Would these things concern you when buying?

[mikemulkern96]

Car #1 is in blue. It appears that the large scuff was a reflection. The seller did admit a ding may exist "from general use". I believe I've circled a white "ding" in red.

#3 Is in Black. I have yet to find any spots that draw attention.

[MachinesWithSouls]

I wouldn't touch #1. At all. There will be others, no rush to find it.

[MMachines]

I'm surprised auto vs manual is no issue. I'd think you want one or the other nothing wrong with either.

[mikemulkern96]

Originally Posted by MMachines

I'm surprised auto vs manual is no issue. I'd think you want one or the other nothing wrong with either.

As soon as I found out the E9X M3 has a standard DCT I started looking for anything under 60K Miles. I'll be city driving this car as well as taking it to a track it so a DCT would make life easier on those city hills but a manual will be manageable and fun.

[8500RPM]

Yeah don't rush into it. You will be able to find a clean E93 in the upper 20's with low/decent miles. They are out there. Try to get a car without any stories behind it.

[mikemulkern96]

Originally Posted by 8500RPM

Yeah don't rush into it. You will be able to find a clean E93 in the upper 20's with low/decent miles. They are out there. Try to get a car without any stories behind it.

Would getting #3 between $27-$28 @ 58K miles qualify as High $20s with low miles? Damn, I need to haggle for german sports cars more often, I'm a greenhorn alright.

[RosieTheRedM3]

Originally Posted by mikemulkern96

I appreciate this. They all have their benefits...Car #1 has cost, Car #2 has low miles, and car #3 has a solid report...Hmm... But this being said the 36K miles car may not need bearings or rods as soon.

The car Fax and wear (or glare) for car #2 are attached. I circled any concerning spots in red.

I would stay away from this. The interior from your pic looks extremely worn for a 2011 car. Also, from what I found during my research, e93's either didn't hold their value as well or they weren't getting any interest. Personally I feel that when you buy an M3, you should get that race car feel that comes with a solid roof over your head. But of course I'm biased about it

[pcohen15]

Originally Posted by mikemulkern96

I've been looking for a used E9x with low miles for a bit now. I'm finally in a position to purchase, but the options are as follows ...

As a former M3 hunter (about a year to find mine) I agree with the general opinion here of avoiding #1 and possibly #2 as well while tying to make a better deal for #3. I also suggest waiting.

Whenever possible, I would drive the serious candidates so you have something as a reference point. Then you'll know when you find "the one." The M3 is all about driving, right? So make sure you love the way it drives.

Your car is out there. And given your long-term plan for hanging on to her, standing your ground now makes even more sense to me.

You wrote that you're looking for a "used E9x ... " but the three you found are convertibles. Is that intentional? There may be issues specific to convertibles that you'll want to be familiar with. Here's a tip -- don't ask which chassis is better

[IB M]

Funny car 1 looks the best from 10ft away.

Car 2 looks like it's worth $8k max. Seriously the DCT lever wear makes me think it was left outside with the top down at the beach all summer and the owner always applied sunscreen and rubbed the extra off on the shifter console.

[dreamspeed]

The convertibles are worth significantly less on the used market even though they costed significantly more when new.

I know it's tough to wait cause you want the car NOW but if you don't necessarily need a car right this moment I would suggest waiting until winter if possible. When its winter time the prices of convertibles drop and it'd give you a couple more months to find the right car

[mikemulkern96]

I suppose you caught me, I am 90% leaning toward a convertible. I've thoroughly enjoyed every day I've spent with a manual convertible sports car, so finding a hard top convertible is certainly the goal. They dont seem any more expensive. If anything, a better "deal".

Right now my 2007 Ford F150 with 100K/+ miles has a broken leaf spring. It's a very small excuse to buy a different car.. But when the ford is always leaking fluid and needing garage time, I'm ready to change daily drivers and join the ranks of higher quality European work. Plus the engine has knocked for 60K miles, wont go over 73MPH and no shop or dealer has figured it out. She needs to be retired to boat hauling and bad weather before the engine blows.

I've been looking for used E9Xs, lurking, for about a year now. Looking at older M3s for probably a year and a half. These are certainly the best deals I've seen thus far, considering my budget started lower and grew (responsibly of course).

I feel as thought I'll be checking out car #3 first.

I still havent canceled the pre purchase inspection for #1. I got a text last night asking if I'm still on board, so I've either got to say yes or make the decision to knock that one out of the running quick.

[BOOF-M3]

I
There is a 99% chance that you will not be adding a turbo to your S65. It's just not a swap that takes place. It's super charge or nothing. Boof out!

