Need M3 info

R

rcallahan

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#1
Hello everyone. I just registered here and would like any info you guys have on the pros and cons of purchasing a used M3.

I have had BMWs in the past (735, 318) and I am thinking of buying a 2-5 year old M3 as a daily driver. Does anyone have thoughts on year, what to look for etc??

Thanks,

Bob
 
Tom

Tom

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What's your budget?

You know there is a big difference between a E46 2001/02 vs a E36 97 right? If you can afford the E46 than that would be my recommendation. Everything about it is so much better.
 
G

gpoints

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I would go for an end of year model '03 for the following reasons:

No recalls that I know of (so long as you get one built after June in the year)
Still has the oval rear-view mirror
Might have the LED rear brake lights
Won't have the lame "shark fin"


Just know that the '01 - '03 models have had some major recalls. They souldn't cause problems down the road but it's something to think about.

For an '03 you're looking at @ $45 - $50+ k.
 
///M SPEED

///M SPEED

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#6
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gpoints said:
I would go for an end of year model '03 for the following reasons:

No recalls that I know of (so long as you get one built after June in the year)
Still has the oval rear-view mirror
Might have the LED rear brake lights
Won't have the lame "shark fin"


Just know that the '01 - '03 models have had some major recalls. They souldn't cause problems down the road but it's something to think about.

For an '03 you're looking at @ $45 - $50+ k.
Click to expand...
These "major recalls" have nothing to do with reliability to the cars. It is just a couple of software upgrades and a bearing recall that gets fixed at the expense of BMW. This does not affect the value, performance, handling, fit/finish, driving experience or cost etc... of these cars. No one should be turned of from purchasing an "01-02" model year for this reason.

I have had zero problems since my car has had the bearings replaced....
 
C

Cube

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///M SPEED said:
These "major recalls" have nothing to do with reliability to the cars. It is just a couple of software upgrades and a bearing recall that gets fixed at the expense of BMW. This does not affect the value, performance, handling, fit/finish, driving experience or cost etc... of these cars. No one should be turned of from purchasing an "01-02" model year for this reason.

I have had zero problems since my car has had the bearings replaced....
Click to expand...
That's good to know, because I have my crosshairs targeted on a 2001 M3.
 
///M SPEED

///M SPEED

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#10
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#10
Cube said:
I would like to get my hands on a Laguna Seca Blue M3, it is a beautiful eye catching color. [driving2]
Click to expand...
One if my Favs. as well...

I love that color. One thing to remember about the LSB 2001 M3's is that most of the first year M's in that color where demo's (it was the inaugural color for the M3 when it debuted) and they were treated pretty rough. They were the cars many press etc… test-drove for articles and what not. I wouldn't worry too much about it, but definitely get it checked out. Just something to consider.

You wouldn't have that worry for the LSB color in model year "02" and above. This is IMO. Good luck and look at my color, which I love too...


Dressed to kill:


Still dressed and loaded:


If your looking at this it's too late:


MMM... ///M3:


Enjoy....
 
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