[angus22]

I'm close to buying a 1994 M3 with ~160,000km, and I found that the clutch engages very early, 2-3 cm from the floor. The owner says that is typical of a high power car. I would appreciate any info on this. I've read posts that say BMW clutches last easily this mileage. Thanks.

[djjvr]

In my experience Bimmer cluthes engage quickly and close to the floor, though I'm not sure about 2-3 centimeters. Perhaps the car has a clutch stop?

[fiveightandten]

Originally Posted by angus22

I'm close to buying a 1994 M3 with ~160,000km, and I found that the clutch engages very early, 2-3 cm from the floor. The owner says that is typical of a high power car. I would appreciate any info on this. I've read posts that say BMW clutches last easily this mileage. Thanks.

Are you sure it's a 1994? If so, it sounds like you're looking at one of the 45 Euro-spec M3's imported to Canada. That car would be extremely desireable, and I wouldn't let something like a low clutch engagement sway you away from it if the car is in nice shape overall.

Do you have pictures of the car, most importantly, pics of the engine bay?

[angus22]

Thanks for the info, and no it's not 1 of the 45, I checked. The car was imported from Japan 3 years ago, 15,000KM since then. Clutch has no slippage and shifts fine, just the quick engage. Can you say 'a go-cart with a rocket engine'! There are a few pics on autotrader.ca.

[djjvr]

Link?

[KWorker17]

This one?

http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/M/KA...howcpo=ShowCPO

If so, looks eurospec and says eurospec

[angus22]

That's the one, taking it in for an inspection in a few days, only an hour from home.

[Jrrrrrrr]

It looks like a desirable car, though the pictures look like they were taken by a 2006-era camera phone.

No, low clutch engagement is not normal for these cars and is indicative of aging clutch mechanics or a clutch hydraulic system in need of work.

That said, I would do a thorough vin check (buildsheet included) and wouldn't let the clutch dissuade me if that's really the only issue. R&Ring that issue isn't a deal breaker if the rest of the car checks out.

I'm biased towards dove hurricane interior and would pounce on a clean car that came stock that way.

[angus22]

Thanks Jrrrrrr, will get a check done. Other than stated changes, original parts included in deal, no mods have been done, the sub is sitting in the back, no cutting.

[fiveightandten]

Originally Posted by angus22

Thanks for the info, and no it's not 1 of the 45, I checked.

Gotcha. Those pictures are awful.

That car has the wrong kidneys, nose panel, and fenders for the year. We're not very well versed on Eurospec cars here, but I believe the facelift was the same for those. This would have me looking for collision history.