M3 Buying guide

[bigdry]

Hello there, im new to e30 zone so i thought i say hi and start by asking you all a question!
Im very interested in buying a e30 M3 but being new to the e30 im not too sure exactly what exactly to look for other than the usual things when buying any car. Are there any tell tales for instance when a e30 m3 has had an accident? do they fold in a certain way. Are they any stickers that cannot be replace now days etc etc. Also mechanically - i've heard about the dreaded cam chain but not much else - what goes first? whats v expensive to put right?
Sorry if there already is a buying guide on the forum but i searched and could not find one.
Where also would be a good place to start looking for M3's? any there any respected dealers or garages you trust.
Thanks for all your help.

[BUG4LIFE]

Dont know about M3's bud - except that I want one! But hi anyway

[c76jon]

hi and good choice!!!

take stories about timing chain failures with a pinch of salt
they do not fail
they will jump a tooth or it has been known but thats due to wear on other components

look at the for sale section on the bmw car club usually some nice stuff about

theres an evo1 for sale on the for sale section on this site

they can be expensive to repair
leads 150 pound
dizzy cap and rotor 100 pounds plus
exhaust 1000 quid plus
tho these are genuine oem parts and others in some instances can be sourced

they are incredible cars and you wouldnt regret it
take your time and do some research on models and engine differences as many potential sellers all have an "evo" for sale

look at a few

iam sure others will help you out

best of luck with search.

john

[Fushion_Julz]

Good luck, chap

Forget the cam-chain...It isn't necessary...If you're concerned about it or it is a tad noisy, replace the tensioner with an E36 one and jobs' a goodun!

Check for rust (especially) on the scuttle under windscreen, in the footwells around the pedal box..Also in the boot (everywhere) and under the sill skirts if possible...
Check for leaks (wet carpets) in the front....could be a leaking screen if the footwells are sound...

Mechanically, check the waterpump is a) not leaking and b) not a pattern part if it has been replaced...
Check for gearstick rattles...an easy fix, though...and synchros in the 'box (not so easy)...

Electrically: check the cooling fan works at BOTH speeds...possibly either a resistor or a fuse box track burnt..or both!
If it has electric sunroof or windows worth checking they work properly cos fixing sunroof motors is a pain!

Usual things for a 15+yr old performance car, but in general they are pretty tough...

Easy to spot if the front wings have been replaced....look under the headlights at the join...they should be a nice tight fit with the front panel here...Gaps indicate a replacement.....similarly rear ones under the rear lights...
If you really want to check for badly repaired cars then, as with any other vehicle, measure the wheelbase from front to rear on each side and compare....