The "I bought a cheap E36 M3, whats the worst that can happen?" thread

[pablo]

As some of you may remember I have a long running love affair with M3s. My first was a lovely Alpine white 1995 3.0 I bought off @Gaz back in 04 ish:

Since then I had an E46 M3 and an E92 M3 but the one that always tugged at me was my E36. So after selling the 235i I had some cash burning a hole in my pocket and thought why not get another E36, have a tinker and relive the love affair.

All this sounds great until you realise that these cars are now 15 odd years older, and either huge money or needing work. Being a sap I chose the latter route. So Ill start with how it is now as I bought it from Edinburgh

 

[Gibbo]

Looks in good condition, is it an Evo? Suppose the vanos units is always a scare point on the Evo's but I think this isnt as common as some made out! Rust for any car that age has the potential to rear its head as well.

Great car, is there such a thing as a cheap one now??

 

[pablo]

A quick assessment of the path ahead:

- some bubbling at front of bonnet
- some bubbling rear NS 1/4 where it meets the bumper
- needs a windscreen (looks like a stone got under blade and swept a big score on it
- needs pass wing mirror glass
- needs shifter sorted out. 4th is in a different postcode than 3rd
- gearknob properly scabby. fit for the bin
- drivers window doesnt work. suspect motor, can hear relay clicking
- needs discs and pads (though not urgently)
- rear backbox is pretty scabby (oem). outer skin so mostly cosmetic
- headliner needs glued where its falling at sunvisor. its also pretty dirty
- door card inserts are a bit scabby.
- ****ty panasonic stereo needs threw over a fence

Thats about it for bad stuff. Good stuff:

- full service history with matching MOT history
- contis all round, have decent bit of life left
- shocks and springs are relatively new
- its lowered a little, comfortable enough
- no knocks from bushes/balljoints etc
- seats are in super condition just really dirty. no rips
- genuine wheels in good condition with no kerbing
- some good history ( rear was stripped, shotblasted and sealed 2 yr ago)
- Inspection 2 18 months ago
- MOT to jan 19
- paint pretty decent considering

 

[richie_mck]

I'm already looking forward to you fixing everything and selling it to me.

Get the motorsports up the road and get some sunflowers on.

 

[pablo]

Looks in good condition, is it an Evo? Suppose the vanos units is always a scare point on the Evo's but I think this isnt as common as some made out! Rust for any car that age has the potential to rear its head as well.

Great car, is there such a thing as a cheap one now??

there is if you get a CAT D one lol (95 3.0 btw)

 

[warren]

That looks excellent, will be exciting to read through your adventures with this I’m sure!

 

[AlpineF30]

Those Vaders are in great shape. Actually first non airbag one I have seen in quite a while as well.

Subscribed to the thread as the updates will be a good read

Apologies at sounding a right stalker on Facebook

 

[Jordy]

Lovely, looking forward to seeing what you do with this.....health to tinker

 

[Gemma]

@Gibbo from reading on piston heads, fb, car forums etc I don't actually think there's been one catastrophic engine failure due to vanos.

Looking forward to this build

 

[Steviegsi]

That looks perfect as it sits styling wise...

 

[pablo]

That looks perfect as it sits styling wise...

absolutely, it needs nothing that way

 

[Woodcutter]

Love it.

Looking forward to the updates.

Amber lenses ftw!

 

[Gibbo]

@Gibbo from reading on piston heads, fb, car forums etc I don't actually think there's been one catastrophic engine failure due to vanos.

Looking forward to this build

Your right, seems like a massive overreaction after on them.

Between myself, family and friends I've probably known 10 e36 m3s (a drop in the ocean tbf) and no issues whatsoever.

 

[pablo]

it was different back then as it was about £2500 to have it fixed and the car ran like crap. The likes of Dr Vanos changed all that though.

 

[big_pete]

Awesome dibs lol

 

[pablo]

some of the warts:

 

[FM155]

Nice. Nothing too scary there.

 

[cormac81]

Doesn't look too bad, love the amber indicators compared to clear.

Nice little project

 

[Blackie]

Nice!!!! Health to drive sir!

 

[G N K]

Ooh definetely a good from a far example?...

You'll lose a fortune as usual on this one Paul

Vadars are a class seat, nice in the blue as well. Do love the E36.

Enjoy.

 

[pablo]

Nice. Nothing too scary there.

I haven't been underneath yet

Bit of a bath see what we are dealing with paintwise.

 

[Eager]

Cool car. I keep trying to get my mate to sell me back what was my first 3.0 m3. I sold it to him about 8 year ago and he used it for one summer. Had a few we issues but perfect to put back on its toes

Love a 3.0 gear shift compared to 3.2. Nice car if ya get it sorted.

 

[simon4563]

love it, great colour. Orange indicators set it off

 

[da.murf]

I’m sure this is going to be finished lovely by time your done with it!

Health to drive buddy

 

[mayweather]

Looking good, have fun.