1997 BMW M3 sedan...looking into buying...advice

[jecain]

I'm looking into buying a 1997 m3 sedan w/ 127k, 6 speed, dinan chip, intake. looking for advice on anything known problems on the m3, or any sort of warning signs that i might want to look for on the car. thank you. heres the link for it too,

http://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/cto/1381623076.html

[dawgeatdawg]

I think you mean 5 speed. get it checked out at a trusted mechanic, do a compression test, look for rust on the underbody, worn out suspension components, and the cooling system. 127k is a good amount of mileage but if the car has been taken car of, ie records, good previous owner, then you should have nothing to worry about.

[Badgtho is back]

Originally Posted by jecain

I'm looking into buying a 1997 m3 sedan w/ 127k, 6 speed, dinan chip, intake. looking for advice on anything known problems on the m3, or any sort of warning signs that i might want to look for on the car. thank you.

no such thing as a 6 speed in the US unless it's swapped.

do a search to find answers to the rest of your questions.

as a current BMW owner you should know that.

edit.... just saw your location... why are all these guys from CT? what did we ever do?

[284Shooter]

Originally Posted by Badgtho is back

edit.... just saw your location... why are all these guys from CT? what did we ever do?

Maybe it's one of the last placed in the country where people have disposable income? You see, a bright side!

[tokbandit]

Originally Posted by dawgeatdawg

I think you mean 5 speed. get it checked out at a trusted mechanic, do a compression test, look for rust on the underbody, worn out suspension components, and the cooling system. 127k is a good amount of mileage but if the car has been taken car of, ie records, good previous owner, then you should have nothing to worry about.

what he said....just make sure you get a PPI done....it would be well worth it to test drive it to a bmw shop where they can give it a good go around....

I love my '97 M3/4/5....only really thing wrong is the worn out suspension...

[ButtDyno]

Originally Posted by tokbandit

what he said....just make sure you get a PPI done....it would be well worth it to test drive it to a bmw shop where they can give it a good go around....

This. Definitely worth it.

[DADx2]

I love my 97 M3/4 6 speed....... but it started out as an automatic.

[Ace and Ivy M3]

Originally Posted by DADx2

I love my 97 M3/4 6 speed....... but it started out as an automatic.

That Must Be AN INSANE M3!!

Big Props on your ride.

As for the OP, Get a report done on it, from a reputable

shop, better spend 2hr inspection than 1000+ in repairs


Another common thing now adays is a CARFAX

see if thats good as well.

[racer m]

http://edgemotorworks.com/index.php?...id=2&Itemid=48

[jecain]

thanks, i meant 5 speed, i had my mind on other things while i was doing it last night at work. and whats all wrong with ct??

[tokbandit]

Carfax doesn't report everything.....yes it is good to have one done...but dont rely on it for its accuracy....

[jecain]

yea def. alot of the reports on carfax are limited to details of what the deal was on the car.

[3m3s]

just picked up a 98 M3/4/5 -- check the rear shock mounts for sure and have them check for overrev codes -- my 2nd E36 M3 and love it

[Chumba]

my 97 m3/4/5 is for sale in ct. where are you located? here's the link to autotrader...http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

brand new bilstein shocks and struts along w/ meyle hd rsm's, dunlop direzza star specs , all fluids w/ royal purple, mint contours, aftermarket stereo system...etc.
Needs absolutely nothing...email me @ toddanna@sbcglobal.net or call the cell in the link.

[Badgtho is back]

i'm in middletown, i have not seen that car around but it's clean for a lux

[Chumba]

Thx...I barely drive it, only put on 3k since January. I originally wanted Estoril, but I fell in love with this one when I saw it.

[jecain]

how shitty is the m3 in the snow? i

[alanilil]

Originally Posted by jecain

how shitty is the m3 in the snow? i

Not bad in light snow as long as you have snow tires on it, ideally on narrower than stock wheels, or at the minimum all season tires with plenty of tread. Ground clearance is going to kill you with deeper snow. Audi S4's despite having AWD suck in anything over a couple inches due to ground clearance, so you can imagine a RWD M3 is not going to fare any better.

I'd also be wary of exposing a car that hasn't seen winters to salt because it will get develop surface rust in the engine compartment, underneath and anywhere the paint has been chipped. If the car already has a little rust, or if you are not concerned about resale and rust go for it!!

[jecain]

yea im planning on it being my everyday car...i dont drive a whole lot other than to work and back, but occasionally i'm gonna have to take it out, otherwise i'll gank my dad's expedition which is beast...i had a B7 A4 for the past two years and that thing was killer in the snow.

how much gains will a Dinan D900/32M Performance Chip do for the car?