I really like this car, and to find a prime example with low miles would be a treat. However I read an article about it in Automobile magazine and they said that it was one of the most finicky/unreliable cars made. And that usually something was acting up with it. I am trying to understand how a PITA car can still remain special...

small things may need fixing. The real issue is the COST of parts when a repair is needed. so if you have an engine problem its an expensive engine to repair. it's also 20 years old and not built on years and years of previous experience the way a chevy 350 has been built.

Why do people still like it? Because it's a beautiful car and has amazing road feel and handling. I love my car and there are few cars even when at the track, that look like they would satisfy my driving pleasure more. (without spending BIG bucks).

They need maintenance....lots. They are not a turn key and drive 10k mi between oil changes, and no upkeep. Most ppl I know, and looking like i will be to, will spend from $1,200 to $3,000 the first yr they even own it and however much u drive it its gunna cost ya. This car was built for the track and they put it on the showroom for us to buy. Not the other way around. These motors can go to 180k-200k but good luck. Maintenance ,maintenance, maintenance..... and btw "I am trying to understand how a PITA car can still remain special..." you must not of ever driven one :)

I own one, the care are kind of a pain true. You always have to check the oil level, that all the belts are tight, that the bracket have not vibrated loose, the exhaust hanger are in good shape, and many other things. If you like cars and like to tinker some then the car is pretty easy, if you are a get in and drive the car never checking anything because the idiot lights say everything is good then its not the car for you. If you ever drive one just once its over. No matter how much hassle the car can dish out she is worth every penny. The balance, engine, feel, is like no other. Can it be a pain and cost you alot of money sure, but in my opinion its worth it and then some. I have had 6 BMW's over the years from an 90 325i to a 2007 328i and 95 M3, and the E30 M3 is the best.

It depends on the condition of the car you buy. Get a good one and its not crazy...get a bad one and you'll go mad.

Well I am going to be looking to spend some good money on a car within the next year. I initially planned on spending $20-25,000 on an EVO or C5 or E46 M3 or something but the more and more I think of it, I feel I may appreciate a solid, clean example of a great car instead at a lesser price. Even if it isn't as fast as a zO6 or something...

it also has to do on who owns it and how much you know about maintenance and just general troubleshooting. i beat my cars but know when to stop and how to fix/replace just about anything. this helps tons with costs.

never done it? these cars are real easy to work/learn on, there's a huge community/forum of people willing to help and more information, diy's and aftermarket (well, maybe not on the e30m3) that you'll ever need.

but you talking about EVO's, C5 (idk what it is) and Z06's i doubt your intentions to get a car truly made for good drivers, a classic, one that inspired bmw's future. Fast: meh, this term is relative but there's ways around it.

The E30 M3 isn't that troublesome but most of it has to do with the buzzy nature of the S14 engine. After years and years of buzzing and enthusiastic driving, there's bound to be some fatigue. It does require more attention than a typical grocery getter but if you're looking at this car then you should already know this. Once the common problems are addressed there shouldn't be any surprises except for routine maintenance.

I really like this car, and to find a prime example with low miles would be a treat. However I read an article about it in Automobile magazine and they said that it was one of the most finicky/unreliable cars made. And that usually something was acting up with it. I am trying to understand how a PITA car can still remain special...

Some people like Ferrari's. And they are a huge PITA. My Dad liked Lotus', also a PITA.

A lot of the talk about E30 M3's being finicky and costing astronomical amount to maintain is BS...

Realize that the majority of M3 owners spend far more money on their car than is necessary. Everyone drives them as a project/weekend car(well almost everyone...I daily mine :-))

Accordingly, these people like working on cars and are more likely to spend money and do work to their car, even if the car doesn't necessarily need it. A lot of the E30 M3 guys take preventative maintenence to the extreme to say the least.

And as for finicky, there is no part on an M3 that is underbuilt from the factory. The car is a bit buzzy so that does add some fatigue, but in reality the car is only as finicky as its mechanic. My car is perfectly reliable. Never hiccupped or left me stranded. *knocks on wood*

It is not a finicky car, it's an oldish car.
Its problems start with the second owner who buys it for the price of a crapbox sedan, then finds out that the S14 parts are expensive and unique to the car.
maintenance suffers. The third owner then has to practically restore the car mechanically. Once the mechanicals are restored, the car is bulletproof.
If the car is tracked, then preventative maintenance is a MUST, and it is wise to upgrade to aftermarket gauges to monitor oil pressure, oil temp, and coolant temp.
Owners do tend to spend more than is necessary usually due to the slippery slope of upgraditis.
You have to watch out for rust...Bottom of windshield, rear tail light panel, and beneath the battery, as well as scars on the under carriage from poor jacking practices.

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haha, i love this thread... I am the fourth owner of my M3 and I have only had her for about 8 months. The previous owner has taken great care for the car and the engine pulls strong, but there are a lot of problems still occuring. So far my car has left me stranded twice just this month.

The first time, the alternator died while i was cruising the sunset strip in Hollywood. Then the other was last night as I was going on to the 405 freeway. Shifted into fourth gear and WHAM... the shift box became a spaghetti noodle ( the bar that holds the shifter into place broke).

My suggestion to you is, as what others have said, if your a true gear head and love to toy with your car, then this car is perfect. Prices on parts are the biggest PITA. One thing you have to realize is that the car is old, so treat it like one. Try to get all the kinks out asap. Had mine for 8 months and there are times when I regretted that I didn't get an E46 M3 but as soon as she is back up and running she always reminds me of how special she really is.