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      08-10-2013, 02:29 AM   #1
GrayFoxZR1
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Buying advice on a used M3

Hi guys,

So I'm looking at buying a car at the end of Jan next year.

So it's come down to a 2007 M3 which will be around $60-65k with around 80-100,000kms or a similar year 335i with less kms (around $40k).

I love everything about the M3, my only concern are the running costs.

Can someone please provide real running costs breakdown (I've seen other examples but they are in UK and USA) in Australia. I'm hoping you can provide the following info:

1) Yearly servicing costs (I've read $1000 per year) with how many kms per annum you are doing and whether this is dealership or independent
2) Average fuel consumption (I've read about 16L/km)
3) Any mechanical/electrical issues with the powertrain?


I'm young, 25, my brain says save money and get a cheaper 335i and chip it but I just know deep down my heart craves the instant throttle response and sound of the NA V8. If I drove it work everyday that works out to be about 17,000kms per year, my other option would be to drive to it to the bus stop and keep most of the driving for fun on weekends (5000kms per year in this situation), saving money in the process.

I'd really really love some real owner feedback on cost because I'd really like to get this car. A part of me thinks this will be the last non-turbo M car ever so it's either jump off the plank now or forever let it go.

Thanks.
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      08-10-2013, 02:42 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GrayFoxZR1 View Post
I'm young, 25, my brain says save money and get a cheaper 335i and chip it but I just know deep down my heart craves the instant throttle response and sound of the NA V8. If I drove it work everyday that works out to be about 17,000kms per year, my other option would be to drive to it to the bus stop and keep most of the driving for fun on weekends (5000kms per year in this situation), saving money in the process.
First and foremost, given your age, the insurance will be high and you will not be able to get direct insurance and will be through a broker. Running cost can be kept around $750 though independent garage, but this is without factoring in insurance. As a daily driver, it is an expensive car, and when I do city running, currently averaging 14.7l/100 km. You need to decide what's best for you. Good luck.
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      08-10-2013, 08:40 AM   #3
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Wow at 25 in Australia insurance is still a problem? In the US at 25, you are considered a "full" adult driver, able to rent cars, get cheap insurance, etc.

Is $60-65k AUD normal for a 100k km M3 there? Here that price (approx $55-60k USD) would be considered very high for that car.

As for running costs, if the above poster is correct about an independent shop being $750 AUD a year, that's very inexpensive, and I hope he is right. Most dealers here will tell you that out of warranty maintenance costs are in the neighborhood of $3000-$5000 USD per year. With my 2004 E46 M3 that was certainly true.

Get the M3, you'll love it, but keep a healthy rainy day fund for it just in case
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      08-10-2013, 11:29 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nullrouted View Post
Wow at 25 in Australia insurance is still a problem? In the US at 25, you are considered a "full" adult driver, able to rent cars, get cheap insurance, etc.

Is $60-65k AUD normal for a 100k km M3 there? Here that price (approx $55-60k USD) would be considered very high for that car.

As for running costs, if the above poster is correct about an independent shop being $750 AUD a year, that's very inexpensive, and I hope he is right. Most dealers here will tell you that out of warranty maintenance costs are in the neighborhood of $3000-$5000 USD per year. With my 2004 E46 M3 that was certainly true.

Get the M3, you'll love it, but keep a healthy rainy day fund for it just in case
What I meant was $750 for your annual service (e.g. oil and fluid etc). I've been out of warranty for four years, and I do all my servicing. Touchwood, I haven't had any major issues outside warranty. Labor at the dealership is $200 an hour while an independent will charge half that. My oil service cost $200 for oil and filter. The rest is some elbow grease.
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      08-10-2013, 01:40 PM   #5
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Don't forget about tires too, any spirited driving will likely mean a set of PS2/PSS a year for around $1000 USD, not sure what they'll cost there.
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      08-10-2013, 05:51 PM   #6
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Well my M3 is still under warranty so hard to judge, although fuel and tires do add up but that's a choice you make. I can't see it being meaningfully cheaper with a 335 though.

I also have a e39 m5 from 1999 that just hit 110k. It's a different car but I can tell you I've had some big bills.

Regular maintenance is pretty reasonable but I've had to repair the vanos, replace the rear subframe, seat motors and window seals. It was spread over several years but it still hits the wallet.
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      08-10-2013, 06:55 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nullrouted View Post
Wow at 25 in Australia insurance is still a problem? In the US at 25, you are considered a "full" adult driver, able to rent cars, get cheap insurance, etc.

Is $60-65k AUD normal for a 100k km M3 there? Here that price (approx $55-60k USD) would be considered very high for that car.

