RE: Buying '98 M3

[Mark and Heather Williams <williamh@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

here in the DFW area,  prices for M3 automatics are around 21-23K.
Prices for 5 speeds run from 24-29K and higher... His prices is a very
fair price.. Caveat Emptor... What is your friend buying? and does it 
have a 5 or 6 speed???

The sagest advice I have for you, if you indeed "drive like a bat out
hell (as reflected by the points on my license) and like nothing better
than performance and handling " is to buy an E36 M3 with a 5 SPEED!

With regards to your further comment that "Ride quality and
family values are secondary"  the everage sporting driver would
prefer an E36 M3 to an E46 330ci...  Make sure you drive both as you
would normally drive.... And buy a V1.... If you already have a V1,
start banking  some of your paycheck  for future " certificates of
high performance driving"

Good luck!

Mark Williams
Dallas, TX
91 ///M3 2.5L




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Date: Mon, 16 Sep 2002 10:49:28 -0500
From: "Richard Alexander" <allerdoc@domain.elided>
Subject: Buying '98 M3

If you can bear with me, a few naive questions from a brand newbie.  A 
friend has offered to sell me his 1998 M3 automatic with 40,000 on the 
clock.  I know he's maintained it perfectly, and the body and interior 
are in great shape. I know the guy pretty well and to my knowledge he's 
never really stressed the car by racing or even driving that hard.  He 
has installed a $1,500 set of aftermarket wheels, but otherwise it's 
stock.  I would rather have a stick, but this may be too good to pass up.

My questions are: 1. Does $20,000 sound like a fair price?  2.Are there 
any big replacement or maintenance costs due soon?  3. Anything in 
particular to check in the engine or chassis?  4. Before he made the 
offer to sell, I was thinking of a new 330ci.  Forgetting the mileage 
and the difference in cost, which is the better car?  I drive like a bat 
out hell (as reflected by the points on my license) and like nothing 
better than performance and handling. Ride quality and family values are 
secondary.  All sage advice will be appreciated.


Rick

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