Advice Needed

Rock Sweden · 10-13-2011, 03:07 PM

I am dying to get an E90 but I have reservations about taking the plunge. I honestly can't afford a new one (school teacher) so I'm looking at 2008s or 09s. I'm worried about upkeep costs and potential problems the E90s have. How often do they go through tires? Are the CPO's worth the premium? I like the idea of the DSG (wife) but I wonder about maintenance costs, like replacing the clutches. Any insight on these topics or others would be greatly appreciated. I want the car but I already have one expensive obsession (cycling) and don't want to sacrifice my family's quality of life. If these topics are covered in the forum please link to them. thanks in advance.

F80.Ferg · 10-13-2011, 03:17 PM

do it!! i just got an 08 e90 with 17k on it! couldnt be happier !!!

luis_m3 · 10-13-2011, 03:24 PM

If you really want it, get it. It is a great car... LOTS of fun. But if you already think your budget might be getting tight, then don't do it. The gas alone could be a drastic change for you.
Good luck in your decision...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woolie

I am dying to get an E90 but I have reservations about taking the plunge. I honestly can't afford a new one (school teacher) so I'm looking at 2008s or 09s. I'm worried about upkeep costs and potential problems the E90s have. How often do they go through tires? Are the CPO's worth the premium? I like the idea of the DSG (wife) but I wonder about maintenance costs, like replacing the clutches. Any insight on these topics or others would be greatly appreciated. I want the car but I already have one expensive obsession (cycling) and don't want to sacrifice my family's quality of life. If these topics are covered in the forum please link to them. thanks in advance.

THE TECH · 10-13-2011, 03:26 PM

If you can't afford new, which is perfectly fine, are you stretching to get the used as well?

Also, if you're worried about maintenance why not stop by your local dealer and talk to the SA and see what the book rates are on the things that most concern you? At least you will have an idea of what things cost if they need replacing.

As far as tires, that's on you. Many factors determine how often you will need new ones. Also, since there is a wide array of tires out there, the prices will change depending on quality and size.

checkmate · 10-13-2011, 03:32 PM

You're better off getting the 08 or 09 considering someone else (people like me) have already eaten up the depreciation. If you decide to get one-would suggest getting a CPO car as the warranty is worth the price of admission and less sleepless nights.

Getting the E90 is a practical proposition considering it can seat 4 comfortably, has plenty of room in the trunk for goodies and yes-you can install a bike rack up top to go cycling.

Maintenance wise-hearsay and of course valid experience from scores of owners confirm that the S65 V8 engine and the car (at least during the production run) has been problem free save for a few hit or misses. Now this is quite unlike the E46 M3 cars which had plenty of flaws straight from the factory. Check the E46 section for more insight into those issues.

Is the M3 a sound financial move? No. Is the price of admission worth it? Absolutely!...provided your expectations are realistic and of course fully understand what it means to drive an M car.

positiveions · 10-13-2011, 03:36 PM

i call you a smart buyer: 08 with low miles. Someone else took the plunge on depreciation. Someone else gorged down "gas gazzler tax".
Bon chance on your shopping.

whats77inaname · 10-13-2011, 03:55 PM

I had the same dilemma a few months ago....is it worth it? New or used? Should I?

Answers:
1) Yes
2) Like scores of others, I let someone else take the depreciation hit and got in for $40k.
3) Heck yes! One of the best purchases I've made in a long, long time. The car is phenomenal and I'm glad I decided to take the plunge.

Doc V. · 10-13-2011, 04:11 PM

"Do you want to take a leap of faith? Or become an old man filled with regrets, waiting to die alone?"

Buy an E90 M3.

MDyDinanM · 10-13-2011, 04:28 PM

if you can't afford it, or it will make you live outside your means, then you shouldn't get one. Even with a CPO one, BMW will not cover everything and maintenance costs can be expensive, especially repairs. DCT, so far, has been a reliable transmission, especially compared to its predecessor, the SMG. As for tires, you can expect to go through them every 10-15 thousand miles, depending on your driving style and brand tire. Don't forget winter tire set up if you live in a place that snows. But seems like in GA, you won't have that problem.

