Getting an M3 and need to be enlightened

[snyper]

Hi, I am looking for an M3, 95-97, and would like to ask a few questions.
Just answer any of the below questions that you guys know, thanx.

1. My budget is only around 15K, so not a lot to work around there but I saw a few going around that price range. Normally, would an M3 still runs fine if it was around 100,000 miles?
2. How much are the insurance for these beasts? I am 20 years old.
3. How safe and reliable are these cars if I want to take it to the track(not drag racing)?
4. If it is alright to take it to the track, what sort of mods or tweakings have to be made to the car? How much would it cost?
5. What are the common problems associated with the M?
6. How much would maintainance and servicing cost for the car if i want it to remain in good condition for a long time? I asked this because I read around and saw a few posts stating that the M3 cost more to maintain and service than most of the other cars.

Thanks for all of your time and hope you guys could help me out here.


Alex

[Mode]

1. My budget is only around 15K, so not a lot to work around there but I saw a few going around that price range. Normally, would an M3 still runs fine if it was around 100,000 miles?

Yes. Routine maintenance documentation is key. At this point, the only E36 M3 to fall in that range are 100k+ MY95s.

2. How much are the insurance for these beasts? I am 20 years old.

If your record is clean, it shouldn't be too bad. In fact, I don't think the premium is that much more than a 328i/iS. I check on this about 4 months ago (when I was 24).

3. How safe and reliable are these cars if I want to take it to the track(not drag racing)?

BMWs are safe drivers. With 95s, the most common failure is the plastic impeller in the water pump. This should be replaced.

4. If it is alright to take it to the track, what sort of mods or tweakings have to be made to the car? How much would it cost?

This is a loaded question! Depends how deep you get into it. . .$50 - $50k.

[Bigfella]

Where are the Brits at?

[328isRob]

Forget it.... the only thing you are going to find for anywhere close to 15k is a 95 that is VERY used. Parts do not brake all the time on BMWs but when they brake they are expensive.... and the M has a tendency to need a little more maintenance as it is designed to drive at the limits. Just to let you know... I got my 96 328is in May 2000 for 18.5 with 53k on it.

So far I have spend about 2k on it in maintenance. Brakes are expensive... O2 sensors are expensive (espically when there are 4 of them). And of course MODS are EXPENSIVE... intake alone costs 250-350. The car has alot of power which tends to eat up rubber.... and good Z rated tires are expensive.

If you have a limited budget for purchase I am assuming you have a limited budget for maintenance as well. If you get a older car you will be dropping alot more than if you had initialy save another 5k and gotten something with less miles.

[neo1]

Bigfella im also a brit,to show united front, where you based i'm up north a geordie, you:smoker2: