Considering getting an e30 M3. Trying to do things right this time, so I'm doing my homework before I get the car so I can anticpate what I am getting myself into.

Could you guys please direct me as to where I should be going to learn more about the car? I'd like to know what quarky maintence problems are there if any (like the e36's ECU and Termostat) and in terms of modifying, what options are available from moderately priced to "give us your first born" :stickoutt

I found this site here: http://www.bayareamotorsport.com/ Which had a lot of info, but was wondering if you know of any other good sites.


Thank you!

The best advice would be go join the BMWCCA and the E30M3 sig. It is probably the best source of information.

If you would like some links here are a few:

Here is the homepage of the E30M3 sig:
http://www.bimmers.com/m3/index.html

Gustave's site
http://e30m3performance.com/

http://www.e30m3therealm3.com/

Roadfly BMW forum:
http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e30m3/

That should get you started. Welcome!

The car will generally exhibit the wear and tear issues of any 13-15 year old car.
they are relatively rare so any problem that a particular sample has quickly turns into a reputation.
All you need is some mechanical aptitude, sympathy for a car that is now pretty much old school as far as technology is concerned.
As with any car, some skill is required when it comes to eking out more power.
m.

http://www.kormanfastbmw.com/e30m3.htm
Another link that will help, outlines common problems and fixes.

Thanks guys. I'm aware that a 10+ y/o car is going to have its own issues with just wear and tear items, I'm not too concerned about those types of things. I guess what I was more or less reffering to was the types of reoccuring problems like I've had with my e36. I learned the hard way on a lot of items such as the ECU drowning itself to death. I guess I wouldn't of been as jaded as I was if I would've known before hand that I might experience something like that. The only thing I've really seen that seems to be a concern with the e30 M3's is the water pump apparently requires replacing failry often and a coolant loss @ the reservior cap, but other than that, they are pretty well built. Sound right?

I know the technology will be "dated," and infact, that's what I'm counting on. A lot easer it wrench on.

In regards to finding replacement parts for the cars, i.e. from something as simple as door handle to something a little more crucial as in a lower control arm, how easy/hard is it to find these items?

Originally posted by DevusM
Thanks guys. I'm aware that a 10+ y/o car is going to have its own issues with just wear and tear items, I'm not too concerned about those types of things. I guess what I was more or less reffering to was the types of reoccuring problems like I've had with my e36. I learned the hard way on a lot of items such as the ECU drowning itself to death. I guess I wouldn't of been as jaded as I was if I would've known before hand that I might experience something like that. The only thing I've really seen that seems to be a concern with the e30 M3's is the water pump apparently requires replacing failry often and a coolant loss @ the reservior cap, but other than that, they are pretty well built. Sound right?


Fit & finish are above the E36, as is quality. These cars seam to hold up better thew the years then the E36.

I have only replaced my water pump once in 9 years, and that was during my engine rebuild. The biggest issue with the pump is getting cheap ones and overtighting the drive belt.

You can get just about ever part for the car still, but some are becoming NLA and EXPENSIVE! The coolest thing is most of the go fast parts are BMW factory parts! Most things are going to cost 3X the E36.

Most of the M3 problems are from neglect and vibration. Things like to loosen up on the engine due to it being so buzzy. But if you torque thing to spec and use lock-tight all is fine.

I can't stress enough regular maintaince with factory or OE parts!

Mine only let me down once, and that was partially my fault on the track, but now it's in a better place with a ton more HP.

Good luck!