Should I buy a 1995 M3?

[BapeDrop]

Hi all,

New to the forums, apologies if I'm posting in the wrong place. I purchased my first BMW this winter (2015 228i), and I love it. I'm looking to expand my arsenal and have been looking around at older M3s. What do you all think of this? Would be a car a drive I few times a month at most. I hear these older M3s can have 'rod bearing' issues that destroy the engine. Trying to weight the risks/rewards here and I thought you all would be the best people to ask! (110k miles, $12,800 btw) Thanks.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=197653984

[pbonsalb]

I recommend the E36 M3 subforum at Bimmerforums and the E36 M3 subforum at M3Forum for the 95-99 M3. I have had a 99M3 for 14 years and still like it but it is getting old and dated and will only need more and more work. If you want a 20-25 year old car and can DIY the work or don’t mind spending money to pay shops, they are good cars. Probably heading more towards the hobby category from the daily driver category.

[1MOREMOD]

Yes

[BayE30]

I have never heard of rod bearing issues on e36 m3. That wasn't a problem until the e46 m3. That being said, the e36 are over 20 yrs old now, and while fun to drive be ready for a ton of repairs and maintenance.

[BapeDrop]

Thanks for the advice! I'll move the post over to that forum as well. I'm certainly expecting some maintenance but if I'm only driving it a few times a month I was hoping for it to be "minimal". (as minimal as you can get for a car as old as this)

[smyles]

Aren't those like 240 HP on a good day (= many, many years ago, before its 5th owner)?

If anything, a decent 335i is much more appealing.

[Staszek]

I love the E36 M3, that being said the 95 is the worse one to buy. The US got the weakest version of the E36 M3, and the 95 was the weakest of the ones the US got with the S50, later models got the S52.

I would look for a later model one if you are buying one 98-99.

[amrazM]

US S50B30 is a piece of garbage

[kimiraikkonen]

I would say go for it. The E36 generation M3s are a lot of fun. I used to have a 1997 E36 M3 in the Artic Silver Metallic.

RBs are fine on the E36s.............the weak spot though is on the cooling system, so make sure things are in order. So at over 100K, be prepared (or be proactive) to replace the radiator, thermostat, and the overflow plastic cooling tank.

Electronics are generally ok, although I remember having to have my climate control module repaired as it went out one day (google capacitor fix for the E36 climate control modules).

Not sure you want an automatic though....

[pbonsalb]

Yes, stock the USA spec E36 M3 will be outrun by a Camry or Accord V6. Mine has a fully built motor with an EFR9180 and makes about 700 rwhp on 93 pump plus meth, with about 600 lbs rwtq.

[BapeDrop]

So most would say a 97-99 M3 would be a better investment for my time?

[wbM3]

Originally Posted by BapeDrop

So most would say a 97-99 M3 would be a better investment for my time?

Unless you want to engine swap and have the ultimate investment of your time.

[smyles]

Again, I think a 335i is a better invest of anyone's time. There's literally nothing interesting about US spec E36 M3.

[EricSMG]

Originally Posted by smyles

Again, I think a 335i is a better invest of anyone's time. There's literally nothing interesting about US spec E36 M3.

Sounds like you don't have experience with them. There is plenty interesting.... arguably the best handling (feel, balance, flick-ability, weight) M3 of all time. An E36 M3 is a legitimate M3 (motor aside, but the S52 is pretty darn peppy) - it handles superbly in ways that a 335 could never, ever, ever dream of. I've owned many E36 M3s and have driven them back to back with numerous 335s down my favorite canyon runs and the 335 is amateur hour in comparison.

No contest whatsoever if you like real M cars.

Now, that said, if you want power, then yes, 335 all day long.

[doogee]

Originally Posted by EricSMG

it handles superbly in ways that a 335 could never, ever, ever dream of..

While this is not correct. (E90 suspension geometry etc is far superior).

I will say the E36 has much more feel and is way more fun to drive than an E90 3 Series with stock suspension.

[smyles]

Actually I have plenty of experience with E36 Ms, hence my opinion that by now not many of decent, worth investing cars exist, let alone a available for sale, and I'd rather buy a used E9x 335i and invest in it, since by default it will provide a much better basis/starting point and will yield much better result in the end.

[BapeDrop]

Sorry to keep the thread going, one last question. Any specific sites or tips you guys would have for finding 'rare' cars like these? Obviously not going to show up at a local dealership. (Boston based)

[Richbot]

Is it a sedan and purple? If yes, send me the link so I can buy it. . If no and you’ve always loved the e36m, buy now. If no and you’re just looking for a better mousetrap than a newer M3...eh it was the 90’s we were not as good at life as we are now

[BayE30]

i have owned 2 e36 m3 in the past, the most recent one was 5 years ago. I had alot of fun in those cars, but have zero urge to buy another. There is nothing they can do better than a newer generation m3, except maybe appreciate in value if really really really clean.

That being said, i still have my e30 (non-M) that i bought 16 years ago. I drive the car about twice a year to and from the track, but its not enough to keep me interested...and thats after sinking about $50k into the damn money pit of a car. E30 and E36 drive VERY similarly, and yes i know the rear suspension is different blah blah blah, they still feel very close when driven back to back.

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by BapeDrop

Sorry to keep the thread going, one last question. Any specific sites or tips you guys would have for finding 'rare' cars like these? Obviously not going to show up at a local dealership. (Boston based)

The for sale section of the 2 sites I noted in post #2, bmwcca, Craigslist, eBay, google, etc. Old New England cars would not be my first choice. Fly out to a no rust region of the country and bring one back.

[BayE30]

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto...928910219.html

[tubedreamer]

Should you buy e36 m3? Yes lol. Get a ride in one with a competent autocrosser and you’ll see why. Bring a trailer has a couple low mileage right now.