how much $$ to maintain an m3? HELP!

[motoxracer21]

Well guys, It looks as though im going to be getting a 99' cosmos m3 with about 34k miles on it.
Ive been doing some reading, and I found a motor trend that had a review of the e36 m3 in it (used car review):
GO HERE- http://www.motortrend.com/buyersgui...d/112_0302_pre/
Now I guess it was mostly a positive review, except for the fact that it is supposidly "thrives on an owners attention to proper maintenence." Later on in the article they say "An M3 will deliver years of spirited driving, as long as it's properly maintained by a qualified BMW mechanic."
Now I have a couple questions about this...
1) What exactly DOES this maintence through a "certified BMW mechanic" consist of? How often do I have to get it tuned up, and how MUCH does it usually cost each time?
Thanks for any help you can offer, Im trying to figure out whether I can afford to MAINTAIN the m3 if it requires much more than a regular checkup/oil change etc at the local jiffy lube

[IREDLINEMY///M3]

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Originally posted by motoxracer21
1) What exactly DOES this maintence through a "certified BMW mechanic" consist of? How often do I have to get it tuned up, and how MUCH does it usually cost each time?
Thanks for any help you can offer, Im trying to figure out whether I can afford to MAINTAIN the m3 if it requires much more than a regular checkup/oil change etc at the local jiffy lube

I have a '98 M3, with a little more that 80k on it. I would not recommend taking an M(or any Bimmer) to your local Jiffy Lube. With that being said, it is not required to take it to the dealer for service either. Find a local Bimmer shop, or a Euro specialist to perform the oil changes/tune ups.

I take my M to a Euro-specialist for all services. My oil changes are under $50.00, and my Inpections I's stay under 350, and my inspections II's stay under 500.... I've had a clutch done and my brakes done there too... all at much better prices than the dealer. Sure, I could probably find cheaper, but I'm happy with this guy/shop.

Good luck!

[IanBMW]

Definitally follow IREDLINEMY///M3 words of wisdom. I myself have worked for both dealers and local german shops and much pefer the quality and price of a local german shop over a HIGHLY overpriced Dealership. Now if you owned a new Mercedes(SH*T) you would have no choice but to go to the dealer for almost everything but a oil change due to there new $25,000 must have computer to do anything.