Deep purple (actually looks quite nice!). 3.2 Evo with kit. Completely standard bar "eibach suspension thats apparently 30mm, but was 60mm" (as much as the guy knew about that!). 106k on the clock. £4k (which I got him down 500ish). Upon mechanic inspection I'll make him a lower offer (if I consider taking it), so like 3.5k (unless theres problems!).
Right, this is a UK import, so not all Jersey miles!!! Apparently 103k UK miles, imported, one year of occasional driving and he says he just doens't drive it enough to fork out for the insurance! (he is a young lad... 19! Under the daddies name for insurance). It isn't even parked at his house!
Remember importing costs a fair bit and to see it going for only a bit more than UK ones is a good thing!
What should I look out for upon a more interested gander and mechanic inspection? Bodywork is mint on the exterior... inside is cream and worn, but not hard and cracked at all. Full M3 sporty interior etc.
Engine runs well, so it seems. No overheating, starts first time and quickly (stalled it once whilst being really carefull at a junction!). Doesn't seem tappety in any way and no visible leaks. Apparently had a cambelt change at 103k, had a genuine dealer sticker confirming the change but thats "gone". No service history (like a suprising amount of jersey cars..) in the guys posession. Apparently the orignal owner had a good record, but the guy never saw it.
How reliable and pricey to fix and service are these engines? Do they live much beyond 100k in the UK?
Finally, the suspension is lowered and something to do with "eibach". The steering feels as heavy and tight as a go-kart. Is this normal? Also, the throttle felt ever so slightly "loose", as in you press it a tiny bit and nothing happens then you touch the area where the throttle come out to play. Needs refurbishment on the gear linkage. The car definately feels worn. How "pricey" would it be to recondition parts on this car and what are the key things to tighten everything up?
Absolutely rapid car.
My final thoughts though. The interior (dash etc) feels so much more tacky than an E30 although seats are sublime (not best nick, but style and comfort!
). Nice...ish to drive, rapid mobile... but still doesn't feel as playful as an E30... E30s are still nicer.Its just my E30 is going to cost a bomb to to the work I want. I'd like a day to day car so I can break my 320i for its goodies and better parts for the black 325i. Although it would put my E30 project back for a bit... it would mean I have a nice car in the mean time. and I may consider the S50 swapper-roo at the end!
Any opinions lads as I may just be interested enough get this.
I could really enjoy owning an M3, even if its just for a bit 
3y no claims. Pricey, but worth it. From what I've heard, some young lads pay more than that for their 316i!
so it went like shit off of a shovel?? what sort of speeds were you getting in each gear?? i suppose it may seem like a silly question as you said you were taking care while driving it... does anyone know??
But i will keep my eye open for a bargain in the mean time. 