Hello all, I am new to this forum and do not currently own an M3, but I am seriously considering buying. There is a guy locally selling a 1995 with 113k on it for $8,500 and I'm going to take a look at it this weekend.

I just wanted to get some feedback from those of you that own or have owned them as to what your experience has been with the car as far as reliability, performance and cost of ownership. I have been working on cars all my life, and actually learned on BMW's, so i am a DIY person all the way.

Any help/advice you guys can give me would be great.

Ahh try the E36M3 section not the E30 section ;)

But best avice to buy a car that has been taken care of and maintained...

Wow, my first post and I posted in the wrong section.

Mods could you please move to E36 M3 section please.

It's ok man for some reason everyone does it :), Just start a new thread there this one will die with the rest in this section ;) But to answer your question without much length I will say I have a 1995 and there is a lot you should know as those cars are prob. the easiest to obtain for the average car enthusiast and not all are keen on upkeep, they just want a M3. So records, car fax, and just judgment of the P.O. And if your new to M's get a PPI ( Pre Purchase Inspection) Good luck and if you search you will find many threads on what to look for and advice on every subject you could think of! Good Luck

Thanks for the help, I appreciate it. I know a guy that works at New Country BMW in East Hartford, CT so I would have them check it out. I would NEVER buy one that has been beat on. Really I'm looking for someones garage queen that was just plain well taken care of. I'm a big fan of BMW's. I used to have a 1994 525 and I traded it in with 189k/mi on it and it was still running strong.

I really appreciate the info.

See i cant send you a Pm..so
with regard to your questions
1. relaibily...you cant go wrong with the s50 motor..just make sure you have documented proof of recommened maintenace beig upkept..make sure the water pump has been replaces and ask for compression tests on the engine..its better to pay for it and walk away with or without the results you needed
2. perfformance...you will be more than happy with 240hp..there are a few cheap mods you can do to increase performance..but get to know the car first..kinda like a new girl...
3. Cost of ownership..apart from price of acquisition...there's nothing to it..as long as the maintenance has been done and you keep the scheduled services done..you'll be quite happy..just remember..this is indeed a BMW..and not a chevy cavalier...performance , prestige and power does have a price tag..the question is..
" WHAT"S IN YOUR WALLET ?"

Good luck ..go for it..just dont buy something with 250k miles and has a check light on , needs tires, burning oil, overheating and need a paint job and brakes

a garage queen will not go for 8500. if u want a garage queen expect to pay at least 15k

a garage queen will not go for 8500. if u want a garage queen expect to pay at least 15k


If you can find one. I've been looking for a clean E36 for 3 months and everything out there is overpriced junk.

yay Hartford CT :)

but new country is a wallet buster :(

That car has been on craigslist for the last 2 months. Must be something wrong with it for that price. It was cheap.