Risk and Problems of 08 M3

[335speed]

I was looking to move up from my 07 335 with 103k miles to an 08 m3 manual with 60k miles. Coming from a background of repeated HPFP failures, bad turbos, and faulty fuel injectors, I was hoping to know any major problems with a first model year M3, any suggested maintenance, and their cost. Thanks guys

[davesaddiction]

Read all of this, and then come back if you have any questions.

High mileage 08s report in!

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=682601

[SilentAttack]

Every year has the same problems. Just buy the car you want drive it how it's meant to be driven and enjoy!!! It's a monster of a car.

[335speed]

Originally Posted by davesaddiction

Read all of this, and then come back if you have any questions.

High mileage 08s report in!

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=682601

Yea, read this whole thing right after I posted. So it seems that other than the bearings issue which keeps everyone scared, its just routine random things failing (if they do). I just was unsure if there were any guaranteed failures like I'm used to. Is there any way to tell if there would be a bearings issue other than an oil sample?

[davesaddiction]

Originally Posted by 335speed

Yea, read this whole thing right after I posted. So it seems that other than the bearings issue which keeps everyone scared, its just routine random things failing (if they do). I just was unsure if there were any guaranteed failures like I'm used to. Is there any way to tell if there would be a bearings issue other than an oil sample?

The AC evaporator and idle control valve are more likely to fail than the rod bearings, imho. There have been catastrophic failures, and while a scary thought, they are a very small minority, and more data needs to be gathered to know how pervasive an issue this might be. To put your mind at ease, get a PPI, listen closely to the engine of any car you're considering for any irregular ticking (not the regular lifter noise), and then get an oil change right after you purchase so you can send off an oil sample.

My '08 is nearing 70k miles, I drive it hard every single day (two years as my DD), and I just took it back to the track this weekend. Every car has its issues, but this one has proven to be a solid car for the vast majority of owners.

[335speed]

Originally Posted by davesaddiction

The AC evaporator and idle control valve are more likely to fail than the rod bearings, imho. There have been catastrophic failures, and while a scary thought, they are a very small minority, and more data needs to be gathered to know how pervasive an issue this might be. To put your mind at ease, get a PPI, listen closely to the engine of any car you're considering for any irregular ticking (not the regular lifter noise), and then get an oil change right after you purchase so you can send off an oil sample.

My '08 is nearing 70k miles, I drive it hard every single day (two years as my DD), and I just took it back to the track this weekend. Every car has its issues, but this one has proven to be a solid car for the vast majority of owners.

Alright thanks for getting back to me. Glad to hear most people are getting their money's worth. Don't think I can deal with another every other weekend, problem car. Guess I should seriously sit down and start working towards joining you guys on M3post

[davesaddiction]

[abehwang]

08 and 73k miles
Driving daily since 2011@19k miles and all I did was oil changes and change tires (once).
Never changed brakes and still has a lot of pad left.
Been the most reliable BMW for me

[PerfM5]

Regardless of what you go with, make sure you get a warranty. This is my 3rd used german car (2005 CLK500, 2005 M3 ZCP, 2008 M3) all have had their fair share of issues and all were covered user warranty. CLK500 over 20K in repairs, including multiple oil leaks. First M3's SMG died within weeks of buying the car from Carmax, 10K in repairs, covered! My E92 M3 has had the throttle actuator issue, all the coils had to be replaced, miscellaneous bushings and now it's in the shop again for engine issues. Thank god for warranty!!!

[s85e90]

I've put about 40k on two e90 m3 with no issues other than religous maintenance.

[M3///Driver]

When I bought my 2012, I had Mike with BPM Sports preform a forensic examination. A few $$$ but you can get a real history of the car.
# of redline
Ave. octane and many more

[335speed]

Originally Posted by M3///Driver

When I bought my 2012, I had Mike with BPM Sports preform a forensic examination. A few $$$ but you can get a real history of the car.
# of redline
Ave. octane and many more

How did you get the report done? BAV cable or...?

[M3///Driver]

Call or email him.
Service 2nd to none

http://www.bpmsport.com

Sent me a cable
Remotes in with my laptop.

[Sebringjetta]

Originally Posted by davesaddiction

The AC evaporator and idle control valve are more likely to fail than the rod bearings, imho. There have been catastrophic failures, and while a scary thought, they are a very small minority, and more data needs to be gathered to know how pervasive an issue this might be. To put your mind at ease, get a PPI, listen closely to the engine of any car you're considering for any irregular ticking (not the regular lifter noise), and then get an oil change right after you purchase so you can send off an oil sample.

My '08 is nearing 70k miles, I drive it hard every single day (two years as my DD), and I just took it back to the track this weekend. Every car has its issues, but this one has proven to be a solid car for the vast majority of owners.

well said sir

[spmd11]

We have an 08 e90 M3 that we bought 18 months ago with 40k miles. It's been rock solid. Only issue is we replaced an ignition coil.