I've got a history of making knee-jerk decisions to buy questionable BMWs. (see my first thread in which I bought a home garaged turbo'ed M42 ti with fender vents) I find myself at yet another questionable purchase, need the knowledge base to help affirm my worries that this vehicle is not a good buy.
Looking to spend <5k for a daily driver that will get me 11 miles to work each day. Found a 1997 BMW m3 in a small town 1 hour south of me. Its a saloon and an M, and I believe that's clouding my judgement.
The Bad:
-196k on the odometer
-Interior door panels have been tightened down with machine screws
-Cheap aftermarket 5x7 speakers just screwed into door panels, no grilles
-Questionable Oil Pan work, found a ring of RTV that was used as a custom gasket
-Leaking Oil
-Questionable Auto>5sp conversion Left Auto wiring/lines on the vehicle dangling underneath
-possible "performance" clutch takes about 20lbs of leg pressure to full disengage clutch, uncomfortable to drive -Headliner barely hanging on, super sag
-CV boots torn, shot
-Suspension shot
-missing wheel center caps, missing spare wheel
-Key doesn't work in driver door, can't lock car or roll windows up/down
Pros
-S52
-Window/sunroof motors all work nicely
-Leather not torn
I've wanted an M3 for awhile now and the 4 door aspect is nice now that I have a kiddo.
But still 4k for an M3 and it does run...
http://dallas.craigslist.org/sdf/cto/5546491500.html