Excited

[lmendz71]

Hi guys I'm a newbie here, excited to own an M3.What are your thoughts on this car, spoke to the dealer and they are willing to sell the car $41750 certified! Any major difference 2008 models to the newer ones? Thanks and I really appreciate the input.

http://m.autotrader.com/vdp.html?id=335708483

[lmendz71]

Sorry guys here's the link on the car I am interested.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...g=0:party0030:

[PrimoM3]

Revising my suggestion after a bit more thought... Look at a newer model year that has the LCI changes and newer Navigation. It will also be newer and likely have factory warranty left, too. Spend a little more and get A LOT more car. (no offense to '08 owners). You can probably find a '10 for around $45-47K.

[MDyDinanM]

Originally Posted by lpm09271

Hi guys I'm a newbie here, excited to own an M3.What are your thoughts on this car, spoke to the dealer and they are willing to sell the car $41750 certified! Any major difference 2008 models to the newer ones? Thanks and I really appreciate the input.

http://m.autotrader.com/vdp.html?id=335708483

Welcome.

Please use the search feature and/or google to find differences between model years. The topic has been discussed several times before.

[positiveions]

Welcome.
Looks clean. I would bargain a bit~say 40500

[odiesback]

yada yada yada This BMW 3 Series 4dr Sdn M3 is this and that and because this BMW 3 Series 4dr Sdn M3 yada yada yda

What a way to describe an M3... copy and paste at its best

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by PrimoM3

Revising my suggestion after a bit more thought... Look at a newer model year that has the LCI changes and newer Navigation. It will also be newer and likely have factory warranty left, too. Spend a little more and get A LOT more car. (no offense to '08 owners). You can probably find a '10 for around $45-47K.

Different tail lights and nav interface = a lot more car

[jaehshim]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

Different tail lights and nav interface = a lot more car

Different Taillight = eh...maybe upto personal preference

Nav interface change = HELL YES, especially if you ARE looking to get the M3 with I-drive system.
So much better with hard drive CIC navi (09+), music storage, updated navigation, just so much easier button layout which stays the same way until now in all BMW lineups

If one's budget is 35~39K, push yourself and get a ~40K 08 model.
If the budget is 38~42K, push yourself and get a 42~46K 09 model.

Do it right when you have the choice

[AshyLarryMP]

These cars are expensive to fix. I think it better to buy a used M3 with low miles and some time left on the warranty.

I also don't like the idea of buying the first production year of any car. However, this is not as much of a concern as it was for cars of the past.

I think the biggest difference between 2008 and 2013 is the software and that is easily upgraded for $150.

DCT is great. You would be missing out on something that makes this car special. Also competition package has way cooler rims and is 4/10 inches lower. Might as well get premium sound too

The longer you wait the cheaper it will be. Why not wait 2 months and buy as soon as you get your tax return?

[Jopa201]

In my opinion that's a little expensive you can get sedans for about 38k

[lmendz71]

Thanks for all the infos.

[spdy330]

I believe it was '09 or maybe '10 that you could play DVD's on the navigation screen. With coding you could do it while driving (not encouraged) where the '08's you need a module installed behind the radio which requires splicing wires.

It really depends on your preference so get what you feel comfortable getting. This is all that matters.

[PrimoM3]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

Different tail lights and nav interface = a lot more car

The updated Nav is worth its weight in gold, but my comment was referring to a car with factory warranty left. That's huge when buying used.

[dreamspeed]

It's not a bad deal but i think you can haggle the price lower if you are really set on this car. Personally I would look for something with at least ~1 year warranty left on it. And the newer idrive IS a lot better than the older version

Also, just as a general tip for looking at used cars (i did a lot of research before buying my 2010) is to learn all the "tells" of what options are equipped on the car from the pictures. Always looks at the pictures, don't believe the descriptions...90% of them are wrong. In the ad you posted the description says it has a Manual transmission AND dual plate clutch?

[jaehshim]

Originally Posted by dreamspeed

It's not a bad deal but i think you can haggle the price lower if you are really set on this car. Personally I would look for something with at least ~1 year warranty left on it. And the newer idrive IS a lot better than the older version

Also, just as a general tip for looking at used cars (i did a lot of research before buying my 2010) is to learn all the "tells" of what options are equipped on the car from the pictures. Always looks at the pictures, don't believe the descriptions...90% of them are wrong. In the ad you posted the description says it has a Manual transmission AND dual plate clutch?

so true.
I was amazed, when shopping for my M3, that the discription and option lists were totally wrong for 6~7 dealers I checked.
Dealers, or at least the dealer internet sales guys have no eyes in proper exterior colors, can't distinguish between extended and non-extended, premium sound, nad proper mileage.

for me, even on the day of the purchase, my Jerez Black M3 was a Jet black and leather was just a leather and not extended leather. only the vin # configurator told me the true options and whatnot

[GrumpyBimmerFan]

buy what you like. If you are ok with the nav system, then don't worry about the newer one. Is the newer one a lot nicer? Yes, but it's only relative, the 08's system is also very good. (I have 08 as you can tell). price seems a bit steep, but considering you are getting a CPO, I can see how it's a bit pricier.

[lmendz71]

You guys rocked! With all the inputs I will explore my options and hopefully will nail the best deal out there! Thanks a lot and Have a very safe New Year out there with your M3's. Cops are flooding out here in NorCal.

[bimdo]

i was originally looking for a newer one,but i found an 08 outfitted just like i wanted it,at a reasonable price,and it was local.i jumped on it and am glad i did.if you have a fairly specific list of what you want and don't want like i did,it can be hard to find.i didn't want nav,so that helped.

[gimmethemuumuu]

Lots a good advice here. Don't listen to those who say you have to have a 2009+. I too got a 2008 E90 and I think it's awesome! Sure, you can get a newer year but it will cost you. Even with the older Nav, a 2008 is still a very nice car. With your CPO in place, you'd be getting close to the same deal I got

[dreamspeed]

At the end of the day you will most likely not get everything you want. Just do your research and you will be fine.

Google search for one of those VIN decoder websites where you can enter the VIN number of the car to find out all the options the car comes with.

Or you can just call the seller and ask them for the list of options + service history (easiest if it's a dealership). Cross check the dealer service history with the carfax report. Learn to spot "red flags." I passed on a couple of cars cause they had a questionable service history including one that had it's tires replaced at 5k miles (which i assumed was from overly aggressive driving )

There is a thread on this forum where members report the price they paid for used M3s and what options it came with. That would be a good reference point for you.

[phlliphethe]

Look at a newer model year that has the LCI changes and newer Navigation.