustment is part of the service check on these cars and is often/usually overlooked. Neglect will lead to worn camshafts so be aware.
Mines done 180k miles and sounds pretty good compared to some I've come accross.
Tappet check/adjustment is part of the service check on these cars and is often/usually overlooked. Neglect will lead to worn camshafts so be aware.
R:E Munich Legends......I guess that's maybe where the problems may lie. The good people leaving or being promoted from the front line. Stewart was always the one I used to ask for when I phoned as he was the one who would actually spend time sorting your query. Moreover, I don't think it is appropriate to turn this thread into a Munich Legends bashing exercise. Everyone has a different opinion I guess. But suffice to say.....if I phone a 'so called' expert company/person with a query regarding a topic they are meant to be expert in, I expect expert advice, not some ill thought out, Mickey Mouse answer to my query....delivered three days after I had initially phoned. But I have to add up to then, they had been fine.
Beardy10 said:
hesnotthemessiah said:
pikeyboy said:
editid to add bexley motorworks in london know loads about e30 M3. I'd steer clear of the people from munich in east sussex after a couple of bad experiences I had with them.
Ditto R:E Munich Legends. Edited by pikeyboy on Monday 19th July 12:29
Have you had problems with cars you've bought from them or work they have done on a car ? I ask as I may be in the market for an oldish BMW over the next year so interested whether to strike them off the list.
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