BimmerForum feedback....

If this isn’t the right place for this thread, they can move me. That said, here’s my dilemma.

I start a new job soon. I am a former 325 owner and sold my baby two years ago. Many small mechanical things were going wrong and I was leaving my job. I bought an Infinity G20. Live and learn. Gutless wonder. It has 56k miles and the tranny went out in three months. Serious heartache and I couldn’t stand to look at her and sold immediately. I drive an Acura Legend now.

I have a decent knowledge of BMW's, but nothing like many of you, both experientially and mechanically. I have learned a lot from reading posts and asking questions. I love this forum!

Here’s my struggle. I see a car like this locally
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/car/422809612.html

and love the low miles and manual trans.

I see this
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/car/422073758.html

Super clean and a one owner like above.

Then I ask myself, maybe I should just go all out and get an M3. I love the models 94-98, black on black, sport package with moderate modifications. Not into too much.

Never driving an M3, I am looking for a local M3 just to test drive and compare to the 5 speed.

Would any of you grab one of the above or hold out, spend a few Xtra $$ and get an M3? I am not a lowballer…I will pay for high quality and want an intelligent seller passionate about these cars.

It totally depends on your budget, and how much *you* can afford.

A clean E36 323is, 325is, or 328is in the condition you showed is probably going to sell for $5,500 - $8.500-ish (depending on year and model).

However, a clean E36 M3 is probably going to sell for more like mid-teens ($13,000 - 17,000) for equivalent condition. Yes you can find M3s for as low as $9,500ish, but those cars tend to have a boatload of miles on them, and in worse condition than the non-///Ms that you showed.

Jonathan

My regret, not getting an m3.

Why was this a regret? Purely for the power? Other? Life is short, so...?