I'm interested in getting an E36 BMW M3. Does anyone know how reliable these cars are with higher mileage?

Question

I'm interested in getting an E36 BMW M3. Does anyone know how reliable these cars are with higher mileage?

Answer 1

I suggest joining the bimmer forums and asking your question there.  You'll be asking a larger pool of actual BMW owners.  There are two good ones I've linked to below.

My guess would be that an M3 is going to have been driven harder than your average car - same as would be true of any sports car.

But BMW's are good cars.  I bought an 01 330CI with 90,000 miles and she's still going strong *knocks wood*.

If it helps in your decision any think of it this way:  If you buy a car you love and love driving it doesn't hurt as much if you have to shell out some coin for repairs.  And honestly, the repairs are not that much more than any other car.  All repairs these days are overpriced and painful.

Answer 2

They are very reliable, but they have some issues, and it depend how they did drive it before.

some of the issues are the VANOS (timing chain adjust) , rear Differential,

good luck

Answer 3

After owning and knowing many BMW M3 owners, they are money pits over 50K miles. Most common issues: Internal engine parts, Clutches, suspension and electronics. Think of it this way- Brakes cost 2 grand on an M3 from BMW. And any part is at least a 2K repair job.

Answer 4

it's a sports car.. so will have a high maintenance cost + low mileage..

but perfomance is simply awesome..

http://bmwm3.we.bs

Answer 5

Yes, these cars are very reliable even high mileage, But it all depends on the one you are buying. Check to see if there are any leaks and ask if there were any engine mods done to it. Also check it against the Carfax database to see if it was in any major accident or repair. If not..then you should be okay...Just a very high maintenance car...I know cause I used to own a e36 M3 and now I have the e46 M3...and if you are still not sure...go to the M3Froum.net or e46fanatics.com and ask more questions and people there should have tips for you...Good Luck on your Hunt...