[F30lolz]

OP, any private party examples available near you? Would be nice to have service records/maintenance already performed to save some coin/time. Either way, GL in your search.

[positiveions]

Originally Posted by 4Hockey4

I might have missed, what are they asking ? Didn't see on page.

Here's a really clean one on BAT. Nice undercarriage for these cars. Seats crazy clean. I suspect this will push $20K by tomorrow. (maybe not ? )

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1997-bmw-m3-186/

want a really fun car low mileage...not sure how this doesn't hit $15K+

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2012-bmw-135-6/

That E36 will hit 26k if not more.

[positiveions]

Originally Posted by JayR_e92

Thank you positiveions ! Tons of great information.

I have narrowed my search down to 3 different E36's and one of which is an auction that will be ending soon. So by the end of this coming week should know for certain which one will be bought. Can't wait.

I will definitely be performing all of the maintenance you suggest and refreshing tons of parts with new oem parts.

I appreciate the info!!

Welcome. Anytime. Let me know if you have any questions. Btw, I forgot to mention that mine has 89k miles. It’s Alpine white on Dove gray.

[4Hockey4]

That E36 will hit 26k if not more.

Really ? I've seen lower mileage go for less there. Something more unique on this one I'm missing ? (you may be right, but they've gone for around 20K or less in past)

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1995-bmw-m3-171/

Couple other examples there under 20K, under 100K mileage 5 spd.

[positiveions]

Originally Posted by 4Hockey4

That E36 will hit 26k if not more.

Really ? I've seen lower mileage go for less there. Something more unique on this one I'm missing ? .

It all depends on history and maintenance.

[4Hockey4]

Originally Posted by positiveions

It all depends on history and maintenance.

lol I understand that. Sub $20K is normal I was asking why the one I posted was $26K. One I posted above (blue) was probably as good (maybe better in some cases) and went for $19K.

Shocked if Silver goes much over $20K

[spazzyfry123]

M3/4/5 is the answer! If I were in the market, that’s what I’d be after.

[JayR_e92]

Really hoping it doesn't go above 21k... from a buying standpoint that is. But it could go either way. As @4Hockey4 stated there have been equally clean examples with more desirable color combinations sell for less than 20k and recently too.

There is an E46 M3 here local to me 2 owner (second owner bought right when covid hit the US so they've only had it for about 9 months and drove it maybe 2,000 miles so its basically 1 owner imo). Has lowish mileage no mods and very very clean for 23k.

Waiting to see what happens with that auction, and I am also in contact with that dealer in PA regarding the black E36 mentioned earlier in the thread. So its narrowed down to those three options currently.

Unless anyone else an E36/E46 with under 100k miles, less than 3 owners, clean in and out with no dents or paint damage and clean carfax that they are willing to part with for less than $23k.. cash in hand

[JayR_e92]

Originally Posted by 4Hockey4

That E36 will hit 26k if not more.

Really ? I've seen lower mileage go for less there. Something more unique on this one I'm missing ? (you may be right, but they've gone for around 20K or less in past)

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1995-bmw-m3-171/

Couple other examples there under 20K, under 100K mileage 5 spd.

Originally Posted by 4Hockey4

lol I understand that. Sub $20K is normal I was asking why the one I posted was $26K. One I posted above (blue) was probably as good (maybe better in some cases) and went for $19K.

Shocked if Silver goes much over $20K

I agree

[positiveions]

Originally Posted by 4Hockey4

lol I understand that. Sub $20K is normal I was asking why the one I posted was $26K. One I posted above (blue) was probably as good (maybe better in some cases) and went for $19K.

Shocked if Silver goes much over $20K

These classic cars have their own market value. Notice that sometimes a car sells for 26k and another sells for 17k. It’s all dependent on the buyer’s sentiment.
However, most buyers want a mildly modified cars with lots of history, records and maintenance. In addition, the color of the car can enhance the pricing on the car.

[4Hockey4]

Originally Posted by positiveions

These classic cars have their own market value. Notice that sometimes a car sells for 26k and another sells for 17k. It’s all dependent on the buyer’s sentiment.
However, most buyers want a mildly modified cars with lots of history, records and maintenance. In addition, the color of the car can enhance the pricing on the car.

I understand that have wholesaled a many, why I asked about something specific on silver one. (silver isnt it lol)

Good luck OP, looks like a couple nice options. Still hanging at 17K. I'm guessing 19.5 ish last minute

[essejM3]

Originally Posted by JayR_e92

Really hoping it doesn't go above 21k... from a buying standpoint that is. But it could go either way. As @4Hockey4 stated there have been equally clean examples with more desirable color combinations sell for less than 20k and recently too.

