Questions about E36 M3's...
#1
Questions about E36 M3's...
Greetings all...ive been lurking on this forum for a while now ( mostly in the Porsche sections..im obsessed...completely obsessed...), and am looking into purchasing an E36 M3. This forum has such a wealth of information..i figured some questions to people on here would be a great place to start...
sooo..Im looking to get as mint an E36 as I can, preferrably a 99. Estoril Blue or black..but color isnt the biggest issue, as long as its not green, lol. Obviously..the lowest possible mileage I can. Im setting a cap of $20k, because i know i can find a great example for around that much.
Ive never really heard of major catasrophes regarding these cars...they seems to be pretty reliable over all...but what are some areas of concern for a new buyer? In terms of modifications..im familiar with Turner Motorsport and Dinan..but not much else. Id like to start with the basic modifications as soon as possible (i.e ECU, CAI, catback, pulleys)...any ups or downs to either company? Any other recommendations?
any help and or advice would be great! Thanks!
sooo..Im looking to get as mint an E36 as I can, preferrably a 99. Estoril Blue or black..but color isnt the biggest issue, as long as its not green, lol. Obviously..the lowest possible mileage I can. Im setting a cap of $20k, because i know i can find a great example for around that much.
Ive never really heard of major catasrophes regarding these cars...they seems to be pretty reliable over all...but what are some areas of concern for a new buyer? In terms of modifications..im familiar with Turner Motorsport and Dinan..but not much else. Id like to start with the basic modifications as soon as possible (i.e ECU, CAI, catback, pulleys)...any ups or downs to either company? Any other recommendations?
any help and or advice would be great! Thanks!
#2
Strongly urge you to check out M3Forums.com / Bimmerforums.com ... not only will you find a wealth of info on the E36 M, but you should find a few gems for sale in both the classifieds section.
I think you will find, while there are members here who have owned a E36, this is mostly a porsche forum.
As a side note: I find the E36 to be an incredible platform. You should have a ball with that car. Goodluck in your search!
I think you will find, while there are members here who have owned a E36, this is mostly a porsche forum.
As a side note: I find the E36 to be an incredible platform. You should have a ball with that car. Goodluck in your search!
#4
Originally Posted by Spec3VR6
Greetings all...ive been lurking on this forum for a while now ( mostly in the Porsche sections..im obsessed...completely obsessed...), and am looking into purchasing an E36 M3. This forum has such a wealth of information..i figured some questions to people on here would be a great place to start...
sooo..Im looking to get as mint an E36 as I can, preferrably a 99. Estoril Blue or black..but color isnt the biggest issue, as long as its not green, lol. Obviously..the lowest possible mileage I can. Im setting a cap of $20k, because i know i can find a great example for around that much.
Ive never really heard of major catasrophes regarding these cars...they seems to be pretty reliable over all...but what are some areas of concern for a new buyer? In terms of modifications..im familiar with Turner Motorsport and Dinan..but not much else. Id like to start with the basic modifications as soon as possible (i.e ECU, CAI, catback, pulleys)...any ups or downs to either company? Any other recommendations?
any help and or advice would be great! Thanks!
sooo..Im looking to get as mint an E36 as I can, preferrably a 99. Estoril Blue or black..but color isnt the biggest issue, as long as its not green, lol. Obviously..the lowest possible mileage I can. Im setting a cap of $20k, because i know i can find a great example for around that much.
Ive never really heard of major catasrophes regarding these cars...they seems to be pretty reliable over all...but what are some areas of concern for a new buyer? In terms of modifications..im familiar with Turner Motorsport and Dinan..but not much else. Id like to start with the basic modifications as soon as possible (i.e ECU, CAI, catback, pulleys)...any ups or downs to either company? Any other recommendations?
any help and or advice would be great! Thanks!
Also welcome to 6Speed! Where you from in NJ?
#5
Originally Posted by Jedidiah
Strongly urge you to check out M3Forums.com / Bimmerforums.com ... not only will you find a wealth of info on the E36 M, but you should find a few gems for sale in both the classifieds section.
I think you will find, while there are members here who have owned a E36, this is mostly a porsche forum.
As a side note: I find the E36 to be an incredible platform. You should have a ball with that car. Goodluck in your search!
I think you will find, while there are members here who have owned a E36, this is mostly a porsche forum.
As a side note: I find the E36 to be an incredible platform. You should have a ball with that car. Goodluck in your search!
#6
Check BimmerForums.com
The cooling system is the main major issue the e36's face.
