1997 M3 Reliability

[edstalnaker]

I have a chance to purchase a 1997 M3 Sedan with 110,000 miles on it. It seems to be in very good condition. From what the owner says it has never been raced. It has one prior owner and then was sold as a certified pre-owned car in 2001. The additional warranty expired just 10,000 miles ago.

I have driven the car once and it seems great, but I don't have anything to compare it to since I have never driven a BMW before. My current car is a 2002 Acura CL.

The owner is paying to have the Service Inspection II performed on Monday and also to have the local body shop fix some small dents on the hood. The tires have only 10,000 miles on them (they are Sumitomo HTR-II's - 225 on the front and 245 on the rear). So they should last another 20,000 miles.

Considering the apparent immaculate condition of this car, should I consider it with the 110,000 miles? I am hoping that the engine could make it to 200,000 miles; that I could get another 5-6 years out of the car.

Any opinions? I am going to test-drive the car again this weekend, and depending on how the service goes on Monday-Tuesday, I will probably purchase it on Wednesday.

I would appreciate any advice that any M3 current or prior owners could give me.

Ernest

[Paghmani]

How much is he or she asking for the M3 sedan? Here is a list of items to check for that are common problem areas.

1. Passanger side window.($100)
2. Rear shock mount.($75)
3. Front wheel bearing ($200)
4. Water pump plastic(breaks), metal(bearings wear out), there items should be replace as recommended by dealer every 60k with thermostate and housing and coolant.(parts metal $250, therm $15,Housing $55 give or take $10 dollars here and there depending on dealer pricing).
5. Vario, hold the idle at 2000 rmp then gradually release and listen for chain slap noise or grinding noise. If its subtle dont worry its good news, if its loud i mean really loud dont walk RUN. I just spoke to dealer at BMW of Fife he mentioned that its common to hear some noise as the high cam duration effect is sucking air in creating that chain slap noise. They replaced all items and will never atemp this fix again without getting to extensive like replacing all cams and engine parts and pulleys along with the vario. All this would far exceed the cost of purchasing a used motor.

Most there areas are normal ware and tear items. There engine so long as they are not constantly reved and raced beyond redline, should last 250K before replacement or rebuild. I have witnessed many M3s lasting many miles i dont believe 110k is a real concern. Good luck.