There is an E46 M3 here local to me 2 owner (second owner bought right when covid hit the US so they've only had it for about 9 months and drove it maybe 2,000 miles so its basically 1 owner imo). Has lowish mileage no mods and very very clean for 23k.

Waiting to see what happens with that auction, and I am also in contact with that dealer in PA regarding the black E36 mentioned earlier in the thread. So its narrowed down to those three options currently.

Unless anyone else an E36/E46 with under 100k miles, less than 3 owners, clean in and out with no dents or paint damage and clean carfax that they are willing to part with for less than $23k.. cash in hand

I had an E36/4/5 for years. Bought it barely used, got the track bug and destroyed it (turned it into a racecar). Eventually sold it after having kids, and regret ever building it. Wish I still had it in stock form.

That silver one shouldn't go over 20k, they made a bunch of silvers. Check out Bimmerforums, great resource for E36's. PM me if you have ANY questions.

[hooligan_G01]

Originally Posted by W///

E92 and E36 M3 owner here, so figured I'd chime in.
The 2 cars compliment well, and I don't agree that the US spec ones are not worth looking at. I also have a Z4M Roadster so I kind of have an idea what I'm missing out on in the Euro motor.

Since it's an old chassis, there are guys with so much knowledge on this, and there are plenty of DIY's as well. The advantage of it being a US motor is that for an M car, the maintenance is far easier/cheaper than say an E46 and E9x M3.

As other people mentioned, this car is well over 20 years, so it'll need things if it's original: Cooling system, bushings, hoses, bushings in the trans that causes the 5th gear lean, plastic parts ect ect...

My car was purchased at 112k miles, and now has 142k. Engine doesn't burn a drop of oil and repairs have been very reasonable. But just understand that it's an old car. so it'll need things.

On this specific car, it's got a really nice interior with desirable manual seats. Low mileage, but also high price, so I'd expect this thing to be pretty close to mint. I'd insist on looking under the car. Black/Black is prob not the most desirable color combo considering how many wild paint choices were available, but ones this clean prob don't come up all that often for what it's worth.

Feel free to ask any questions. For me, I never grew up wanting an E36 (E30 and E46 were more my cup of tea), but this car, even with US spec engine has so much charm.

Oof, that purple makes me feel a certain kind of way....

[essejM3]

Originally Posted by hooligan_E84

Oof, that purple makes me feel a certain kind of way....

Yeah, even prettier color in person. Daytona Violet, and Estoril Blue E36's will hold their value better then the generic colors IMO.

[W///]

Originally Posted by hooligan_E84

Oof, that purple makes me feel a certain kind of way....

Thanks!

The M2C has gotten under my skin lately and I want one bad (LBB+6MT). Considered letting the E36 go and replacing it with with one, but I just don't think I can pull the trigger.

Out of all the M's I have, the E36 might be the cheapest but it's the one that constantly gets comments on (also people always ask me if it's for sale). I've read on so many forums that they got rid of their E36 M3 and it's one of their biggest automotive regrets. I would hate to find that out the hard way.

Agh, I don't know, right now I'm leaning on just keeping it and add the M2C in a few years instead.

[tigermack]

Originally Posted by W///

Out of all the M's I have, the E36 might be the cheapest but it's the one that constantly gets comments on (also people always ask me if it's for sale). I've read on so many forums that they got rid of their E36 M3 and it's one of their biggest automotive regrets. I would hate to find that out the hard way.

When I sold my silver M3/4/5, my wife and I would always think about that car, she loved it cause she get to autocross it and I didn't really give too much care for the exterior if she hit cones and rip out a liner. I would find myself looking for a decent one for a fair price, then I found an AW with black interior and manual vaders. The car looked real sharp in pics and it was one of the best car I went to buy and the car looked better in person than in pics.

[JayR_e92]

The auction ended up at 23k! So not quite 26 but you were right in it being upwards of 20k.

Unfortunately my max bid was 21.5k, trying to stay under under the 22k mark but willing to stretch that tiny bit to get a very very clean example with the lowest miles one could get for that price range.

Had I bid $23,250 when it was all said and done it would have easily been 26k including BaT fees and shipping up to Oregon, therefore I had to bail out at $21,250.

It just wasn't meant to be for this one I guess? Still on the hunt!!! And appreciate everyone's input

[W///]

Originally Posted by JayR_e92

The auction ended up at 23k! So not quite 26 but you were right in it being upwards of 20k.

