Intrested in buying an E36

I live in Maryland and i'm a senior in high school. I've always loved BMW's and I finally have about 10K to drop on an M3. I really want to get a 95 but i'm wondering if I can afford it. Can I get one for around 8-9K? And if I see one at that price should I be worried that it is at that price?

Thanks for any help you guys can give me. Also maybe you have some suggestions

Don't think so. Even if you did the mileage would be pretty damn high. Have you conisdered the insurance on that car?

yeh, 10k sounds kinda low...check kbb.com or edmunds.com to get a feel for pricing. Wouldn't hurt to shop around and check places like the classifed section or this forum. I'd tend to agree that insurance cost may dampen your spirits here.

you can probably get a 325 for 10K.

You should be able to get a very clean 325 for 10K.

I would think an M3 in that price range would be more trouble than its worth.

I saw a few M3's in FL and AL when I was looking to pick up my E36. I found a few resonably priced, most were in the 11,500 to 13k range though. However, One of the guys who works at the same custom shop as I do had a 328i for several years and he convinced me the 328 was close enough in power and performance to the M3 and after I test drove both I agreed. The difference between the 325 and the 328 is much greater than the difference between the 328 and The M3.

I know this is probably common knowledge, but every BMW owner is an enthusiast, especially M owners. The ones I tried to negotiate with were far less flexible than previous private owners I have tried to buy cars from.

Hmmmm I'll just have to think about it... Maybe I can get a loan from my family.

Originally Posted by LmtdSlip

You should be able to get a very clean 325 for 10K.

I would think an M3 in that price range would be more trouble than its worth.

Unless you shop at BMWCCA.org, a 325i should go for no more than $6k. Mine's worth around $5k.

I'd buy a 325 or 328, no need to step up to an M3 right away.

Don't count out the four cylinder cars from the get go. I have a '97 318ti with a trick suspension and all the M tech options. I love it, there are few driving experiences like it, even in an M3. The car is also dirt cheap to run, on the highway I average better then 30 mpg. My brother has a '97 Z3 1.9 that is mostly stock, same as my car, fun to own but economical. These cars aren't slouches either, and have a better weight distribution then the six pot cars. If I was picking a car it would be mine or a '91 318is, I know it is an e30 and will have some issues from age but for 10k you could find the best possible car and have money left over for repairs and mods.

As a college student talking to a future college student don't count out the four pot cars, they can be stacks of fun and cheap to run. Also if I wanted to autocross I would be up against 2002's and 320i's instead of the newer cars. Plus tyres and brakes last forever on these cars.

Paul