Im new here and need advice on purchasing a 1999 M3

[dpoM]

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I test drove a black, convertible 1999 M3 yesterday. It's only got 51,000 miles on it and seems to be in great condition. The guy who's selling it wants $18500 for it, but I think I can get him down to $17000. The car has one odd sound; I'm not exactly sure what it is but I'm going to take it to a mechanic first to check it out...it doesnt sound very serious. Also, there's some cracking in the leather, and when I put the top down, I have to be careful about how fast I do it, otherwise the back of it slightly clips the trunk. Can anyone tell me...WOULD THIS BE A GOOD BUY? Is this something that I'll probably have to invest a lot of money in over the next few years or so to keep it running? I understand that 1999 was the last year of the E36 model and engine. Would I be better off just getting a 2001 E46 or is the E36 just as good? I'm not into racing or modifying (though I might get into it) my car; this will be a car that I probably drive 5 days a week or so. My grandfather owns 3 BMW's, including a pair of 750iL's, but I'm just getting into them...this would be my first BMW. I would greatly appreciate any advice! Thanks! You can also email me at dpo32crew@hotmail.com

- dpoM

[Angeleye328i]

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I test drove a black, convertible 1999 M3 yesterday. It's only got 51,000 miles on it and seems to be in great condition. The guy who's selling it wants $18500 for it, but I think I can get him down to $17000. The car has one odd sound; I'm not exactly sure what it is but I'm going to take it to a mechanic first to check it out...it doesnt sound very serious. Also, there's some cracking in the leather, and when I put the top down, I have to be careful about how fast I do it, otherwise the back of it slightly clips the trunk. Can anyone tell me...WOULD THIS BE A GOOD BUY? Is this something that I'll probably have to invest a lot of money in over the next few years or so to keep it running? I understand that 1999 was the last year of the E36 model and engine. Would I be better off just getting a 2001 E46 or is the E36 just as good? I'm not into racing or modifying (though I might get into it) my car; this will be a car that I probably drive 5 days a week or so. My grandfather owns 3 BMW's, including a pair of 750iL's, but I'm just getting into them...this would be my first BMW. I would greatly appreciate any advice! Thanks! You can also email me at dpo32crew@hotmail.com

- dpoM

Well, first you have to asked if the owner has all the paperwork relating to maintainance. Second, asked to have the car inspected by an authorized BMW (which will cover by the seller, but refunded if the inspection comes out clean). Third, with 52k miles, asked if the waterpump and thermostate have been replaced because they tend to fail around 75k but most have been failing sooner then that. Fourth, check this site for "common failure" thread on E36's. Lastly, don't spend that much on a car unless you really like E36's for extra $5k you can pick up a E46 2001-2002 M3 which can outrun an E36's M3 all day.

Now my personal experience on 1996-1999 M3's. I very passionate about the E36's and have personally done engine transplant, Diff upgrade, suspension works, etc.. The key is to fix all the problem when they arise and don't wait till its too late. Cost to maintain these car are pretty expensive if you take the car to the dealership, but if you're a home mechanic and preform basic maintainence then you should be fine. Parts are easier to obtain because most internet vendor will sell them very cheap compare to your local dealership.

But whichever you choice regardless if its a E36 M3 or E46 M3, you wouldn't be disappointed:thumbup:

[dpoM]

AngelEye,

I will ask him for the maintenance papers and the info on the waterpump and thermostate. I'm looking into getting a warranty for the car, because I am not a mechanic and would not be able to fix problems myself with the car. In fact, I know very little about cars; I'm just starting to learn. From what you've said it sounds like I could be putting a lot of money into it for repairs if I don't know how to fix it myself. And I've also been wondering if I should just save up a little more money and get an E46 instead. Still trying to figure out which one is more visually pleasing to myself, though it sounds like the E46 has a superior engine. Thanks for the advice.

