Used car buying guide: BMW M3 E36 (1992-1999)

The E36 M3 was made available in a wide range of vibrant bespoke colours with evocative names such as Estoril Blue, Mugello Red, Daytona Blue Metallic and – perhaps the most distinctive – Dakar Yellow, although these cars are few and far between. Take time to make sure the car you’re viewing wears just one shade: the E36 M3 is a quick car, even by today’s standards, and different-coloured body panels are a sure sign that it’s had an accident in the past.

An expert’s view

BARRIE ROWLES, TURNER AUTOMOTIVE: “I started with BMW in 1994, and this car was a huge deal – especially when coming out of an E30 M3 with an S14 [engine]. These cars were pretty bulletproof in the early days, especially with the S50. Only now, 25 years later, we’re really seeing the car’s weaknesses, but some of the problems are less serious than many 10-year-old BMWs that I see through my doors.”

Buyer beware…

BODY: The E36 is known for a susceptibility to rust. Common problem areas include the front wings, boot floor, jacking points and rear suspension mounts. If there’s no BMW roundel on the front windscreen, it has been replaced at some point, so check for the telltale signs of a poor seal, which will cause the bulkhead to corrode.

ENGINE: The Vanos variable valve timing system can fail. A loud rattling noise, lumpy idle and loss of low-end power are the key warning signs. The exhaust is prone to cracking and can be expensive to repair, and water pump bearings often fail but the whole unit is easily replaced.

SUSPENSION, STEERING: Rear damper mounts weaken over time, resulting in a wallowy ride through corners. Some cars have had reinforcements welded in. Check all rubber bushings have been replaced, paying particular attention to the rear trailing arm bushes, removal of which need a special tool.

BRAKES: Brake pipe corrosion is an E36 M3 owner’s worst nightmare. The exhaust system and fuel tank need to be removed to install new pipes, and even independent garages can charge up to £600 for this job. Calipers can seize but refurbished OEM parts are readily available and relatively affordable.

ELECTRICS: Convertibles suffer various faults with the switches and motor for the roof mechanism, so check it works. The air-con condenser on all models is vulnerable to stone damage and can leak, resulting in an expensive repair bill. The fuel pump is also prone to failure and a genuine replacement will cost around £350.

ALSO WORTH KNOWING: There are a few attractive US-market cars for sale in the UK at time of writing, all in good condition and with low miles. But it’s important to note that America’s E36 M3 is commonly regarded as an inferior car. The pre-facelift US M3 offered around 50bhp less than the European model, and although the switch to a 3.2-litre motor in 1996 brought a subtle torque increase, power stayed at 240bhp – 76bhp less than the European Evolution. The US never got the six-speed manual option, either.