As for running costs, if the above poster is correct about an independent shop being $750 AUD a year, that's very inexpensive, and I hope he is right. Most dealers here will tell you that out of warranty maintenance costs are in the neighborhood of $3000-$5000 USD per year. With my 2004 E46 M3 that was certainly true.

Get the M3, you'll love it, but keep a healthy rainy day fund for it just in case
Wow, the exchange rate is close on the US dollar to AUD...that's allot of miles for 60k.
I bought a 2011 M3 in the US for 55k US dollars equivalent to approximately 60k AUD ....with only 15km ....
2007, with allot of miles, for the same price....??? What gives? ...Maybe the supply is smaller there??
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      08-10-2013, 07:21 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GrayFoxZR1 View Post
Hi guys,

So I'm looking at buying a car at the end of Jan next year.

So it's come down to a 2007 M3 which will be around $60-65k with around 80-100,000kms or a similar year 335i with less kms (around $40k).

I love everything about the M3, my only concern are the running costs.

Can someone please provide real running costs breakdown (I've seen other examples but they are in UK and USA) in Australia. I'm hoping you can provide the following info:

1) Yearly servicing costs (I've read $1000 per year) with how many kms per annum you are doing and whether this is dealership or independent
2) Average fuel consumption (I've read about 16L/km)
3) Any mechanical/electrical issues with the powertrain?


I'm young, 25, my brain says save money and get a cheaper 335i and chip it but I just know deep down my heart craves the instant throttle response and sound of the NA V8. If I drove it work everyday that works out to be about 17,000kms per year, my other option would be to drive to it to the bus stop and keep most of the driving for fun on weekends (5000kms per year in this situation), saving money in the process.

I'd really really love some real owner feedback on cost because I'd really like to get this car. A part of me thinks this will be the last non-turbo M car ever so it's either jump off the plank now or forever let it go.

Thanks.
Perhaps you should try to meet up with some local owners at their next meet and get their feedback face-to-face?
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      08-10-2013, 07:47 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aussiem3 View Post
First and foremost, given your age, the insurance will be high and you will not be able to get direct insurance and will be through a broker.:
I already have a quote through AAMI's online calculator, about $1800 per year with premium of $750 which I think is reasonable. 335i is similiar. The main difference is purchasing price, fuel and servicing.

Quote:
Originally Posted by aussiem3 View Post
I do all my servicing. Touchwood, I haven't had any major issues outside warranty.
Is it difficult to self-service? I would love to get nitty and gritty with the car but I've never done anything like that before. I contacted Advan performance who are supposed to be a good for BMWs, they quoted $350 for yearly inspection and oil and filter change.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aus_M View Post
Regular maintenance is pretty reasonable but I've had to repair the vanos, replace the rear subframe, seat motors and window seals. It was spread over several years but it still hits the wallet.
That's what scares me, especially with a high-tech engine. It would probably be worth the trade off.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cool Steal View Post
2007, with allot of miles, for the same price....??? What gives? ...Maybe the supply is smaller there??
Australia has a lot of taxes (import duties, LCT etc). Australian median salaries are much higher but purchasing power is much stronger in USA, basically we get screwed with cars.

Quote:
Originally Posted by EarthboundMisfit View Post
Perhaps you should try to meet up with some local owners at their next meet and get their feedback face-to-face?
Yeah that sounds good, but wouldn't want to be pestering people and be there without even having a BMW car!

But thanks a lot of the advice guys. I guess it looks like maintenance is reasonable and no real problems with that brilliant engine. I guess it comes down whether I want to spend an extra $100 per week on a M3 over 335i. Through my 6 years of uni (graduating in 4 months) I've driven pretty slow crap cars so anything will be an awesome upgrade and I know street performance will be pretty much same between the two (chipped 335i that is), I'll have to go drive one and see how special it feels.
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      08-11-2013, 01:03 AM   #10
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Hi Bud...my advice..save the $ and get a later model with less klms..and try Coles...their insurance is about the cheapest around...good luck..cheers..
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      08-11-2013, 04:03 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MMMGuy View Post
Hi Bud...my advice..save the $ and get a later model with less klms..and try Coles...their insurance is about the cheapest around...good luck..cheers..
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      08-11-2013, 04:06 AM   #12
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2007/2008's have been known to have issues with engine bearings. I think running costs will be about the same as a 335, provided you don't go to the dealers who charge $30-40 per litre of M3 oil
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      08-11-2013, 04:55 AM   #13
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Excusing the usual stray Americans who haven't yet registered just what we pay for cars down here nevermind insurance, what you need to bare in mind with any M3 is that even though you are able to pickup a (E9x) M3 that originally sold for circa $180K on road for $60-$80K, they still cost what you'd expect a $180K car to own/run/service. It's a common trap when the higher km, 5 year or older ones hit the 2nd hand market. Even an E46 M3 while now a lot cheaper than it once was to run, still isn't even close to being in Commonwhore/Falcoon territory part/servicing cost wise.