Edit: Oh, and I popped your appreciate cherry. You are only 2,000 or so away from Brig General. Carry on private.

[zipper228]

Liking #3, price isn't bad if the brakes and tires are truly new; thats $3k right there. Car looks to be completely stock and its a single hump dash (no NAV/iDrive), which is awesome and not something I came across often when searching for an e93. 1 owner is getting more and more rare and is a huge plus. I'd be checking that one out

[burtonsbs5114]

Honestly, I would pass on all thee. Maybe it is just bad pics, but they all look pretty beat.

[tooloud10]

Originally Posted by RosieTheRedM3

Personally I feel that when you buy an M3, you should get that race car feel that comes with a solid roof over your head. But of course I'm biased about it

I'd say that the E93 actually does have a 'solid roof' over your head. Hell, if it's that important for it to feel like a race car or something, it would be moreso because you can lower the rear quarter windows as well.

Either way, I don't think any E9x is cross-shopped with the others very often. E92 is the default, with people picking an E93 if they want the top to go down, and an E90 if they want a sedan.

I guess I don't understand why anyone would suggest a coupe to someone that's clearly shopping for a convertible, or vice-versa. They're different cars, and personally I wouldn't own one if the roof didn't go down, because that's what I was looking for when I got my E93.

[mikemulkern96]

Originally Posted by zipper228

Liking #3, price isn't bad if the brakes and tires are truly new; thats $3k right there. Car looks to be completely stock and its a single hump dash (no NAV/iDrive), which is awesome and not something I came across often when searching for an e93. 1 owner is getting more and more rare and is a huge plus. I'd be checking that one out

Of course my young mind says "If you get the 17K car, you've got $5k to put Brembos and your choice of tires on yourself and still save $5k for...anything."
However we all know just because I didnt spend it, doesn't mean I have $10k extra to throw at a car I've just bought.

Thanks for the advice so far everybody. I really appreciate your time and thoughts. I'm constantly taking in all I can as this is my most exciting purchase...ever.

[RosieTheRedM3]

Not once in my post did I suggest that anyone do anything. I shared my opinion which was that I preferred the e92 because of the way it makes me feel. So I don't understand why someone would suggest I suggested a car to someone that was different from what he originally wanted. You did the exact same thing when you voiced your opinion about the fact that you only looked for a convertible. Neither of us were telling anyone to get that car, we just shared our opinions about why we picked the cars we got

[Ngilbe36]

A few things in no particular order.

"Looking for a car that doesn't need bearings done for at least a year" (Paraphrasing) This is a tough thing to guess on. I'd say you basically never know.

Worn buttons are no big deal, except for the fact that it may be a general sign of how the owner treated the car, or maybe not.

You said you plan to track this car. FYI the convertibles are significantly heavier than the sedans and coupes. Just something to consider.

From your F150 story, it seems like you are likely going to be bringing this car to a dealer/indy for all work. Be prepared for the part cost and labor cost to be substantially higher.

I wouldn't put much stock into a gap in maintenance. My car has had a gap in maintenance since I have owned it and i guarantee it has never been taken better care of.

If you see a car far away don't hesitate to ask around on the forum to see if anyone living close to it is willing to check it out. We are generally good people. I am looking at one for another guy tomorrow.

Be picky. There are plenty of cars out there, wait for the right one. Make sure you know what you want now so you don't regret it after purchase and want something else. To me, DCT and 6MT are both a blast it just depends on what you want you want (and if you're a real man lol jk). Interlagos Blue FTW!
I think I hit everything...

Welcome to the community!

[Ngilbe36]

Originally Posted by BOOF-M3

Edit: Oh, and I popped your appreciate cherry.

You are this forums R. Kelly.

Too far?

[Bomiz]

Ok you need to forget about all 3 cars you linked.
These are terrible options for the price you're cool with paying. The E93 M3 is the least expensive of the M3 and should be very easy to find better options than what you're showing.

[mikemulkern96]

Originally Posted by Bomiz

Ok you need to forget about all 3 cars you linked.
These are terrible options for the price you're cool with paying. The E93 M3 is the least expensive of the M3 and should be very easy to find better options than what you're showing.

Prices may be slightly inflated to protect the deal and gather better opinions. Cars I look at usually sell quick and I didnt know how many sharks lurked in these forums.

[NeverL8]

There’s tons of convertible M3 on the market for a great deals....why are you soo stuck on those 3?

Also option #3 is wayyy too expensive for a E93