Don't forget gas costs, since the car is a V8 and consumes gas with having a low mpg.

is having a M3 fun? yes, absolutely. Is it a wise financial decision? Probably Not. So its up to you to pick your priorities

This is a M3 forum, so you can expect a lot of "yes - go buy it" from the crowd. I encourage you to do the math, and ensure your buying an M3 doesn't come at the expense of family life, and an undue financial burden.

Good luck in your journey!

1MOREMOD · 10-13-2011, 04:32 PM

its worth it for sure. i bought mine slightly used and havent had any problems and the only expenses so far have all been modification related. if you can stay away from that you should be fine and very happy.

Rock Sweden · 10-14-2011, 01:55 PM

Thanks. for all the feedback. I feel like it is now (not too distant future) or never.

1MOREMOD · 10-14-2011, 01:58 PM

well in that case you have an obligation to get one.

Mr. ///M3 RD · 10-14-2011, 02:34 PM

Not to worry, this car is build for the Autobahn and high speeds, speeds you will never ever travel for long distances (thinking about over taking cars, trucks etc.). Unless you plan to track the car.

My first ///M3 was a 2002 purchased in 2004, I had this car for almost 7 years and put some 60,000 plus KM on it. Purchased from a BMW dealer the car was Certified.

If you proceed with it I recommend you get all of the maintenance history and documents. If it is a private sale I strongly recommend you have a BMW dealership inspect the car this then will tell you if any maintenance is required in the near future.

Good luck, I know you will love it.

drey · 10-15-2011, 12:27 AM

The E90 will put a smile on your face every time you fire it up - the finest machine I ever hope to own....

That said, you'll be surprised by how thirsty this girl is. Do I get on it a bit? Duh, it's an M3. But the gas mileage is atrocious. Can I afford it? Yes. But I continue to be awed by how quickly this car can go through a tank of premium gas.

One other note - there are some build dates to avoid in '08 and early '09 due to the occasional main bearing issue which has been documented in this forum.

Good luck in your search. You'l love the car!

drey · 10-15-2011, 12:35 AM

"there are some build dates to avoid in '08 and early '09 due to the occasional main bearing issue which has been documented in this forum."

On this subject see below thread titled 'clicking sound is back' and several others going back a couple of years.

