2008 E90 M3 for 35K.....Good Deal?

[Fernanimal]

Hey guys,

I’ve been looking to get into an E90 M3 for a long time now. I have been specifically targeting the 2009+ LCI models but I came across this 2008 last night. Just wanted to get some insight on this 2008 M3 sedan with about 67,000kms. Here’s the AutoTrader link:

http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/M/FR...O&orup=3_15_35

The price is probably one of the cheapest on there right now for the mileage but I do have some concerns below:

1. I could tell it had been painted on both sides. The evidence was in the door trim - I found a small amount of overspray on both sides of the car, specifically the drivers front and passenger rear. The owner provided a Carproof and there was a claim for $1500 for “hail damage” back in 2009 when the car was literally new (had 4000km on it). Weird thing is, I couldn’t tell that the roof or anywhere else on the car had been painted. The doors do flare out and I guess it is possible that the hail damaged this area, especially considering it was on both sides. Again, it was already getting a bit dark so I am going to take a closer look today.

2. Coming from a 2011 335i, this car felt like it had really heavy steering. I love the feedback, but just wanted to know from other M3 owners out there if this is normal.

3. The 6MT is not as refined as I would have expected. 1st-2nd is a bit notchy/lashy. Actually felt a lot like my 335i used to (which I hated) but eventually got used to. After test driving a couple DCT M3’s, it’s hard to compare that to a 6MT. The clutch grabs around mid-point through the travel but "slips" until the pedal is almost fully released.

4. Cold start engine noise, sounded like some lifter noise/valve train coming from the top of the engine. Probably normal….sound was almost gone after coming back from the test drive but still subtly there. Tried to listen for any rod bearing ticks that I read so much about on this forum but it sounded good.

5. Road/tire noise was pretty bad. Tires look like they need replacing especially the front ones. Very loud hum hum hum noise coming from what seems like the drivers front tire. Would this most likely be tire noise or wheel bearing? Steering had a very slight shimmy at 100km/h too. From what I’m reading on here, the 19” wheels are forged and should be pretty damn strong, so I’m not expecting a wheel to be bent but you never know. There is some minor curb rash on the front wheels…Brakes look original as well.

6. Throttle response was a bit strange at times. I was driving the car really easy, and the throttle response would seem a bit “laggy” and inconsistent as it was warming up. Is this a possible indication of throttle actuators starting to go? Or is this normal until the car is fully warmed up?

7. Under the hood, the paint was rubbed off on one of the structural members spanning the width of the hood. The white paint looked like it was rubbed off and it was black underneath….I know these are aluminum hoods but would it have a special black primer?

8. Interior is in great shape. Driver seat wear is definitely in line with the mileage on the car.

I’m sure a lot of these questions may be answered deep in the abyss of threads on this forum, but I am pressed for time since I am flying out for a business trip for a week. Does the price seem reasonable even with the concerns above? Hoping to get some insight from some Canadian M3 owners out there, specifically the 2008 6MT versions. If all goes well tonight, I will be making a conditional offer on a PPI at the local BMW dealership.

Thanks all!

[shu5892001]

1. Sounds sketchy, maybe get it inspected professionally at a mechanic.
2. Normal
3. This is a common issue with the 6MT, although lots of people live with it, I had my tranny replaced under warranty due to this and problem was gone.
4. Normal
5. I am not sure, but my car didn't have much road noise and I was on 265/285 PSS.
6. I think this is normal, in normal throttle mode, the gas pedal is very laggy, next time try MDM with sport plus throttle.
7. No idea...
8. Good!

Another thing is BMW updated the flywheel on 09 and later models, so if your clutch goes on a 08. You need to replace the flywheel with the later updated design.

I think you could get a better deal. FYI I sold my 2010 E90 JB, fully loaded with every options, opti-coated, 0 swirl, previously CPO car for 39k. But it had a bit over 90k kms. I don't think you should rush into purchasing one as these will be on the market more and more as they get old.

Also I would get a full service history, and try to get inspected at BMW. Try to see if they can provide you with a report of any money shifts, this is especially important if buying a preowned manual car.

Ultimately you should look for a 2011 E90, it is the last year and only year that offered blue tooth music audio.

[Fernanimal]

Originally Posted by shu5892001

1. Sounds sketchy, maybe get it inspected professionally at a mechanic.
2. Normal
3. This is a common issue with the 6MT, although lots of people live with it, I had my tranny replaced under warranty due to this and problem was gone.
4. Normal
5. I am not sure, but my car didn't have much road noise and I was on 265/285 PSS.
6. I think this is normal, in normal throttle mode, the gas pedal is very laggy, next time try MDM with sport plus throttle.
7. No idea...
8. Good!

Another thing is BMW updated the flywheel on 09 and later models, so if your clutch goes on a 08. You need to replace the flywheel with the later updated design.

I think you could get a better deal. FYI I sold my 2010 E90 JB, fully loaded with every options, opti-coated, 0 swirl, previously CPO car for 39k. But it had a bit over 90k kms. I don't think you should rush into purchasing one as these will be on the market more and more as they get old.

Also I would get a full service history, and try to get inspected at BMW. Try to see if they can provide you with a report of any money shifts, this is especially important if buying a preowned manual car.

Ultimately you should look for a 2011 E90, it is the last year and only year that offered blue tooth music audio.

Thanks for the insight shu5892001. I went to look at the car again today and the whole car was definitely painted. There was overspray almost on every rubber seal, including the gas cap. The paint finish was actually pretty good, bggles my mind that the shop who did the work would cut corners like that. Found out that the hail storm damage also resulted in the hood being replaced, which makes sense why there was black under the white paint that was rubbing off.

