1997 BMW M3

Coupe

3.2L 3152CC l6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated

Manual

WBSBG9320VEY74146

Clear

If you are looking for a clean M3 with beautiful paint, great mechanicals, and is ready to drive, you may want to take a look here and read this whole, rather wordy, listing. I am relisting this car because on my initial listing, I didn't think to mention the check engine light is on. I had the code read by my local parts store guy, and the code stated there is a problem with the "second O2 sensor on rear bank". The lights for the ABS and ASC are also on. All these lights were on when I bought the car two and a half years ago, but I don't really care for ABS, let alone Automatic Stability Control. I don't care about how many cup holders a car has, either. So, if you need ABS to prevent hitting the car ahead of you, or you can't seem to plan ahead while drifting a high speed curve at 6,000 rpm, then perhaps you should be looking at Volvos. I am not going to investigate any of that. With respect to the check engine light, Here in Youngstown, Ohio, we do not have to get our cars inspected for emissions, so that never mattered to me. Please check with your local authorities. If you live in California or New York, or any other state that BIG Brother has taken control of (with a willing electorate, of course) either figure you will have to get the car serviced, or find another car. There is also some question of rear end damage on the vehicle report. CarFax says the car had severe rear end damage, but I can tell you there is no evidence of any repairs to this car. I service my own cars on my own service rack, and have not seen any evidence of panel replacement, or even straightening. The bottom is as clean as the top, and the original paint and caulking are everywhere. There is absolutely no rust anywhere on this car. It came from the south, and then California, so it has never seen salt. Between me and the guy that owned it before me, we have had it for 5 years and no body work has become apparent in that time. For someone looking for a great car to drive, here is the best running BMW I have ever driven. Despite the mileage, the car absolutely runs better than new, uses no oil (which is something to say for a car using Mobil 1, which tends to burn off). The former owner spared no expense in upgrading and maintaining the car. I have owned sports cars for 35 years, including every BMW, Porsche, and even some Ferrari's, and this car, hands down, is the closest thing to a real race car I have driven. The ride is firm, but not punishing. The steering is tighter than new - the turn in is so responsive that it took me three days to get used to the immediate response. The bad: The driver's seat leather is worn, and even has a hole worn through where the leather is over a metal support from getting in and out. The stainless steel header sometimes touches the engine mount (it's very close) making a rattle. The heater and A/C blower motor is a bit weak. There is a light crease on the passenger quarter panel that you can see in the photo of the LR quarter - not bad enough to paint the quarter, in my opinion, and I employ a guy that does great paint work. The good: The car looks virtually new - the paint is incredibly nice. There is no curb rash on the front valence! The Dash and carpet are like new New brakes all around using BMW factory brake rotors New heavy duty clutch and lightweight flywheel New stainless steel long-tube headers ALL NEW suspension including Bilstein coil-overs $$$, Sway Barbarian sway bars, Polyurethane RTABS New A/C compressor New mass air flow sensor, O-2 sensor, spark plugs, wires New belts and tensioners New Dr Vanos cam controllers, Cam position sensors New water pump, gaskets everywhere - no oil leaks The bottom line is that this is an extremely clean car that is an absolute ball to drive. It starts every time I get in it and gets me where I want to go without fail. Incidentally, as a testament to the reliability of the car, I bought it in California and drove it back to Ohio without incident. Serious inquiries can call (330) 360-0119 and leave a message on my cell. I will return you call.