drove an '88 M3 recently. 123k miles, hennarot... it was nice, *but* the front seats are in desparate need of replacement (loose, and the leather was mostly missing), the paint looks like crap, and the engine is noisy -- it doesn't quite sound 'right' (heard a good one in the shop the other day -- not the same). DOT 'R' panel -- supposedly hit in a parking lot. Jim C chip. it quite noticably pulls to one side. on the positive side, the suspension is all new, as are the tires and wheels. it didn't feel like there was a chip in it. i must admit, it's the first E30 M3 i've driven, but it didn't feel like i would expect it to. i think my little 'ol accord has more pick-up. carfax says it recently failed emissions, but the owner says he knows of no problem, as he's got tags and emissions sticker.

is it worth having a mechanic look at it, or should i just keep looking? what's it worth?

FWIW, the present owner *didn't* have a mechanic check it out before he bought it. i don't mind a little work, but i do mind major repairs (or an endless stream of (not-so) minor things).

any thoughts?

thanks much!

_paul.