Hi Everyone,

I am rather new to the forums, and have been trying to read up quite a bit on these great cars. I am considering getting a E36 M3, but my question really applies to all E36's:

If you could go back in time, would you buy your E36 again? If not, could you say why? Thanks for the input!

My main dislike is the exterior and interior colors of my particular car, but the price was simply too good to pass up. Other than that I've thoroughly enjoyed my ownership thus far (all of about 4 months).

I would have waited for one that was caught up on maintnance had i known what i know now back then.

I would have waited for one that was caught up on maintnance had i known what i know now back then.

im with ya:mad

I would have waited for one that was caught up on maintnance had i known what i know now back then.

true that. and i would have bought an m3. but, after owning the car for three years i have enjoyed it alot.

E36's are amazing cars

I totally 2nd what Huy said, the maintenance part is usually the biggest regret of any car I bought. Despite all the little things that seem to be stacking, I love it much more than my previous cars.

I've had mine for almost 2 months and it's been nothing, but good times so far. Sure there was some maintenance done and still to do, but I have no regrets and it's still an on going learning process on the car from here on out.

Don't forget about the meets and drives that comes along with the car.

damn, thats a good question. the main reason i sold mine was i was tired of all the small stuff. headliner falling down, door panels coming apart. it was nickel and dimeing me to death. i have thought that i missed it though from time to time. if i were to do it again id go avusblau,daytona violet or alpinweiss M3

I would have bought mine again, picked it up with 78,000 from an old lady garage kept it's in near perfect condition.

Im loving my car, like the rest needs a few things here and there. I have not had it that long yet, so time will tell. But its smooth, runs good, sounds good, looks good. works for me. Its just underpowered from what Im used to haha.

Yes, Id buy it again.

damn, thats a good question. the main reason i sold mine was i was tired of all the small stuff. headliner falling down, door panels coming apart. it was nickel and dimeing me to death. i have thought that i missed it though from time to time. if i were to do it again id go avusblau,daytona violet or alpinweiss M3

I second that. Door panels I hated mine, I had to spend some $$$ to get a new set in perfect shape. Little things is what really gets to me, but maintenance is just a must and if you get an E36 before you start modding make sure you take it for an oil change to a well known shop and they will give you a comp insepction. Just tell them that you just got the car and you want to make sure is in good shape.

Good luck!

In a heart beat! I love my car!

I think what everyone is saying above about maintenance is very true. You should really take your time, find one with an owner who has been meticulous about the maintenance and make sure to still have a pre-purchase inspection done by a reputable shop or dealership.

Once you get the car, try to do maintenance in a preventative fashion on the known weak points (rear shock mounts, water pump, etc, etc.).

Definitely, find a good shop that you like and trust because even doing everything above you are still going to need them from time to time.

I had an e36 m3 before my e30. I'd definately have to say that I wouldn't buy that e36 back. Only reason I would would be for gas mileage.

dem3n really wouldn't buy another e36, because he knows how much sicker his e30 is regardless of the gas situation.

Hell yea def

Absofreakinlutely!!!!!!

Jay

hell yah if i could i would buy it again thay are fun to drive meny things to do to them but prices for parts are starting to become reasonable considering what you get and seeing all the mods people put on all there other cars. it all comes down to what you want and like. my dad sold me mine and he wants another BAD!

Thanks guys, that is good input on the maintenance. I really like all the different mods everyone has to customize the car to their own style. Good point about the meets also, nothing like getting together with fellow enthusiasts.

If I had a place to park it, I would totally buy another one! I've had mine for over 3 years and absolutely love it.
As above mentioned, just make sure the maintanence has been taken care of (water pump, thermostat, radiator, bushings etc.)

my .02

I just sold mine but would buy it back in a heartbeat if the finances were ok:(
Def a more expensive car to maintain but WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!

I just sold mine but would buy it back in a heartbeat if the finances were ok:(
Def a more expensive car to maintain but WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!

Hmmm...I guess you won't be making an offer on the 135 tii concept car? :devillook

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?p=29461#post29461

I have a 323I Convert. I would have told myself to wait for an M3.

But alot of that has to do with A LOT of personal issues that have come up over the last few months.

Would have pushed me into waiting for a better time to purchase.

In other words. Look for a clean M3 that has a good maintance record and where the owner looks like they would not have abused the car. But looks are deceiving.

Jason

Thanks everyone, I have my eye on a particular M3 right now. Looks nice and clean with lots of upgrades and maintenance work done already. If I end up getting it, I will share some pics and more details.