10-13-2011, 03:07 PM	#1
Rock Sweden First Lieutenant 268 Rep 361 Posts Drives: 2016 M2 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: The ALB iTrader: (0)	Advice Needed I am dying to get an E90 but I have reservations about taking the plunge. I honestly can't afford a new one (school teacher) so I'm looking at 2008s or 09s. I'm worried about upkeep costs and potential problems the E90s have. How often do they go through tires? Are the CPO's worth the premium? I like the idea of the DSG (wife) but I wonder about maintenance costs, like replacing the clutches. Any insight on these topics or others would be greatly appreciated. I want the car but I already have one expensive obsession (cycling) and don't want to sacrifice my family's quality of life. If these topics are covered in the forum please link to them. thanks in advance.
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10-13-2011, 03:17 PM	#2
F80.Ferg Private First Class 64 Rep 113 Posts Drives: F80 M3 ZCP Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 E90 M3 [8.34] 2012 VW Jetta [0.00] 2011 Ducati 848 EVO [10.00]	do it!! i just got an 08 e90 with 17k on it! couldnt be happier !!!
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10-13-2011, 03:26 PM	#4
THE TECH BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 307 Rep 13,093 Posts Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Kansas iTrader: (45) Garage List 2013 Nissan GTR [0.00] 2019 Sierra Denali ... [0.00] 1999 Nissan Silvia [0.00] 1999 Nissan Skyline ... [0.00] 1998 Toyota Supra [0.00]	If you can't afford new, which is perfectly fine, are you stretching to get the used as well? Also, if you're worried about maintenance why not stop by your local dealer and talk to the SA and see what the book rates are on the things that most concern you? At least you will have an idea of what things cost if they need replacing. As far as tires, that's on you. Many factors determine how often you will need new ones. Also, since there is a wide array of tires out there, the prices will change depending on quality and size.
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10-13-2011, 03:32 PM	#5
checkmate Major 119 Rep 1,497 Posts Drives: AW M3 E90 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Bel Air, MD iTrader: (2)	You're better off getting the 08 or 09 considering someone else (people like me) have already eaten up the depreciation. If you decide to get one-would suggest getting a CPO car as the warranty is worth the price of admission and less sleepless nights. Getting the E90 is a practical proposition considering it can seat 4 comfortably, has plenty of room in the trunk for goodies and yes-you can install a bike rack up top to go cycling. Maintenance wise-hearsay and of course valid experience from scores of owners confirm that the S65 V8 engine and the car (at least during the production run) has been problem free save for a few hit or misses. Now this is quite unlike the E46 M3 cars which had plenty of flaws straight from the factory. Check the E46 section for more insight into those issues. Is the M3 a sound financial move? No. Is the price of admission worth it? Absolutely!...provided your expectations are realistic and of course fully understand what it means to drive an M car.
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10-13-2011, 03:36 PM	#6
positiveions Lieutenant General 961 Rep 11,722 Posts Drives: 19 Tacoma, 16 Golf wagon Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Upland, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2019 Toyota Tacoma [0.00] 2016 VW Golf Sports ... [0.00] 1998 BMW M3 [0.00] 1990 BMW 325is [0.00]	i call you a smart buyer: 08 with low miles. Someone else took the plunge on depreciation. Someone else gorged down "gas gazzler tax". Bon chance on your shopping.
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10-13-2011, 03:55 PM	#7
whats77inaname Banned 825 Rep 3,387 Posts Drives: when at all possible Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Tx iTrader: (25)	I had the same dilemma a few months ago....is it worth it? New or used? Should I? Answers: 1) Yes 2) Like scores of others, I let someone else take the depreciation hit and got in for $40k. 3) Heck yes! One of the best purchases I've made in a long, long time. The car is phenomenal and I'm glad I decided to take the plunge.
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10-13-2011, 04:11 PM	#8
Doc V. Private 1 Rep 93 Posts Drives: Porsche 964 Turbo Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: The Ultimate Limit of Traction iTrader: (4)	"Do you want to take a leap of faith? Or become an old man filled with regrets, waiting to die alone?" Buy an E90 M3.
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10-13-2011, 04:28 PM	#9
