Advice on a 97 M3 Evo

[Steve 6]

Hi Guys;

I have just purchased my first ever 1997 M3 Evo Saloon, it has 130k on clock, a huge wallet of bills etc, however, after only a few days of owning it I thought better get it checked out and took it to BMW Stealers for a routine maintenance check.
A list of problems were discovered, including engine oil leaks, discs worn all round, diff seal leaking, play in steering rack to name but a few.
As I bought it private as sold as seen, obviously nota great deal I can do about it.
There is also an issue with the gears, sometimes very hard to engage 1st gear for example, I had this checked out at a local garage and they inform me it is the Clutch Cylinder.

I have purchased all required parts, including air, oil & fuel filter at a cost of over £500 all to be fitted by an independent garage next week.
My concern at the moment is that the engine just does not sound right, the only way I can describe it is that there appears to be something catching/rubbing when idling, and it sounds really "tappety" I just got rid of my E39 528i for this and so far I feel as though I have made a big mistake.
Can anyone shed any light on this for me? There is an invoice from BMW in the pack which confirms the AT VANOS unit was changed 15'000 miles ago in 2002 at a cost of £1'500.

Many Thanks

[Steve 6]

dan101smith said:

You can get the braided clutch hose from BMSport.com - I just had one fitted, made a massive improvement, and only £35.

Does the engine only sound tappety at idle? Not uncommon, but worth having the clearances set.

Hi Dan;

Thanks for info, the tappety noise is more prominent when idling, although I can also notice it whilst on the motorway.

Really considering selling it once I get all the work doen, only thing is would you buy a car from someone who has only owned it for 2 weeks?!

An expensive lesson learnt, I should have stsyed with my trusty E39.

[Steve 6]

dan101smith said:

Steve 6 said:

Really considering selling it once I get all the work doen, only thing is would you buy a car from someone who has only owned it for 2 weeks?!

Can I ask how much you paid for it? Chances are you won't see your money back if you sell it on straight away.

The flip side is that if this is all that needs doing, and you're going to get it done, then afterwards you should have a good car with no issues.

Definitely worth getting the clearances checked - it should be done at every Inspection II from memory, so worth checking if that is outstanding.

Changing discs is a pretty straightforward job, maybe you can cut down on the expenditure by fitting them yourself?

Paid £2k cash plus my 1999 Immaculate 528i Sport.

I will be getting the work done, as I would not be able to sell it like it is, all the work is being done for me by a local independent garage, brake discs, pads, all filters, clutch slave cylinder, diff seal, power steering leak, steam clean engine & hand brake pads.

There are 3 small patches of surface rust which I will also be getting done.

I should really have done some more research into the M3 issues before commiting to buying one, especially as the con artist I bought it off was more than aware of what he was doing.

[Steve 6]

Thank you for all your replies & advice, Hopefully once all the work is done I will be able to have a few months of no further expense and can sell it on for another E39.