Last edited by netgun; 08-11-2013 at 05:23 AM..
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      08-11-2013, 06:26 AM   #14
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as a day to day car imo the 335i is a much better car as it has a more useable powerband with the torque provided by the turbos, and its cheaper to run and maintain with a more forgiving suspension setup.

Having said that the M3 has that aura about it that the 335i doesn't, it has that menacing stance and presence and the NA induction roar and v8 burble at idle is great.

I'm sure in your head you can see why the 335i makes more sense, but im sure like most 335i owners we lust after a M3
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      08-11-2013, 06:33 AM   #15
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If you can afford one, own it. Don't have regrets. Life is too short.
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      08-19-2013, 09:01 PM   #16
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it will be interesting to see whether the price drops alot after the new M3/M4 comes out.
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      08-20-2013, 06:53 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aussiem3 View Post
If you can afford one, own it. Don't have regrets. Life is too short.
+1 im 25 and bought one at the start of the year, no regrets at all here!
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      08-20-2013, 07:44 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dbarbs
Quote:
Originally Posted by aussiem3 View Post
If you can afford one, own it. Don't have regrets. Life is too short.
+1 im 25 and bought one at the start of the year, no regrets at all here!
+2, I'm 29 and just traded my old E46 M3 for the new E92. My parents told me I was "crazy" to spend the money, but once they saw the car, they said "well, you're only young once, and this car is amazing" - yes sir.
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      08-20-2013, 07:57 AM   #19
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I bought my M3 at 24, right after I graduated school. I have a great job with a six figure income but I was going through the same battle. I read on the forum, that one day you will pull up to a light and an M3 will be right next to you and you'll think damn, what if? I don't have many loans and didn't have too many responsibilities so I thought it was a good time to enjoy myself. As far as cost go, it is expensive to keep the car ... and sometimes stressful. I live in philly and I have to constantly worry about someone hitting it and the rims getting curb rash! I had mine for a year and I absolutely love it! I just put it on the market a week ago and even if I lose a couple grand on it, I have to say, I'll never get tired of saying I was the proud owner of an M ... M3 at that!
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      08-30-2013, 07:08 PM   #20
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I bought my M3 a few months ago before my 25th birthday! Don't regret it at all. Got a 2008 model, a great example with every possible factory option and only 35,000km on the clock!

If you can afford it definitely go for it. It's such a good feeling and so pleasurable to drive. Just don't settle for an average car, take your time to get a good example, with all the necessary options(ie you would be crazy to spend that much coin on a car that didnt even have comfort access among others) and low kms. They are out there at a decent price if you keep your eye out.
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      08-31-2013, 10:08 PM   #21
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Do the numbers, if you can afford it BUY IT!

I sold my 335 earlier this year and just purchased an M3! Complete different car, you will love it!

I don't daily drive mine, just a weekend cruiser so fuel economy doesn't worry me. But bare in mind it does DRINK!
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      09-18-2013, 02:25 AM   #22
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Just bought a Deep Sea Blue/Black 2010 E90 M3 Sedan with 'Competition Pack' privately from NSW with 30thou+ kms and had it transported to Perth WA. Its the second E9x M3 I've purchased/owned (long story...) and I absolutely love the car. I would also recommend to save a few more pennies if you can and purchase the LCI update model (2009 onwards I think). I had the M3 checked out independently by the NRMA over there and also a good friend to give it the once over visually/physically on my behalf. The only concerns were rear tyres and that it was due for a minor service - the rest was immaculate inside/out. Michelin PS2 in 19" can be bought for around AU$550+ from tyrerack.com whilst a log book service just cost me $570 (basic oil & filter change etc.) from a non-dealership BMW specialist workshop. A full 63L tank of 98RON fuel gets me around 470km mileage driven relatively spiritedly (my car is stock). I would do around 15-18thou kms mileage per annum, and was told that the major service is typically closer to the 50thou km mark, which can be quite expensive so budget for brakes, fluid flushes, etc. Overall I've been told that mechanically and electrically this vintage M3 is 'very sound and reliable'. I've planned a simply intake kit, Akrapovic exhaust and ECU retune upgrade in the not too distant future to bring out more of the M3 V8 character. Personally, the 335i doesn't compare - chalk and cheese!
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