[Angeleye328i]

AngelEye,

I will ask him for the maintenance papers and the info on the waterpump and thermostate. I'm looking into getting a warranty for the car, because I am not a mechanic and would not be able to fix problems myself with the car. In fact, I know very little about cars; I'm just starting to learn. From what you've said it sounds like I could be putting a lot of money into it for repairs if I don't know how to fix it myself. And I've also been wondering if I should just save up a little more money and get an E46 instead. Still trying to figure out which one is more visually pleasing to myself, though it sounds like the E46 has a superior engine. Thanks for the advice.


If you're planning on buying that E36's then you really don't need to buy an extended warranty. If you follow standard maintainence timeline, the car should run without any major problems. The two things you want to keep an eye on is your Thermostate and Waterpump, if those were to fail it could lead to possible engine damage (if you don't pulled over after noticing the Temp gauge soar past noon).

I recommend you replace those item just to be on the safe side, if you were to purchase the car. Cost for parts is around $150-200 and labor if you have a trusted mechanic will run around $60-100. If you can do it yourself, I also recommend you buy Bentley books from Bimmerparts.com or Pelicanparts.com. They offer free shipping on most items. Its a great book that break down in detail about the E36's.

Now, like I stated I am not too happy with 17k which I think is too high for a 8 year old car. You should asked him to lower the price to $14000.00. There's ton of E36 M3's out roaming the street and with sub 100k miles. The KEY is to make sure the car has all of its records.

Good luck

[dpoM]

Angeleye,

When you mentioned cost for parts being between $150-200, were you referring specifically to the thermostate and waterpump? If I don't need to buy a warranty, that would be a huge help. I came here because I wanted to speak with M3 experts, but I have a friend who knows a lot about cars and engines, and I could probably get his help learning this stuff, as well. So yea, maybe I don't need a warranty. I'll check out the book you recommended. Once again, thanks for such valuable information.

- dpoM

[Angeleye328i]

Angeleye,

When you mentioned cost for parts being between $150-200, were you referring specifically to the thermostate and waterpump? If I don't need to buy a warranty, that would be a huge help. I came here because I wanted to speak with M3 experts, but I have a friend who knows a lot about cars and engines, and I could probably get his help learning this stuff, as well. So yea, maybe I don't need a warranty. I'll check out the book you recommended. Once again, thanks for such valuable information.

- dpoM

Yes the price I quoted is for the thermostate and waterpump. I believe thermostate price range from $25-45 and waterpump around $80-250 both depend on what brand you purchase. That's great that you have friends who know how to do basic tuneup, oil change, light repair.

The only worries you will have is trying to keep the car stock because once the bug bites, its a downhill slope:D

[dpoM]

oh boy...I'll keep that in mind

[cenache]

Angeleye is right on about the maintenance. May want to consider replacing the radiator and hoses (at least the mains) cause these cars are getting up in age and with much plastic integral to them, they get brittle. Ask me how I know... Luckily, I shut the engine off before it overheated.
Either way you go, you'll love the car, but you should really spend your money on something you really like. It will cost you in maintenace, but it won't hurt (as much) paying it if you like the car.

[POS VETT]

If you are still looking, there is a '98 M3 'vert that's for sale for $16.5k and it has under 50k miles. It is white though.

[dpoM]

Cenache, thanks for following up with more inforation one what angeleye told me. I'm still looking for the right one, but when I find it I'll hit you up with some questions.

[dpoM]

If you are still looking, there is a '98 M3 'vert that's for sale for $16.5k and it has under 50k miles. It is white though.


Yeah, actually am still looking. I found a blue '98 convertible with 47,000 miles on it for $17k, which I'll prolly talk him down a lil bit if it gets that far. I'm supposed to go check it out on Sat; he's only about 45 mins away from me. Where is this white one located? I'd most likely want a white or red one, but the blue is nice, too. hit me up on here or my email is dpo32crew@hotmail.com

thanks!

[Jon S.]

I've had (knock on wood) incredibly great luck with my '99 M3 which I purchased exactly 2 years ago. Wouldn't trade it for anything... Well, almost anything... ;)

[Simone30m3]

price is not far off at 17000 for a 99 vert with low miles. Problems are going to be major, buy it, you will love it. an e46 is nice, but much more $$$$ more performance though too. GL with whatever you buy