M3 or 318is?????

[mullethunter3]

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!

[Dudesky]

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

[mullethunter3]

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.

[theSMELSINATOR]

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.

[mullethunter3]

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?

[Dudesky]

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

[Dudesky]

Originally Posted by mullethunter3

Does anyone have any clue what the ticky thing is?

Hope it's not the differential.

[drz]

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).

[mullethunter3]

^^^^ 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.

[mullethunter3]

Originally Posted by drz

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).

I have three years left. At least.

[MTurboPower3]

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

[matimus]

Originally Posted by Dudesky

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

Clutches are so easy to do , no DIY needed.

Originally Posted by theSMELSINATOR

keep in mind that an M engine requires more maintenance than a regular one. other than that, i don't know.

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
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

[stevo]

Originally Posted by MTurboPower3

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

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

[Montizzle 325i]

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

[xsperf]

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