M3 or 318is?????

[TerryY]

If the noise is sharp and metallic it could be a lifter but if it isn't constant it probably isn't a problem.
Oil viscosity is a major cause of lifter noise in the models that I play with.

A/C off, Heat off and fan in the off position would eliminate A/C clutch engagement at odd times and heater valve cycling.

If it a high light tick it could be a fuel injector opening and closing.

If you want it and it is what you want get it if you can afford it.

You don't seem like the type that would live on the rev limiter so it should have lots of good miles left with good care.

[c1apton]

go for it babe. the 318 was a training project, now you know the majority of the quirks the E36s have. The ticking is probably an exhaust tick (just note if it does it cold or hot) they're notorious. You've literally tap danced through the majority of your DIYs, now it's time to move onto bigger & better things. Plus it's an investment and you're way ahead of it at such a low initial investment. Don't you have a sister w/ a wayward E30? Sell her the 318, keep it in the family.

Re: Mturbos' quote - when was the last time your girlfriend rolled up in an M3?

[Montizzle 325i]

Originally Posted by c1apton

go for it babe. the 318 was a training project, now you know the majority of the quirks the E36s have. The ticking is probably an exhaust tick (just note if it does it cold or hot) they're notorious. You've literally tap danced through the majority of your DIYs, now it's time to move onto bigger & better things. Plus it's an investment and you're way ahead of it at such a low initial investment. Don't you have a sister w/ a wayward E30? Sell her the 318, keep it in the family.

Re: Mturbos' quote - when was the last time your girlfriend rolled up in an M3?

that would require him to have a GF

[mullethunter3]

MTurboPower3 --> First of all, punctuation. Second, you don't have a car, so pipe down I'm asking people who've had experience. And about the woman thing... I hope you say that to another self-respecting woman's face and I hope you get slapped.

Clapton --> That exhaust tick makes me feel much better. It happens when it is hot, so is that consistent with that diagnosis? Hopefully? Either way I'm taking it to a BMW shop and having him mull it over with me. Oh, and my current boyfriend isn't really into cars, but he lets me obsess about them as much as I can.

Montizzle --> Yeah, the dad, who owned it needed money, hated the car (he spent $3000 on a $7000 car two days after he bought it by replacing the water pump, radiator and A/C condenser, all of which I have receipts for.) He had his son sell it, who actually sold it $1000 less than he wanted for it out of spite. So I don't think it's fishy.



I've talked myself in and out of buying this car. It is my ONLY mode of transport for school and work. So I need it to work. My car is reliable. This one might be reliable. Can I trade that? I'll take it to the shop and see. Thank you all for you words of wisdom. I really appreciate it.

[c1apton]

Originally Posted by Montizzle 325i

that would require him to have a GF

[c1apton]

alot of BMWs have the "dreaded" exhaust tick. It usually happens when the car is warmed up. As the car warms up expansion of the exhaust pipes move faster than cast exhaust manifolds. Also sometimes a sticky valve can cause that but that's also minor issue a good grade oil change(s) will remedy.
Personally I think the M would be a good investment.

[craig]

i agree with c1apton, i think you should go for it. sounds like a pretty good deal.

[elsabor67]

If I had the opportunity to get my hands on an M3, I would definetly go after it. I like the challenge of something "new" to me in my hands since I am very inclined to the DIY approach. You are very capable of getting the M3 back to its performance and looks.

Good Luck

[stevo]

Make BMW
Model M3 E36
Engine Location Front
Drive Type Rear Wheel
Body Material Steel unibody
Production Years for Series 1992 - 1999
Weight 3250 lbs | 1474.2 kg
Introduced At 1992 Paris Auto Show

Performance
0-60 mph 5.5 seconds.
1/4 Mile 14.0@98.6 seconds.
Top Speed 140 mph | 225.3 km/h
Aspiration/Induction Normal
Displacement 3.00 L | 183.1 cu in. | 3001 cc.
Valves 24 valves.
4 valves per cylinder.
Valvetrain DOHC
Horsepower 240.00 HP (176.6 KW) @ 6000.00 RPM
Torque 236.00 Ft-Lbs (320 NM) @ 3800.00 RPM

Thats a lot of car Amanda, enjoy.

[QcMarque]

All I can say is I agree w/ everyone here on it being a good investment. Especially with it being at that price (have to love spiteful children.. HA!) As long as it checks out and is reliable then by all means go for it.

[mullethunter3]

No one is worried about the mileage????

I mean, for BMW's in general I expect them to go for long time, but I have a funny feeling this 175,000 is to much. Am I crazy?

Edit: But then again, it is entirely possible to have a BMW with 300k. God this is a hard decision!!

And as for the black car being my baby. My mom did point out that it is just a car. How much do you think I can get for it? I'm seeing 318i's and 325's going for anywhere between $5000 and $7000 in my area.

[QcMarque]

Originally Posted by mullethunter3

Edit: But then again, it is entirely possible to have a BMW with 300k. God this is a hard decision!!

And as for the black car being my baby. My mom did point out that it is just a car. How much do you think I can get for it? I'm seeing 318i's and 325's going for anywhere between $5000 and $7000 in my area.

Exactly... my 7 has almost 300k on it, and still runs strong. It's all in the maintenence and how it's driven.

I could see at least 4-5K for yours if that's the norm in your area. Especially if you come across a fellow enthusiast who can appreciate the work put into it and knows the value of what they're buying.

[celsdogg]

Originally Posted by c1apton

alot of BMWs have the "dreaded" exhaust tick. It usually happens when the car is warmed up. As the car warms up expansion of the exhaust pipes move faster than cast exhaust manifolds. Also sometimes a sticky valve can cause that but that's also minor issue a good grade oil change(s) will remedy.
Personally I think the M would be a good investment.

both my bimmers had ticking exhausts. if thats what it is, i dont think its something to worry about, right?

given that you have time and some cash for parts, i would say go for it. your an engineer and anything that comes up with it i am sure you will know how to repair. its time for the ///M to be taken care of, and i think that responsibility/honor goes to you next

plus, its an M3. . .

[Dudesky]

Originally Posted by mullethunter3

No one is worried about the mileage????

Actually, Terry addressed that somewhat. Expected mileage of a motor is dependent on average rpm range it's put through in its lifetime. You won't know what previous owners have done, but if you're not revving it high that often, it should last well over 200k. The head gasket is another matter tho.

[Montizzle 325i]

Join the family pick it up, youll love it, and you will be forever happy that you did I know i will be