E36 3.0 M3 advice

[oldroydsr4]

Hi All,

I'm currently looking at a bmw compact with a 3.0 m3 lump in it for my daily and before i take the plunge was after some solid information from people who have had to run a 3.0 M3 (non evo).

What are the running costs like?
Service intervals?
How reliable are they?
MPG?
Common failures?

Any constructive input is very welcome.

Cheers

[e21Jason]

Hi

I have one as a daily

Pretty bullet proof the usual, good quality oil changes vanos service

Biggest cost is getting the valves set about every 60k, my last service was an inspection 2 inc valves, vanos, all fluids & filters £600

30mpg on a motorway run
common faults are lack of service = vanos and top end rattle
coil packs
exhuast manifold cracks

Jason

[oldroydsr4]

Cheers for your reply

[tomson]

I've not driven a 3.0 but I can vouch that my Evo is absolutely shocking on fuel around town, I'm just about getting 15mpg according to the OBC! I dont know if there is much difference between the two, I wouldnt think there is much on economy, you will need to run it on super unleaded too, which is dearer to start with!

[jaistanley]

The 3.2 is ever so slightly better on fuel than the 3.0 and apparently more so on the motorway.

My 3.2 (in an E30) is shocking on fuel around town, espexcially on short journeys. Killer. Still love it though.

They aren't cheap cars to run daily if you service and treat them properly (you have to!) but I'd rather that than pay to run some crappy Fiesta clone.

Jai