Also looking for an E36 M3

Also looking for an E36 M3

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cactussed

Original Poster:

5,292 posts

214 months

Monday 21st May 2007
quotequote all
Just sold the tuscan and need 4 seats.
Cash and insurance all ready etc.

I've seen a few EVO's around the 5 grand mark, less for 3.0's.
Fancy a dark colour with leather.

Any opinions as to whether I should go for coupe of 4 door?

fastandcurious

437 posts

209 months

Monday 21st May 2007
quotequote all
I've had a couple of EVOs. My favourite was the saloon. Understated, and every bit as quick as the coupe. Some say they handle better. On average they tend to be in better condition, cheaper and rarer. I think the EVO is probably worth paying that bit extra for with its 6 speed box, sharper steering, better brakes, etc. I tend not to worry to much about the much publicised Vanos issues. Keep some money to one side in case it goes wrong, but it probably won't. All in all I don't think you can buy a more practical performance car for the money.
It must be a bit of a heart wrench selling the Tuscan though! cry

cactussed

Original Poster:

5,292 posts

214 months

Tuesday 22nd May 2007
quotequote all
Not really. I just viewed it as a emporary state of affairs really.
I need something quick and practical so the M3 fits the bill. Not as scarily fast as the TVR however a bit more civilised and comfortable on a long trip, with the added capacity for 4 people. Pros and cons really.

If work goes well, I wil keep the M3 and re-purchase someting silly as a second car.
Going to try and see some cars this week and buy one on the weekend, all things going to plan...

steil

1,113 posts

240 months

Tuesday 22nd May 2007
quotequote all
cactussed said:


Any opinions as to whether I should go for coupe of 4 door?


At the risk of getting flamed - I wanted only the 4-dr as it's more of a Q-car than the coupe - also have three children so the extra doors are obviously useful. Unfortunately there are very few saloons compared to coupes - nice if you want to feel exclusive, but restrictive if you're in the market for one.

I now have a superb 3.0 saloon in Daytona - so quite a low key colour, unfortunately as the youngest is growing fast I'll be selling to move up to an M5 once he's out of the baby seat (unless i can get a row of child sized harnesses fitted into the back...).

cactussed

Original Poster:

5,292 posts

214 months

Tuesday 22nd May 2007
quotequote all
Hahahahaha.

A bank of 5 point Sabelt harnesses in the back is what you need!
Also thinking the 4 door is the way to go really given extra practicality...

Just getting insurance squared away now, proving ridiculously pricey compared to TVR.
Who the hell pays 2,700 on a 5,000 car???? I paid less than a grand on the TVR. Honestly.

Hope to be in a car soon, maybe even this weekend.

cactussed

Original Poster:

5,292 posts

214 months

Tuesday 22nd May 2007
quotequote all
Update
Insurance sorted (A-Plan have been brilliant all the way. Can def recommend them).
Cash sorted.
Now starts the car hunt...

Cactussed

Original Poster:

5,292 posts

214 months

Friday 25th May 2007
quotequote all
Guys
Questions for you.
Do the 4-doors have the split fold rear seats?
Do any of the cars have cruise control?
Andrew

muckymotor

2,288 posts

222 months

Sunday 27th May 2007
quotequote all
My 4 door doesn't have either and I don't think a folding rear seat was ever available due to the steel bulkhead.

mboon

955 posts

203 months

Monday 4th June 2007
quotequote all
Have had my 3.0 M3 for two years now, great car, never let me down once, only thing I have noticed is it dosnt like getting close to the service 2 inspection when its cold. a part from that a cracking car! I paid £5500 for my saloon in cosmos black with 97,000 on the clock. Its been garaged all its life and has fbmwsh so its got all the things you would want. Mind you the services are a little pricey but dont mind paying that for the reliability! Most are OK cars, but you will pay a little more for a good one, I paid about the right amount for a good one and to be honest, it was a bargin.

You wont find another car, with this power, reliabilty and style for the money. Might get a older Sierra cossy with engine upgrades to match the M3 but it wont be as reliable.

Stick with German, they got it right

Cactussed

Original Poster:

5,292 posts

214 months

Tuesday 5th June 2007
quotequote all
Well chaps, bought my car.
98 Black E36 Coupe, SMG, split seats, leather, s'roof.
Its in lovely condition, albeit too low at the rear (ACS suspension setup which is going soon).

Took it round to M3John for an appraisal and received the thumbs up.
Incidentally, also tried a caly bar and have promptly ordered 2 of them. Amazing stuff!

Hongkongfooi

624 posts

248 months

Tuesday 5th June 2007
quotequote all
Well done......but an smg car? i have heard many a story about their jerkiness/reliability, i hope its ok for you though. matter of interest how much did you pay as I am selling mine at the moment.

Cactussed

Original Poster:

5,292 posts

214 months

Wednesday 6th June 2007
quotequote all
Put it this way, I drove down to Richmond over the weekend, in some simply horrendous traffic. The SMG was simply brilliant. In some ways, I miss changing gears, but in terms of city driving its superb.

The gear change is not quite as smooth as a regular slush box I grant when in auto mode, however its certainly not clunky/jerk/neck snap, far from it. As I said, for traffic its great. Manual mode is also impressive. When driving sedately, the change is also sedate (maybe a second) but you're giving it some berries (not that I do, officer), it changes quicker than I can move my hand from the stick to the wheel.

For me, its fabulous.

I think I paid a fair price for the car (only has 69k with FSH) and in generally good nick, albeit needs rear tyres and had a hole in the cat. It was under 7 grand.

Drew

Hongkongfooi

624 posts

248 months

Wednesday 6th June 2007
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Under 7k!!!! Oh god maybe I'm overpricing mine at 7995 ono!

M3John

5,974 posts

220 months

Sunday 10th June 2007
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Andrew, yes a fine car you have found your self there mate and a complete bargin if i'm honest with you.

Here's a couple of pictures for you all....











M3J. smile




muckymotor

2,288 posts

222 months

Monday 11th June 2007
quotequote all
Has the rear suspension collapsed? wink

Hongkongfooi

624 posts

248 months

Monday 11th June 2007
quotequote all
Looking at the condition an absolute bargain....enjoy!

Cactussed

Original Poster:

5,292 posts

214 months

Monday 11th June 2007
quotequote all
LOL!
No, hadn't collapsed. Just v v low springs. I fitted some standard ones over the weekend and it sits much better now IMHO.
Thanks for the photos John, much appreciated! Just got to get spa organised this week now!

oola

2,506 posts

224 months

Monday 11th June 2007
quotequote all
looks like a great car but good luck with the SMG as the failure rate is high for the pumps which usually cost £2.5k to put right!

If you're getting rid of the suspension, put on ebay and sit back watch the frenzy as bidding will get very busy...

M3John

5,974 posts

220 months

Monday 11th June 2007
quotequote all
Cactussed said:

Thanks for the photos John, much appreciated!
No worries mate. wink

Cactussed said:

Just got to get spa & Nurburgring organised this week now!
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