Newbie question

Hi guys, I am about to buy a 99 M3 E36 which has 140K + miles on it. It is black on black and seems to be in very good condition. My current car is a 93 Integra with about the same millage...however, i guess what worries me is if it will be a good idea to purchase such a M3 at this millage. What could I expect to go wrong with the car? Would I be looking at some common issues with these cars? Any recalls? Sorry for the many questions, but I am not really familiar with beemers.

According to the owner, he replaced the rear brake rotors, emergency brake shoes (only the rear left was holding), water pump, ignition coil, plugs, gear shift knob, timing chain belt.

BTW, the owner asks for $11,500...
what do you think? thanks in advance..

Does he have any service records? last oil change? dealer records?

The price seems good, maybe even a bit low.. Read the sticky on; Things about e36's, funny but true. This will give you an idea of what goes wrong.

If he has records of that work being done, it seems like a good deal. If no records, i'd be a little leary....

I agree

Welcome to the fest buddy

Originally Posted by to3o

Hi guys, I am about to buy a 99 M3 E36 which has 140K + miles on it. It is black on black and seems to be in very good condition. My current car is a 93 Integra with about the same millage...however, i guess what worries me is if it will be a good idea to purchase such a M3 at this millage. What could I expect to go wrong with the car? Would I be looking at some common issues with these cars? Any recalls? Sorry for the many questions, but I am not really familiar with beemers.

According to the owner, he replaced the rear brake rotors, emergency brake shoes (only the rear left was holding), water pump, ignition coil, plugs, gear shift knob, timing chain belt.

BTW, the owner asks for $11,500...
what do you think? thanks in advance..

He changed a timing chain after only 140k miles.

Be VERY wary of this car. The BMW engine is virtually indestructable if serviced correctly. For someone to have to change a timing change indicates major surgery on the engine.

Find out EXACTLY why he had to change it. I would guess that this car has been thrashed and not serviced at correct intervals.

Without a full service history I would advise you to walk away and buy something else.

+100

Hi all,

Thank you for your responses and suggestions.

platinum325 & PJBIMMER - The owner claims to have all records available. I have never looked at BMW record. What is it? Dates and maintenance/services performed?

ianiac - I read the sticky, "Things about e36's, funny but true" - very helpful!

efanton - This is what the owner said:

"Last month I also had them relace the timing chain belt...just in case I
decided to keep the car. (I drive 30K a year on I270...so most of the miles
were in 5th gear."

timing chain belt? It is either a chain or a belt - I will have to ask about that.

All E36's have timing chains. There is absolutely no need whatsoever to replace it. as I said earlier these engines are bulletproof if properly looked after.

I you do not know the seller personally I would be very very suspicious. If he has driven the car for 140k miles and still doesnt know that this car has timing chain then its obvious that he has done very little maintenance himself.

Please do yourself a BIG BIG favour and do not buy this car if the service book and receipts do not check out. BMW's are a joy to drive but can be an absolute nightmare if they go seriously wrong.

I would even go as far as saying you SHOULDN'T change it at that low mileage

Maybe a bit suspect but they may have just thought it was a good idea