E36 BMW M3 1995–1999

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

• 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 ¹

• 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 ¹

• 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 ¹

• 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 ¹

• Rust and seals All years

  What to check: Look at the sills and wheel arches for rust, and at the windscreen and window seals.

  Named by one owner in an owner forum thread; Turner Motorsport adds the drain plugs behind the front seats.

  Sources ^1,2

Sources

1. Grassroots Motorsports forum (E36 M3)
2. Turner Motorsport E36 buyer's guide