RE: What to look for in a '95 M3 (buying)

["Fadeev, Alex" <Alex.Fadeev@xxxxxxx>]

jaymiller@domain.elided wrote:
> 
> Find out if the waterpump has been replaced! You do not want 
> the plastic impeller. They go pop. 

Correction: the life span of _some_ OE water pumps (with a plastic impeller)
is known to run out starting with 50K miles. Not a red flag for buying,
since the pump costs around $50 you can replace it yourself.

> Also look at the rear tires make sure they're not bald. I 
> believe all '95 M3's don't have LSD or anything like it. SO 
> they eat rear tires.

Not true!
All M3s have LSD (unlike 96+ MY 328's, pre '96 325's with sports packages
also had LSDs).
The rear tires do wear out a bit faster (hint: BMWs are rear wheel driven).
The tires can be rotated to extend their life span since '95 M3s came with
17x7.5 wheels all around.

> Check the exhaust fumes, starting it from a cold engine. 
> Usually a little white smoke comes out till the catalytic 
> conv heats up. Check under the front spoiler, it's really
> low and a careless driver tends to dig it into the ground.

INTO THE GROUND??? 
During a serious off-track excursion, perhaps.  
The front spoiler, or more importantly the under-engine plastic tray that
hangs even lower then the spoiler, gets frequently scraped over parking
herbs and is known to brake off at speed. No easy way to check for this
unless the car is on the lift (inspect the mounting tabs/holes of the
shield).

> I'd also look at how dirty the brake fluid is. Run the Vin on 
> Carfax. Ask if it's ever had any track time.
> 
> Any check all the usually stuff, hoses, tread depth and how 
> even it is from side to side (alignment, wheel balanced), 
> 
> You should buy one from a Bimmer fanatic, they tend to keep 
> they're cars in optimal shape.

And track them, he, he...

Other then the first pass inspection of body panels, VINs and overall
condition of the car, consider scheduling an pre-purchase inspection with an
independent mechanic YOU trust. This may cost from $60-300, but is well
worth the price since you can always negotiate the cost of uncovered
problems with the seller.

alex f
'95 M3 (among other cars)

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