M3 or 318is?????
 

Okay guys, I can buy an M3 for $4500 or keep my 318.

What do you think? The M3 has a few problems:
- 175,000 miles vs the 145,000 that the 318 has
- A small exhaust leak
- There is a "ticking" that happens intermittently. I do not believe it is in the engine because it only happens very erratically and is infrequent.
- The interior needs some TLC, but it is full leather and the door cards are perfect.
- The front bumper is in tact but needs clips to keep holding it on the car... so some more TLC.
- There are a couple random and small electrical problems, probably due to the radio not working and the wiring for and amp still being exposed.
-It will need a new clutch within a year.
- Will need to steal the Bilsteins off of the 318 for a good suspension, I think is handles a bit weak.

The good:
- The car has been dealer serviced since 160,000 miles (good)
- Perfect door panels
- Body is immaculate
- 5 speed
- 3.0 L M Power
- Better shape than when I bought my 318
- Great price
- Runs SMOOTH, smoother than my car.
- Brand new water pump, radiator, A/c condenser, plus $3000 worth of maintenance that I don't have to do



The case for my 318?
-It's my baby.
-It's been reliable for the past year.
-If I buy the M3, I have to sell the 318.

Help me decide!

What year is the M3? As for the clutch, my DIY is coming soon.

Sorry, Its a 1995.

Also, the paint and body are immaculate. It's Metallic Silver, #309. It has two dents. Black leather interior, burl wood accents.

keep in mind that an M engine requires more maintenance than a regular one. other than that, i don't know. i don't plan on ever getting rid of my E30 and only acquiring an M after i can afford it without selling my E30. personally, i'd wait. more good deals will come in time, and your baby hold sentimental value. but that IS a tough decision. :dunno

Yeah, $4500 for a $10000 car? How can I not?

Also, my dream car. 'Nuff said. Basically, if I get the random ticking thing check out as something outside of the engine, I'm buying it.

Does anyone have any clue what the ticky thing is?

Well, the thing is, you know your 318 so well now, you'd have to start that all over with the M3. But the price is attractive. That would be a tough choice for me to make too. I would just double check that the 318's struts will work on the M. I believe there may a slight difference, but I could be wrong.

Aw, f#%k it, go for it . . you only live once :)

Hope it's not the differential.

I just quickly glanced trhough the other posts. Aren't you graduating pretty soon? You may want to consider just sticking with the car you already know and then buy a car that doesn't have as many problems after graduating and drawing a hndsome income (that is, unless you are going to grad school, like yours truly).

^^^^ It's coming from the front of the car, near the engine bay. I'm only hesitant to pin the noise on the engine because it happens so randomly.

I have three years left. At least.

i would take the m3 anyday but because your woman u might not be looking for speed mayb your look for comfort

Clutches are so easy to do , no DIY needed.


Very UNtrue!
Neither of my M's require "more" servicing.

same service intervals just a tiny bit more $$/ interval. due to higher quality parts.


As for you mullethunter ( dont know your real name) i have had my engine, suspension, trans, etc, etc. apart many times and I could help diagnose any issues you have. aswell as provide cheapest routes to part if needed.
I have a good idea what it is already though.

IMO you NEED to buy it:yum
95 is the best year of the M3's. OBD1 FTW.
S50's are bulletproof so i doubt its the engine.
plus i have some brand new left over parts for mine that i need to give away:)



My $0.02


thanks,
///MAT

Ha ha , you like living dangerously, wait till amanda sees that^^

stay away amanda. Any ///M at that cost, is going to have MANY MANY problems that you will never stop fixing. I know the lure of the ///M is great tho. Why is the car so cheap? is a family member getting rid of it or sumthing? In that case then, youre good to go!!! As for the ticking, it could be VANOS noise, with that many miles, i wouldnt be surprised if the VANOS solenoid was going out

WOW, thats a tough choice.. do you have the cash on you now? unfortunately, i dont think you can get as much from your 318 as you'd like or as it is worth, however an ///m for 4500, damn you just cant pass that up, i got my car for that much