Shifterati1995 BMW M3
This page is a draft. It has not been approved yet, so read it with care.
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What changed
- The M3 returns as a coupe with a 3.0-litre six, a limited-slip differential and 17-inch wheels. A five-speed automatic is added later in the year.1
What it came with
Compare with another year
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Watch out for
Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.
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Cooling system All years One source so far
What to check: Look for coolant leaks, and ask when the radiator, water pump, thermostat and hoses were last replaced.
In an owner forum thread, four owners name the cooling system; one refreshes it every 60,000 miles and another says it needs replacing at about 100,000.
Sources 5
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Rear subframe and suspension bushings All years One source so far
What to check: Look at the rear subframe and trailing arm bushing pockets for cracks, and feel for a sloppy rear or shifter.
In an owner forum thread, five owners name the bushings. One replaced the subframe and differential bushings at about 170,000 miles, and one says the subframe bushings are very hard to replace.
Sources 5
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Power steering leaks All years One source so far
What to check: Look for leaks at the steering rack and along the hoses and their clamps.
In an owner forum thread, one owner warns of leaking racks and another had a power steering hose blow between 60,000 and 100,000 miles.
Sources 5
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Interior trim coming apart All years One source so far
What to check: Look at the headliner, the glovebox and the trim, and try the electric seats.
In an owner forum thread, one owner warns of sagging headliners and glove boxes and stripped electric seat gears, and another says interior parts tend to fall apart but can be fixed.
Sources 5
Recalls
- 94V151000 1995
In crash tests the dummy's readings went past the federal limits. Dealers replace the automatic gearbox's crossmember, the rear gearbox bushings and the steering column support bearing, and fit a knee bolster brace.7
- 96V111000 1995
The brake light switch can fail and stick on or off. Dealers fit a redesigned switch.7
- 97V131000 1995–1997
A worn plastic bushing can let the cruise control or throttle cable catch, holding the throttle partly open. Dealers add a spring steel clip to each cable.7,8
- 98V178000 1995
A cooling system fault can overheat the engine and crack the heater core's end piece, spraying hot coolant. Dealers fit a new radiator cap.7
What buyers say
Reputation: what owners and the press report
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Sought after: The coupe, for the track All years One source so far
Turner Motorsport calls the coupe the preferred E36 M3 to build for racing, and the lightest body.6
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Avoid: A car without a maintenance history All years Less sought after
In an owner forum thread, five owners advise buying the best-kept car with the most maintenance records, and one warns against lowered, very stiff modified cars. Turner Motorsport warns that a car without service records may have made-up service claims.5,6
Before you pay
Every warning and recall for this generation, with a box to tick.