I repeat my last comment. lol.
I can do a pre purchase inspection, Chris. I like Monster Zero Ultra (white cans)…
I don’t recommend a high mileage auto(I see you want a manual anyways) or any SULEV engines (super low emissions vehicle)
Things to check:
valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, VANOS oil hose
power steering, pressure hoses usually leak
cracked belts
entire cooling system (water pump, tstat, overflow tank, hoses, fan clutch
exhaust leaks at manifold to catback connection
intake boots (one at throttle usually torn)
a/c compressor leaks, can usually see dye or oil where the case splits or the snap ring on the bottom
front lower control arms and bushings, sway bar links
axle boots if all wheel drive
rear coil springs, rear trailing arm bushings
rear subframe/body mount (I’ve only seen 1 with the stress cracks)
Window regulators (get noisey when they start binding/failing)
This doesn’t include the obvious brakes, filters, fluids, tires check. I’m sure I’m forgetting a few things but all of the above items are very common aside from the rear subframe issue.
Answer is a phone call away though.
Regarding the 540i you posted earlier, it’s a whole different car than an E46 (or any 3 series for that matter). Bigger physical presence on the road which is great on the highway, but a V8 5 series will easily show its fat gut in the corners as compared to an E46. It’s a matter of preference, but coming from a Miata, you may be in for a shock.
+1 on maintenance records for any German car. Everything just costs more, so protect yourself.
Did i miss where he was looking at a 5 Series?
doooo itttt
And there it is. Id get a 3 series wagon b4 i bought that thing
To each his own. I have a wagon for the winter so no need for utility during warm months. I have toyed with the idea of a newer E92 335i with some work. The most sensible/fun option for Chris is a 2002ish 330i, coupe, etc.
If mine didnt have rust id try to sell him mine. I want something different alrdy.
http://www.nyspeed.com/showthread.php?241962-1998-E36-M3-Sedan
higher miles than what you want but a better driving experience
Couldnt be farther from the truth in my case. Not gonna shit up the thread anymore though.
Well, the black 325ci I was going to look at today was sold.
I’m tempted on that 540 still…
Car shopping sucks.
Check out my M
that is beautiful
[ATTACH=CONFIG]24540[/ATTACH]
You can buy my sedan. Full suspention overhaul. All gaskets replaced. Headers, full 3" exhaust. Most of the parts for a m3 rear swap too. But the wheel arches in the rear are getting rusty. And the interior is looking its age 
Mhmmm looks so damn good.
Also have the stock style 68’s staggered with new good years in the front and hankook v12’s in the rear.
go drive the 540 before you get too excited. They are big cars and may not be to your taste, especially given the slower steering ratio. Getting out of my woman’s B7 A4 and into mine while parking shuffling is like night and day. Maneuvering in parking lots takes more shuffling of the wheel but highway cruising is an effortless, 1 finger deal. The steering is by no means light and uncommunicative - the effort is still there (nice and weighted), but it just takes a a few more degrees of input to make it turn.
Interiors: Compared to the E36/46 the interior is far roomier (if that’s important to you) and usually has improved touch surfaces (leather throughout, on door cards, some panels, etc). Little to no plastic.
Also, any non-M E39 will not have LSD, so if you want decent sideways heaters it’ll cost a bit to bolt up an E39 M5 diff (usually $750 if you rebuild it yourself, which isn’t hard). I’d let you drive mine but the drivetrain doesn’t exactly pay homage to the original feel.
It’s no Miata or Civic, but they’re relatively easy to work on, if not just more time consuming. Parts are expensive but you already knew that.
Thanks. It has a 151k with not paint work. 6lbs of boost and 3.91 LSD. I have fun every time I drive it.
I agree with Norb