Thinking of an E36 M3 - advice needed

[Duke Thrust]

Hello all,

Complete BMW noob here so please forgive any silly questions.

I'm thinking of replacing my Golf daily driver with an E36 M3 - I do a reasonable mileage each day and I'm getting quite bored with the old girl and fancy something different.

So, questions then:
- What things should I be looking out for with and prospective purchases?
- I notice that a lot seem to have high mileages (over 100k) which I take to be a good sign of the robustness of the engine design, but how much is too much? Have seen a few with up to 200k on the clock!! Currently thinking about buying around the 100,000 mile mark and put another 50k on it - realistic or sheer folly?
- Are there any upgrades considered to be 'a must'?

Thanks for your help in advance chaps

[steil]

I'd have no problem with a 100k car - in fact I bought just that a few months ago & it pulls like a train. Previously owned an e28 M5 bought at 80k, sold at 160k, current owner has it at 320k & it still does 150mph (where permitted).

[poshgit]

have a look on www.e36coupe.com much more specilaist help than you could dream of.....

[Duke Thrust]

Thanks for your replies chaps, can you suggest a decent place to look for 'for sales' (other than autotrader, got my eye on it already)

[steil]

Bought mine on good ole PH classifieds

[andygtt]

I've had an E36 M3 evo for just under 3 years and it had over 100k on the clock when I got it (well over 150k now)..... it does good MPG and whilst the servicing isn't cheap it has been very reliable which is good as I use it for business.
I'd recomend one especially as they can be got for under £5k now.