I've been looking to buy an E36 M3 for a while. I'm at the point knowing how much I should pay based on the year model and condition of the car. I'm seriously considering buying this 99 model that's in excellent condition. I thought all along that this would be the best year for an E36 until I saw the review in MSN Autos that made me having 2nd thought. In the reliability section, it says that the 98 and 99 M3 models have significant engine problems related to the Motronic Control Unit, and this thing is quite expensive to repair. Is this true? What is this Motronic thing? Is it like the ECU? Can any of you pros help me out? I need to jump on this car before it's gone like many others that I looked at. Thanks so much.

Dan

I haven't heard of failure with the DME before. :hmm:

G'Day and Welcome to the site, great to have you onboard. If you really want these types of questions answered, Sirius is your Man as he works directly for a dealership. But if you want to do a face to face, go to you local dealer and just ask away. PLEASE DONT TALK TO SALES but the guys who actually repair them, if your buying an M, its good to get in with those guys as they can be most helpful and be cars nuts themselves.

Best of luck with the purchase, lets us know how you go.
All the best.
Adam.

I haven't heard of failure with the DME before. :hmm:
i dont know about the e36 but my e46 m3 just came back from the dealership due to problems related to the DME and fuel mixture management software. After i had the bearing recall performed, the software upgrade caused the service engine soon lamp to light after a few weeks.

The dealer reprogrammed my car to address the problem. I just picked up the car last night.

btw, welcome :)

welcome.... i have never heard of any problems with the DME.. the only thing i can think of is that people would take the car to the car wash and end up flooding the ECU.. therefore frying it and needing a new one.. but other than that i have no idea and am not aware of that.. i have a 99 and have had no ECU problems.. 75K later...

welcome.... i have never heard of any problems with the DME.. the only thing i can think of is that people would take the car to the car wash and end up flooding the ECU.. therefore frying it and needing a new one.. but other than that i have no idea and am not aware of that.. i have a 99 and have had no ECU problems.. 75K later...

I have heard of that, but never any problems with the DME itself.

Welcome to the forums, I may not own an E36 but I'm sure they're very reliable.

Thank you all for your reply and welcome. I'm going ahead with this purchase then. Wish me luck.

:beer:

So good luck!

And most important: great pleasure!!!!!!

;)