Unfortunately my max bid was 21.5k, trying to stay under under the 22k mark but willing to stretch that tiny bit to get a very very clean example with the lowest miles one could get for that price range.

Had I bid $23,250 when it was all said and done it would have easily been 26k including BaT fees and shipping up to Oregon, therefore I had to bail out at $21,250.

It just wasn't meant to be for this one I guess? Still on the hunt!!! And appreciate everyone's input

Can I give you a suggestion? I know this kind of goes on the opposite direction of this thread, but if you are willing to spend north of $20k, is the E36 M3 the only choice?

The reason I ask is because at $20k, you could get a Z4M Roadster as well. I have that and love how different the driving experience is to the E92 M3. It wouldn't be the mintiest one at that price, but there's a good chance it would be same mileage than the E36 M3's going for that much.

I was lucky enough to buy mine years ago, so prices weren't as high as now. At $10-12k, the E36 M3 is a no brainer because I can't really think what else is out there. At $20-23k, that opens up a lot of doors!

Don't get me wrong, wonderful car and extremely fun and charming, but I can't believe some of these cars are going for twice what I paid for mine!

[4Hockey4]

Yikes, there are 3 nationwide with lower miles and solid condition (with better colors) and manual you could get for around 20K. (maybe less) We split I thought 20K tops

To be fair, lots on BAT is over pay. Good luck finding one.

Holy crap thats right fees on top

Here call them, Black too. They'll take offer, I'd hit them at $20K. If thats original paint, seats and front head, nice condition.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=253374254

[JayR_e92]

Originally Posted by 4Hockey4

Yikes, there are 3 nationwide with lower miles and solid condition (with better colors) and manual you could get for around 20K. (maybe less) We split I thought 20K tops

To be fair, lots on BAT is over pay. Good luck finding one.

Holy crap thats right fees on top

Here call them, Black too. They'll take offer, I'd hit them at $20K. If thats original paint, seats and front head, nice condition.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=253374254

Thank you for the link!

I spoke with them last week infant I made an offer of exactly that lol 20k. They said the best they could do is 22.5k but they would be willing to include shipping to me in Oregon. Honestly I prefer this black on black combo over a lot of the other colors anyway so I actually prefer that one.

Reason I was bidding on the silver BaT one is because it had a little less miles, 2 owners and it was wayyy closer to me. But I am still HIGHLY considering that black one. In fact I may have someone going to take a look at it for me in person if they don't bail on me, it's a random person I met through the BMW community on Instagram that happens to live 45 min away. If they do really go look at it for me it will be Saturday they said. Fingers crossed!

[JayR_e92]

Originally Posted by W///

Can I give you a suggestion? I know this kind of goes on the opposite direction of this thread, but if you are willing to spend north of $20k, is the E36 M3 the only choice?

The reason I ask is because at $20k, you could get a Z4M Roadster as well. I have that and love how different the driving experience is to the E92 M3. It wouldn't be the mintiest one at that price, but there's a good chance it would be same mileage than the E36 M3's going for that much.

I was lucky enough to buy mine years ago, so prices weren't as high as now. At $10-12k, the E36 M3 is a no brainer because I can't really think what else is out there. At $20-23k, that opens up a lot of doors!

Don't get me wrong, wonderful car and extremely fun and charming, but I can't believe some of these cars are going for twice what I paid for mine!

I completely agree that there are several options out there for that price range. Tbh I was expecting and hoping to find one with about 75k - 90k miles in really good condition with a manual for around 14k-17k tops but in these last few months they have really began to shoot yo in price for anything under 100k miles with a manual and clean history.

I like the Z4M when I see it in pictures, but I've never personally driven one or seen many in person for that matter. Not completely against it I guess I just haven't really thought about them too much.

Coming from two E92 M3's both DCT and a Manuel, I just wanted to experience the classic BMW car feel and experience that everyone has always spoken so highly of. Plus I looove the way they look and hold value if you buy a well cared for example. The thing is if I start to open myself up to too many ideas I will never buy a car lol (very indecisive). But all of this information is very helpful while searching. It helps to get everyone's opinions and knowledge

[4Hockey4]

oh good, least they'll move some. Car looks in slightly better condition IMO. (just from seats/front end etc)

With shipping decent deal, compared to the BAT one.

Couple here... https://www.altanc.com/cars-for-sale...r=&PageSize=25

or go near 100K and save a shit ton.