Long testimonial.................. (archive)

If properly maintained, they are no less reliable than other BMW`s. There`s the rub. The newest one is 11 years old. Maintenance is expensive...2 to 3 times the cost of other BMW`s. So you see a lot of cars that have been neglected. I bought what I thought was a fairly decent car with 113K, and I`ve spent close to $4K (discounted) on parts only...I`ve done all the labor (other than rebuilding the driveshaft). FIRST, if it hasn`t been done, you should be changing EVERYTHING that is rubber:
Guibo, Driveshaft Center Bearing, Coolant Hoses, Belts, Plug Wires, Intake Gaskets,Intake Boot, Idle Valve Hoses, Crankcase Ventilation Hoses, Sway Bar Bushings, Control Arm Bushings, etc. You`re up over $700, discounted, or close to $1000, dealer cost.
Other wear items I`ve changed:
1)Distributor Cap/Rotor...$80+, unless you use the Volvo cap.
2)Timing Chain/Guides/Tensioner....$540. The tensioner usually lasts 60 to 80K, the chain/guides about 150 to 170K. The tensioner is about $60.
3)Front Control Arms...$120 steel, $340 aluminum. I bought the aluminum for the stronger ball joints.
4)Front rotors/pads...$140 for the EVO rotors, $30 for Deluxe pads. EVO rotors are supposed to be much less likely to warp.
5)Coolant expansion tank/cap...$55. Mine wouldn`t hold pressure because the lip distorted where the cap attaches.
6)Thermostat...$60. Unique to the E30 M3.
7)Heater Core....$70. Started leaking. Standard E30 item.
8)Rebuilt Driveshaft....$240. The center u-joint got beat up when the center bearing rubber mount failed.
9)Sway Bar Links....$65.
10)Radio Antenna....$50. The mast and the base cover were missing.
11)Alternator Bushings....$12.
12)Voltage Regulator.....$24. Brushes were worn to the limit.
13)Brake Caliper Rebuild Kits, F/R......$75.
14)Clutch Slave Cylinder.....$27. It was leaking when I bought the car. Standard E30 item.
15)Bilstein HD Shocks....$320. One rear shock was leaking.
16)Rear Shock Mounts.....$25. Knocking sound in the rear. Standard E30.
17)Muffler......$260. Stock replacement.
18)Yearly Maintenance: Spark Plugs, Air & Fuel Filters.....$30. Four oil changes (Mobil 1 + filter)....$80.
Then there are the go fast goodies:
1)EVO Airbox....$80.
2)EVO Exhaust Cam Gear....$100.
3)Oil Pan Baffle....$45. Necessary to prevent oil starvation on long right hand turns.
I`m in the process of adjusting valves, which requires a $120 tool. I`ll have to buy 5 shims (about $25) to complete the job.
I`ve had the car for 4 years now, driven daily. It has 159K, and has never stranded me. I`m sure it has the original clutch ($300 to replace). There`s a star in the windshield (no vehicle inspections where I live), the paint on the rear wing is peeling badly, BUT, I`ll drive it til ONE OF US DIES!!!
Anybody recommend a good therapist?
John
88 ///M3 Cinnabar

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