Considering 03/04 M3?

[otahand]

I am considering a newer M3 (2003 or 2004), and did some research on the S54 engine, and reviewed the M3 maintenance schedule. I have owned Bimmers for 12 years, and the M3 recommeneded maintenance seems to be pretty vigorous. For example, removing the front brake pads and replacing them every time the engine oil is changed, and what is the M-Mobility System that needs to be serviced every three years? I do not plan to track this car, I am simply interested in a fun every day driver. Thoughts from anyone that owns a newer M3 and uses it as an every day driver??

Thanks!

 

[gpoints]

I've got and '03 M. Drive it everyday in SF Bay Area traffic and love it.

The maint schedule is great but I have a problem with the recommended oil change interval. First one is @1200 miles, the next one is @ 12000. I will be changing my oil between the recommended interval though.

I will say that driving the M makes me ALMOST want to wake up to drive to work in the morning.

 

[MrElussive]

otahand, where did you find this maintenance schedule from? The only one I found just now -while searching- was the Edmunds.com maintenance schedule and it listed nothing about brake pads. Brake pads (on average) typically last for around 20,000 miles but they can last for as short as like 5,000 miles (depends on your driving style). Can you give us a link or something as to where you found that maintenance schedule that says to replace the front brake pads every 12,000 miles?

Also, keep in mind that all BMW's have free maintenance for 50,000 miles; aside from typical oil and filter changes among other things, it includes brake pads and rotors and even wiper blades, for free. If you can afford a 2003 or 2004 BMW M3, you should probably spring for a brand-new M3 (particularly a leftover 2004, you should be able to find a good deal on those) and start from 0 miles so you get to enjoy all of that 50,000 mile free maintenance warranty.

 

[otahand]

Go to Yahoo or Google, and enter "BMW M3 scheduled maintenance". You will see a link for BMW's Maintenance and Warranty guide (.pdf). I also pulled one for a 2004 330. I am considering a 2003 M3, 6MT w/12k miles. I can probably get this vehicle for $43K ($7k+ off the original list price).