MDyDinanM OIF Veteran 246 Rep 2,106 Posts Drives: ///M Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: East Coast iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M5 [6.88]	if you can't afford it, or it will make you live outside your means, then you shouldn't get one. Even with a CPO one, BMW will not cover everything and maintenance costs can be expensive, especially repairs. DCT, so far, has been a reliable transmission, especially compared to its predecessor, the SMG. As for tires, you can expect to go through them every 10-15 thousand miles, depending on your driving style and brand tire. Don't forget winter tire set up if you live in a place that snows. But seems like in GA, you won't have that problem. Don't forget gas costs, since the car is a V8 and consumes gas with having a low mpg. is having a M3 fun? yes, absolutely. Is it a wise financial decision? Probably Not. So its up to you to pick your priorities This is a M3 forum, so you can expect a lot of "yes - go buy it" from the crowd. I encourage you to do the math, and ensure your buying an M3 doesn't come at the expense of family life, and an undue financial burden. Good luck in your journey! __________________ Retired: '06 BMW E46 ///M3 Current: '08 BMW E60 DINAN ///M5, Interlagos Blue, SMG DINAN Stage 2 Suspension, Exhaust, Stage III Software, Front strut braces, Intakes, 13% Underdrive pulley, 3.91 Differential, RPI Scoops. Last edited by MDyDinanM; 10-13-2011 at 04:50 PM..
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10-13-2011, 04:32 PM	#10
1MOREMOD - 11817 Rep 23,187 Posts Drives: Race car-> Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: check your mirrors iTrader: (5)	its worth it for sure. i bought mine slightly used and havent had any problems and the only expenses so far have all been modification related. if you can stay away from that you should be fine and very happy. __________________ 02 Tiag e46 M3\|6MT\|GC plates\|MCS c.o.\|GC bars\|GC race control arms\|GC bushings\|BW eng. & tran. mounts\|subframe kit\|BW race shifter\|BW Jaffster\|Euro header\|BW exhaust\|K&N c.a.i.\|Epic race tune\|Rouge pulleys\|Seibon CF hood\|CSL bumper\|apr gt 250 & splitter\|ST-40\|XR-2\|SS lines\|half cage\|Recaro profi\|Profi 2 harness\|BMWpedals\|BW studs\|
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10-14-2011, 01:55 PM	#11
Rock Sweden First Lieutenant 268 Rep 361 Posts Drives: 2016 M2 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: The ALB iTrader: (0)	Thanks. for all the feedback. I feel like it is now (not too distant future) or never.
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10-14-2011, 01:58 PM	#12
1MOREMOD - 11817 Rep 23,187 Posts Drives: Race car-> Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: check your mirrors iTrader: (5)	well in that case you have an obligation to get one. __________________ 02 Tiag e46 M3\|6MT\|GC plates\|MCS c.o.\|GC bars\|GC race control arms\|GC bushings\|BW eng. & tran. mounts\|subframe kit\|BW race shifter\|BW Jaffster\|Euro header\|BW exhaust\|K&N c.a.i.\|Epic race tune\|Rouge pulleys\|Seibon CF hood\|CSL bumper\|apr gt 250 & splitter\|ST-40\|XR-2\|SS lines\|half cage\|Recaro profi\|Profi 2 harness\|BMWpedals\|BW studs\|
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10-14-2011, 02:34 PM	#13
Mr. ///M3 RD Happy Camper 612 Rep 7,869 Posts Drives: C63 AMG & 280 SL on Weekends : Join Date: May 2010 Location: GTA, Ontario - Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 1969 Restored Merce ... [7.50] 2011 M3 Coupe TRADED [7.34] 1987 BMW 535is [1.00] Cars from the Past [6.50] The ///M3 Engine S65 [9.59]	Not to worry, this car is build for the Autobahn and high speeds, speeds you will never ever travel for long distances (thinking about over taking cars, trucks etc.). Unless you plan to track the car. My first ///M3 was a 2002 purchased in 2004, I had this car for almost 7 years and put some 60,000 plus KM on it. Purchased from a BMW dealer the car was Certified. If you proceed with it I recommend you get all of the maintenance history and documents. If it is a private sale I strongly recommend you have a BMW dealership inspect the car this then will tell you if any maintenance is required in the near future. Good luck, I know you will love it. __________________ Cheers, Rolf-Dieter Life will take us to some interesting places, fortunately The ///M3 will too with a many of us know this very well, now my C6.3 AMG with 487 HP does it too ---> Click here for some good stuff I found
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10-15-2011, 12:27 AM	#14
drey Second Lieutenant 21 Rep 222 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 Sedan, JZB/BB Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Norcal iTrader: (0)	The E90 will put a smile on your face every time you fire it up - the finest machine I ever hope to own.... That said, you'll be surprised by how thirsty this girl is. Do I get on it a bit? Duh, it's an M3. But the gas mileage is atrocious. Can I afford it? Yes. But I continue to be awed by how quickly this car can go through a tank of premium gas. One other note - there are some build dates to avoid in '08 and early '09 due to the occasional main bearing issue which has been documented in this forum. Good luck in your search. You'l love the car!
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10-15-2011, 12:35 AM	#15
drey Second Lieutenant 21 Rep 222 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 Sedan, JZB/BB Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Norcal iTrader: (0)	"there are some build dates to avoid in '08 and early '09 due to the occasional main bearing issue which has been documented in this forum." On this subject see below thread titled 'clicking sound is back' and several others going back a couple of years.
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