Most Desirable M3 Year

[Loudpipe]

What's the most desirable year of M3 and why? I've been looking at buying one, and want to get a good year. What changes went on each year and were they for the better or worse?

I tried searching first, fyi. I couldn't find any posts relating to this topic.

[corwyn]

It depends on what you want. The '95 has an OBD-I engine, but it's a 3.0L, and the benefits of OBD-I over OBD-II for modding purposes is debatable and also depends on how you're going to mod. The '96 is rare. '97 is the last year with the lux package. Later '98 and '99 add the side airbags, rear headrests, and the 3-spoke steering wheel.

[danny522]

i want an 95

[95325is]

s52 ftw

[NSM]

I say 99. Last year of the e36 m3 and probably one of the best. The OBDII tuning is no longer an issue as many tuners have figured it out. Also BMW had figured out all of the kinks in the e36 and the 99 m3 was pretty much problem free. It's also the newest e36 you can buy.

[nondescript]

Originally Posted by NSM

I say 99. Last year of the e36 m3 and probably one of the best. The OBDII tuning is no longer an issue as many tuners have figured it out. Also BMW had figured out all of the kinks in the e36 and the 99 m3 was pretty much problem free. It's also the newest e36 you can buy.

Can't say that I disagree... Try to find one with 20-40k miles on it too.

I actually think I'm on my way to the dark side... If the right e30 comes my way I may have to put my marrage in jepordy... But speaking in e36 terms, 99' US model or 98 EVOIII for the win.

[Loudpipe]

The '99 I'm looking at has 110,000 miles on it, but the whole car is basically flawless. Interior and exterior show no wear. I haven't seen the engine bay, so I can't comment on that. I've also been looking at a few '95 cars with slightly less mileage (anywhere from 70k-95k) with slightly more wear, but nothing really signifigant. All of them are right around the same price, so that's a nonfactor.

Which would you take: super-clean and probably nonmolested '99 with 113k miles, or a slighty used, occasionally driven hard '95 with lower miles?

[danny522]

id say the higher milage one if you know for sure that it was treated alot better and less beating on it. lower miles dont mean too much if the car was beaten all the time.

[Ty Vil]

I'd buy the 96-99 in the color/options and conditions you want. I'd avoid any car that could have catastrophic valve retainer failure (most 95's)

[I Touch Dinks with Other Men]

Originally Posted by Loudpipe

The '99 I'm looking at has 110,000 miles on it, but the whole car is basically flawless. Interior and exterior show no wear. I haven't seen the engine bay, so I can't comment on that. I've also been looking at a few '95 cars with slightly less mileage (anywhere from 70k-95k) with slightly more wear, but nothing really signifigant. All of them are right around the same price, so that's a nonfactor.

Which would you take: super-clean and probably nonmolested '99 with 113k miles, or a slighty used, occasionally driven hard '95 with lower miles?

Hey Loudpipe, i was in the same situation as you and you have got to remember, people dont buy M3's to go get groceries (relatively speaking) My brother inlaw works at a BMW dealership and not as if its common sense, but bro, these cars get beat to death. If you're gonna get one, get a new one(30K or less/new), if you cant afford a new one, move on. You're gonna end up getting a flawless looking car, probably runs great till like 120, then it starts to need a waterpump, radiator, clutch, rear diff, brakes...the list goes on and on, i came to this realization and i got a flawless 99 3 series. Peppy, luxurious, fun to drive, no its not an M3, but if you gotta have it go for it, its a sweet car if you're willing to take the risk. Just remember, anyone can have their car detailed....(enginebay too)

[NSM]

Originally Posted by Revhard

Hey Loudpipe, i was in the same situation as you and you have got to remember, people dont buy M3's to go get groceries (relatively speaking) My brother inlaw works at a BMW dealership and not as if its common sense, but bro, these cars get beat to death. If you're gonna get one, get a new one(30K or less), if you can afford a new one, move on. You're gonna end up getting a flawless looking car, probably runs great till like 120, then it starts to need a waterpump, radiator, clutch, rear diff, brakes...the list goes on and on, i came to this realization and i got a flawless 99 3 series. Peppy, luxurious, fun to drive, no its not an M3, but if you gotta have it go for it, its a sweet car if you're willing to take the risk. Just remember, anyone can have their car detailed....(enginebay too)

The problems you listed are all common and not too expensive to replace. The cooling systems on all e36's are weak and need to be replaced after 50k. The clutch is most likely from being beat on as well as the diff. Replacing brakes is a must on every car. The Diff comment I don't understand. I have only heard of a select few m3's blowing their diff's and it is usually from extreme use mostly on the track. A 100k mileage m3 isn't a bad choice. But I would look for a 75k m3. Stay away from the 95's as they are over 11 years old now. Goodluck!

[nondescript]

This is now getting off topic, but beyond year - and getting back into buying advice... Take your time. Don't buy the first //M car you drive... Learn what makes a good example of the car (steering wheel wear, drivers seat bolster wear, trunk liner, those little plastic bits in the trunk that get hacked up if someone puts in a thumper sound system and later takes it out, etc)... And um... remember that you have to pay to play... If you find one that is way below the market price - it's probably because it needs that much (or more) thrown into it to make it run right.

[abradic]

I agree with NSM. I went after a 99 because it was the latest and newest E36 I could get. I also like the 3 spke sport steering wheel, (hard to find on a 98), and I only had 26,000 miles on mine, well..., 27,000 now!

It mostly depends on what you are looking to spend and who you are buying from. The guy I bought from pretty much babied the car. Also, what is your price range? Ebay had a beautiful silver 99 M3 with 33,000 miles and a buy it now price of $22,000, and the car was clean and owned by an older gentleman. I didn't pounce all over it because I wanted estroil blue. Just be patient and try to maximize your budget, because there are many M3's I saw for $25,000-$27000 with 40K-60K miles, and then you will run into cars like the one on ebay. The pricing is so out of whack on these cars that you have to be patient and hold out for what you want.

[Mini4x]

Originally Posted by danny522

id say the higher milage one if you know for sure that it was treated alot better and less beating on it. lower miles dont mean too much if the car was beaten all the time.

And chances are a higher mileage car has had more things repalced already.. shocks, brakes, bushings.. Lower mileage cars are not nessicarily better.

The most desireable one is the one you can afford, set your price and start looking.

[Rick'sm3]

i like my 97', its common and you can find parts easy, just about any m3 you'll love just find one in good condition thats what matters most