E30 M3's are extremely few and far between here in Dallas. Anyone have any idea where there might be a decent one for sale in Texas or the surrounding states? Also, what should I look for, beware of, in regards to these cars? Thanks in advance for your help.

There's a Diamond Black (metallic) with black interior for sale in Houston right now. It has the Evolution-2 front airdam extension, a nice upgrade to reduce understeer at high speeds.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=600636329

Beautiful condition, crappy looking wheels, though. You can pick up a good, used set for $400-600.

Also check http://www.autotrader.com and http://www.cars.com

Things to look out for:

Engine-get compression and leakdown tests performed by a competent shop that knows M-cars before buying. Compression should be between 160-220psi, all 4 should be within 20 psi of each other. Leakdown should not be above 15% in any cylinder. Have them check valve adjustment. Exhaust valve clearance tightens up over time and you can burn a valve. Intake gaskets leak (vacuum leaks are very bad) if anyone leans on the intake plenum. Cost is $150 in parts and 3-4 hours labor. Engine mounts are expensive and probably need to be changed on this car. Trans mounts are relatively weak and can be replaced with 5 or 6 series mounts from 1985 535i/635CSi for about $40. Front timing cover gaskets leak oil like a sieve on older engines. Cheap parts but costly labor. Timing chain tensioner rattle is bad, about $120 for the part and 1 hour to change, but it may not fix the problem. Radiator cracks and leaks like all other plastic radiators, about $200. Water pump is very expensive. Alternator bushings are weak, causes belt to squeal. Wires that go to the temp sensor for the auxiliary fan break off, fan won't come on when car starts to heat up in traffic. Low-speed resistor for the aux fan burns up, expensive from the dealer, get a replacement from Radio Shack.

Exhaust--Exhaust studs come loose or break off at the head, you'll hear a loud ticking noise. O2 sensor is $120. Stock muffler is $240. Stock catalytic converter is $1200. These last a long time, though.

Suspension--front control arm bushings go bad and cause shimmy, get updated offset bushings if not already installed. Front subframe cracks at the engine mounts, requires a $70 repair kit and welding.

Brakes--bleed the brakes once you get the car and once a year. If you track the car, have the calipers rebuilt with new seals.

Have the diff oil replaced with Red Line 75W90 gear oil. Transmission should get Red Line MTL.

Other than that, I can't think of any other common problems these cars suffer. Never buy one without driving it, first. The engine should fire right up after a few cranks and you should be able to pull away with no hesitation. Mine has 177k miles on it and starts every time, even in 20F temps. I drive the piss out of it, too.

Does it matter if its not a local car?? It would be good to have one shipped from Overseas,cuz you can pick up an EVO III M3. These are the best of the best E30 M3's!!!:)

Someday, that will be my dream to import a Sport Evo. Unfortunately it is a lot of money to import. :(

Well i bet that's put him off James :laugh :laugh

Ritter from the Roadfly board is selling his car.....very well maintained. He's in Dallas.

http://216.177.56.41/e30m3/messages/messages/48908.html

The black one thats on Ebay in Houston is one to avoid. I won the first Auction for it and drove from Austin to Houston to pick it up. Upon arrival, it would not run at all. Upon further inspection, it has a crappy $200 paint job covering up a lot of bondo. All the VIN stickers are gone and there is NO paperwork on the car.

He has since re-listed it without changing the description to indicate the poor condition. Watch out for him.

I'm looking at a couple in TX. Once I decide which to buy I'll post the remainder here with comments so you can think about it.

Anyone else (besides Bry) in Austin?

-Dave

Dave where in Austin do you live? I'm in the Lakeway area.

When you do buy an E30 M I highly suggest getting a BMW CCA Membership along with a membership to the M3 SIG. It is well worth it, I have fixed so many things from asking those guys questions.