The car may be in decent shape mechanically, but I just cant take the risk of buying this and then going through low ball offer hell if and when I do decide to sell because of the paint job.

I'm going to keep looking....if you know of any 2009+ E90 M3's for sale let me know!!

thanks again

[Yvette]

If I were in shop for e90, definitely makes sense going for 09+ for LCI

[JDM_CL9]

I'd wait for a better example, this particular car has been on the market for awhile and it still has not sold.

I've been looking for an E90 M3 for a year and remember seeing this one being posted from a long time ago (easy to remember because of the plate).

[The.white.m3]

Yup its been for sale a looooooooooong time!!! Offer him 27-28 he will take it. At that point it will be a fair price. 08 e90s rarely fetch more than 30k nowadays

[gimmethemuumuu]

I have a 2008 for sale too (in the States). Mine has a few more miles than this one. However, it's in much, much better shape (from your description), has an extended warranty, and is cheaper!

Have a look by clicking on the link in my signature

[WingZeroX5]

get an LCI. The idrive itself is worth it

[JDM_CL9]

Originally Posted by gimmethemuumuu

I have a 2008 for sale too (in the States). Mine has a few more miles than this one. However, it's in much, much better shape (from your description), has an extended warranty, and is cheaper!

Have a look by clicking on the link in my signature

Looks like a great car! Unfortunately, after exchange rate, duties, etc. It'll end up being over $40k+

[gimmethemuumuu]

Yeah. I figured it wouldn't be ideal to get a car from across the border. However, it was worth a shot!

Regardless, thank you for the kind words! I wish the OP the best of luck in locating a car up you guys' way.

[m3sexy]

I may be selling my 2011 Nov build date E90 M3 this coming January. Car currently has 31,800 KMs fully loaded DCT with sunroof alpine white/novillo black leather. Will come with CPO extended until 2017 Nov and Safeguard tire+rim warranty until 2018 Nov

[MarkFT]

I was actually looking at (and test drove) this exact car before I bought my 2008 M3 this spring and I found similar things to you upon inspection. The owner seemed very nice, but I don't think he knew the whole story about his car. I ended up buying another '08 I looked at the same day that was very clean (no accidents or repaints and no winters).

If you're still looking for an E90 M3, I have just listed mine for sale (change at work means a change in vehicles): http://www.m3post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=379

Also, my Autotrader ad with more pictures: http://www.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/M/KIN...&orup=16_15_18

It is an '08, and I would've liked a facelifted version as well, but as you've found, they are pretty rare in Canada. Anyway, if you're at all interested, let me know and we can see what numbers would work.

[R7]

Buddy just bought an '11 for sub $40k with fairly low KMs! I'm kind of jealous lol.
- Just to give you an idea of occasional good deals.

[MarkFT]

Originally Posted by R7

Buddy just bought an '11 for sub $40k with fairly low KMs! I'm kind of jealous lol.
- Just to give you an idea of occasional good deals.

Dropped my price in response to market conditions...$38k OBO

[Fernanimal]

Well, it's been a few months and the search is still on. Not sure how the used M3 market is in the rest of Canada but searching for one in the GTA is difficult. Spent a whole day Saturday looking at them and 5 out of 6 cars had major body work and shady histories.

I've been forced to broaden my search so now considering E92 models as well.
Just happened to be at Budds in Oakville yesterday and saw this gem:

http://vehicles.buddsbmw.com/used/ve...e-id929306.htm

Price seems a tad high for the mileage, but it is a CPO car (June 2019). It has a Dinan S2 package on it as well. Don't know much about Dinan but would prefer that the car was completely unmodified but at least it is sanctioned by BMW.

The price is quite a bit higher than what I was previously looking at (low 40's), but with the CPO and available financing at 3.9%, I think it is something to consider.

As always, I appreciate everyone's thoughts and comments! Btw, the car in the original post in this thread is still for sale...

[2005zcpM3]

I have a 2008 M3 which i picked up in January, its was mint and a 1 owner with 52,000kms and had the options which i liked no nav, executive package. I paid 35k plus tax but bought at a BMW dealership. Mine is very very clean so did not mind spending a extra few thousand, bought new at dealer with all maintenance records, i am 2nd owner. Its a western province vehicle as well which i liked. A good one is gonna cost 30 to 34k IMO.

[Millie]

This is frustrating... First world problems I know. There are no decent E90 M3s available anywhere in Canada right now.

[Frozen]

Originally Posted by Millie

This is frustrating... First world problems I know. There are no decent E90 M3s available anywhere in Canada right now.

Well the e90 M3 is a pretty rare care in general. They did not make too many of them especially in 6MT.

[S2kM2dan]

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/M/FRE...howcpo=ShowCPO

Does anyone know whats up with this car?

Its been on the market for a while, dropping price every week or so. Im guessing it has a big accident on it?

[S2kM2dan]

this looks like a good one:

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/3+Ser...&orup=40_15_66

Too bad im looking for E92 or id check this out

[Millie]

Originally Posted by e90m305

Well the e90 M3 is a pretty rare care in general. They did not make too many of them especially in 6MT.

I can live without the 6MT, I preferred my old E92 with the DCT Gts flash.

Anyone know for those M3s with front plates, is drilling into the bumper required?

[E46T]

would just aim for a 4door!

e92 LCI cost about $35,000+