Hello All, It's been a while since I've posted in the a.a.b newsgroup. I cannot begin to tell you how much money the advice from some of our 'members' has saved me over the past few years.
I'm looking for a little advice tonight. I'm seeking a 2nd car.
My first option is a 1997 M3 with a 5 speed transmission. One of the years they made the 4 door model. (Which I like and need) Its Artic White with the black leather interior. The interior and exterior are in good shape. The seats show no bolster wear. It has @131k miles on it. It has some typical E36 issues. It has had the water pump / housing changed, etc. It has 17" BMW Alloys and new Pirelli tires. It has a Salvage Title history from the previous (and original) owner being involved in a low speed collision which caused some 'minor' front end damage. That bothers me; however, I know the current owner / seller and trust his opinion on BMWs. The car is pretty much stock. (No engine / body mods) This car is located in North Florida. (I'm in SW Louisiana.)
My second option is a 1998 540i with an AUTO Transmission. (Newer slightly rounded body style) It's in the Black Exterior / Dove Grey leather interior configuration. The interior and exterior are in very good shape. The drivers door has a small palm sized dent which you can tell was popped out by one of those paintless dent removal places. Its not perfect but its better than it was. (I saw 'before' pics) The Dove Grey drivers seat is starting to show some wear. The leather does not seem to be wearing as much as it seem the color is wearing off. (Is this easily fixable?) The rest of the seats look brand new. The car is the 'Sports Package'. The owner had a local BMW dealership install upgraded Hella Angel Eyes, a Dinan Cold Air intake, and 17" BMW M5 Alloys. The current owner also stated that there's a vibration coming from the front left wheel during slow speeds. He thinks its an off balance tire. I think it may be some of the normal 5 series front end gremlins. This car is outside of Beaumont TX. (I'm in SW Louisiana.)
The 5 series is closer and newer but has more miles. The 5 series is an Auto Transmission and I really prefer a standard. However I'm getting up in the years and an Auto might be a better idea. Plus the 4.4L engine has plenty of get up and go. However the M3 is in very good shape. BMW only made the 4dr M3 for 2 years. And the seller runs a German car oriented autobody shop and he swears the car is in tip-top shape.
Over the past 10 years I've owned 3, 5, and 7 series cars. My previous BMWs have ranged from 1993 models to 2001 models. I like them all. Looking back on it I realize that I have owned quite a few E36 cars.
The bad part is the cars are the same price.. both sellers are asking $9,000.00 firm.
Please let me know which car you would go with and why. (Pros and Cons) I have to email them ASAP.
Thanks, Karl N.