Saw a 96 M3 today. Has about 64K miles on it. Was ASC an option or was it standard for that year. Additionally, it doesn't have power seats, but has that nifty electronic climate control not found on 95s. What was included in the luxury package for 96s? Any comments are appreciated. What else should I look out for in terms of maintenance for a 96? The owner recently replaced the water pump with a rebuilt unit. Engine sounds ok but when revved there's the fluttering sound. He said it was the VANOS running? Any thought? He's asking for low 20s. 5sp. And also, how long does the clutch last before it needs a new one?

ASC is something most M3 owners wish they don't have. It is, I believe, a standard feature. VANOS shouldn't make any noise! Clutch is totally dependent on the driver and the types of driving he/she does. If the car is in a city such as San Francisco, I would worry. Yes, BMW did redesigned those blades on the pump.

As far as I know, the US spec M3 does not have VANOS in them, due to the stuff price range the M3 has to fall into, the engine had to do without the clever VANOS, thats what makes the difference between the Euro 321 hp and the US 240 hp difference.
I love the manual seat , they make the car lighter, and once you have them set, you will never change them unless you switch drivers all the time...it gives very comfortable support and positions.
Power seats comes with the luxuary packages in the earlier M3 serious, and as well as the late models...ASC is not a standard on 95, however, ASC + T is a standard on 96-99 M3 I believe

check out some info at http://www.m3supercar.com > buyers guide cheers roger