1994 BMW M3 review from North America

A/C Compressor clutch rattles when using A/C.

Rear differential 'chatters' during tight turns at low speed - especially when the car is 'cold'. I heard that this is normal. I'll have to see if changing the differential fluid will take care of this.

Idle fluctuates between 600 to 1000 rpm when the engine is cold. Sounds like a leaky vacuum line? However this problem is intermittent.

Valve cover gasket starts to leak.

On-Board-Computer screen pixels burned out.

Paint and clear-coat don't seem too durable. Easily chipped, especially on the forward section of the hood and on the front bumper. Before I installed the bra, I can almost spot 2 new stone chips every time I drove the car out of town.

I bought this car in Arizona from its second owner. When I got it, it has 69,000 miles. The previous owners really babied this car. Other than some stone chips and one small ding, I can hardly find any cosmetic flaw with the car. It's 100% stock and I plan to keep it that way. The engine pulls strong and the car handles like a dream.

Apparently the original owner didn't check any option box when he purchased this car in 95. Cruise control is there, but that's it. But hey, less things to break and worry about.

More on the engine:

Someone said that to love the E36 M3 is to love the S50 inline-6 engine. How true! The engine is so relaxed and yet power is ready anytime you need it. It sounds awesome too under acceleration. My one complaint: It needs more low-end torque (Even my previous car, a 1992 Camaro with a 305 engine, pulls harder at low RPM). But over 3500 RPM it really comes alive.

Handling:

As I mentioned, this car handles great! It communicates really well with the driver. Very predictable as well. The Limited Slip helps the car gain traction under hard acceleration. While I'm perfectly happy with the ride-and-handling of this car, some passenger complained about the hard seats and harsh ride ~ I live in Michigan and unfortunately smooth road is not a luxury we have around here.

Highly recommended! For a lot less money than a brand-new compact car, you can get one of the best sport cars ever made.