I was looking for an e46 and ended up picking up this Estoril E36 instead: https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ad.php?t=83927
I couldn't be happier with it so far- It handles like nothing I've ever experienced.
The cooling system is the main major issue the e36's face.
I was looking for an e46 and ended up picking up this Estoril E36 instead: https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ad.php?t=83927
I couldn't be happier with it so far- It handles like nothing I've ever experienced.
#7
Originally Posted by Origyns 973
Private message me and I'll set you in the right direction.
Also welcome to 6Speed! Where you from in NJ?
Also welcome to 6Speed! Where you from in NJ?
I was living in the Wayne/Haledon area for a couple years while i went to William Paterson..but i moved back to south jersey recently. Medford..in burlington county
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#8
Originally Posted by Spec3VR6
thanks for all the advice..ive scoped those forums out a little bit. ill browse around alil more and see what I can come up with
I was living in the Wayne/Haledon area for a couple years while i went to William Paterson..but i moved back to south jersey recently. Medford..in burlington county
I was living in the Wayne/Haledon area for a couple years while i went to William Paterson..but i moved back to south jersey recently. Medford..in burlington county
#9
Originally Posted by bgreenlee
Check BimmerForums.com
The cooling system is the main major issue the e36's face.
I was looking for an e46 and ended up picking up this Estoril E36 instead: https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ad.php?t=83927
I couldn't be happier with it so far- It handles like nothing I've ever experienced.
The cooling system is the main major issue the e36's face.
I was looking for an e46 and ended up picking up this Estoril E36 instead: https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ad.php?t=83927
I couldn't be happier with it so far- It handles like nothing I've ever experienced.
#11
Originally Posted by bgreenlee
How did the 951 treat you?
I've always wanted to pickup a 951S.
I've always wanted to pickup a 951S.
#12
Originally Posted by lax01
The only huge problem I've heard of on the E36 is the rear sub-frame failures (apparently on all BMWs though)...
Overall, these cars are very reliable if you find an example that has been maintained, but they are getting older. Cooling system replacement/upgrade (to metal components) is a must, as is a suspension bushing refresh (esp. RTAB's). Vanos problems do occur but its a pretty hit/miss issue.
If you track the car, make sure to have the oil pump nut welded/wired because they can come loose with hard track driving.
I would stay far away from Dinan. Their stuff is very very overpriced for what they offer, and these cars are out of warranty, which is the only upside to buying Dinan products (usually covered under warranty). I would check out Turner Motorsports, Bimmerworld, and Understeer for aftermarket parts.
If you have any further questions, shoot. I know far too much regarding these cars....
#13
be wary of:
water pump
oil pump nut
fan clutch
radiator
power steering leaks
t-stat
rtab's
lcab's
rsm's
guibo
driveshaft support bearing
differential nut
vanos ticking
-Make sure to check all of these when you will be purchasing.
water pump
oil pump nut
fan clutch
radiator
power steering leaks
t-stat
rtab's
lcab's
rsm's
guibo
driveshaft support bearing
differential nut
vanos ticking
-Make sure to check all of these when you will be purchasing.
#15
Originally Posted by wrassemeister
be wary of:
water pump
oil pump nut
fan clutch
radiator
power steering leaks
t-stat
rtab's
lcab's
rsm's
guibo
driveshaft support bearing
differential nut
vanos ticking
-Make sure to check all of these when you will be purchasing.
water pump
oil pump nut
fan clutch
radiator
power steering leaks
t-stat
rtab's
lcab's
rsm's
guibo
driveshaft support bearing
differential nut
vanos ticking
-Make sure to check all of these when you will be purchasing.
DOT-R panels.
LCABS = Lower Control Arm Bushings
RTABS = Rear Trailing Arm Bushings
RSMS = Rear Shock Mounts
The water pump on older M3's tends to degrade because they have plastic impellars, a 99 won't have that issue.
Radiator goes aronud 100k miles
Oil pump nut will back out only if you don't loctite it, some go as far as welding it, it happens rarely.
Thermostat is a wear item, good to be replaced with a waterpump.
Vanos failure is indicative by making a can of marble sound.
Guibo is the weak link in the driveshaft, it's easy to replace though.
If these aren't replaced, they are grounds for dropping the price, all can be replaced for under 1,500 total if you do it yourself. I suggest doing it to familiarize yourself with your car.
Good choice!
Here's mine.
www.mitchelrl.com/rims/tang