Everything I need to know BEFORE I buy an M3

[AllBlackBimmer]

So, over the next 6 months or so, I am hoping to find and purchase my first M3. I am hoping with the release of the new M3/M4s that will drive to the price of e92 M3s closer to 40k over the coming months... currently the cars I look at are priced around 42-50k.

I currently have a 2008 328i sedan... 6MT. I have been on e90post for 3+ years and know a lot about the 328/335 platform... not so much with the M3.

I am leaning towards the coupe, since I have a sedan already (even though will trade this car in) I figure why not try the coupe out.

I hope to find a 2009-2011 M3 Coupe. ... the LCI M3s are the same as the other LCI 3-series correct?

I have never done track days, but would look into a few weekend events if I do get my M3. I would not track often, and other than that, would be a garage queen/weekend/nice weather car.

My mods will be somewhere "simple" ... cosmetics, suspensions, exhaust... then who knows? maybe some bolt-on's.

Some questions (and Yes, I've searched and found some information regarding this stuff, but still wanted to make a new thread)

1. How are the DCT transmissions holding up? I have owned nothing but manual transmission cars in my life, and think I still want to try to find a 6MT M3... but may consider DCT too... I have to drive a car with DCT first though. I've driven e46 M3 with the SMG trans and it was OK. (Was nice when you hammered the car hard, but I am not so sure about daily driving with that)

2. What options should I consider a must? M3's don't have the traditional BMW 'sport' packages correct? assuming M3s should come with "sport" equipment. Xenon headlights, power-fold mirrors, I-Drive... are pretty much a must... but what else?
I really want the CF roof or a moonroof. I am not really concerned about weight, so I am not looking to build a speed machine by any means. What 'package' includes the CF roof? The competition package?
What are some other nice options that the M3 offers than the 328/335 don't that I should consider?

3. What test driving, or looking at cars, what are some areas or items I should be looking at for potential issues, or driving abuse? Any signs by looking or listening to the engine?

4. I realize the e9x M3's are no more or less reliable than any M3 of the past, or any other 3-series BMW... but obviously there are always concerns - I would most likely get a warranty of some-type... have you guys gone with the BMW-Warranty or 3rd party?

5. What else should I be thinking about in terms of the M3? I know much about 328/335 e90s, but not nearly enough about M3s. I really want to do my homework before I just go out and buy my 'dream car'.

6. This is wayyyy down the road, but supercharging the M3... what else needs to be upgraded if you plan to bolt-on a SC? Can the stock driveline/clutch/etc. handle the extra power? A SC would be a dream, best-case scenario.

My ideal car right now would be a white/space grey/black E92 M3, Red interior, CF roof, xenons, power fold mirrors, IDrive... and 6MT. with less then 40k miles on it.


Thanks for the help guys. This is officially my 1st post here after browsing for months, if not years. Hopefully I can join as an official M3 owner by spring 2015.

[s85e90]

Browsing for years... A search would do you wonders.

[AllBlackBimmer]

Originally Posted by s85e90

Browsing for years... A search would do you wonders.

I have searched, and have gotten answers to some of my questions through that. However, many of those posts were from 1, 2, 3+ years ago. Things have changed since then.

And, I would like other's opinions, other than people who replied to posts over 2 years ago, who might not even own their car anymore. Or, when they owned their car, was brand spanking new with less than 5k miles on it. That is different from the guy who bought his car 6 months ago as a 2nd owner, with 35k on the car.

Now that the new M3/M4 came out, there is bound to be a new wave of 2nd hand M3 owners that may have more insight to some of this stuff.

Most of the previous browsing I've done on here was mostly pictures... I wasn't diving into many of the technical threads on here.

So yes, I've searched, so no need to keep offering up that suggestion.

[Grail05]

Damn u got too many concerns just get 09-up model and call it quits do more research to what could potentionally go wrong like rod brearing, throttle actuator and other major issues that dont last 100k buy what u want... I have a 88k miles on my car and still going strong 6mt but my throttle actuator went out so i will be replacing it and will cost me $830 dealer price $1900+ and if rod bearing goes out its 2300-2900 to replace at indy shops...

[BLACK OPS]

Many posts from 2+ years ago still stand, not much has changed. Most will tell you to skip the sunroof for weight /performance reasons, I agree. If you have family that will often ride with you then get the sedan, otherwise get the coupe. Im really happy with my 6MT but many on here will tell you DCT is very nice and both give no problems, so this is a toss up.

I think the Tech pkg, Comp pkg, Premium pkg, Convenience pkg and heated seats are a must but cold weather pkg isn't necessary. Either speed cloth or leather upholstery are nice, toss up. Good luck. There should be many to choose from locally, you can also check the classifieds here for some slightly modded vehicles.

[M3 Esq]

A couple things to consider (as far as things not availabe on non-M E90/E92) is whether you want EDC, which is the electonic adaptive suspension, and competition package, offered on 2011 and up, which included EDC, optional wheels (style 359), 10mm lower ride height, and remapped MDM.

CF roof or moonroof was available on the E92 but the CF roof was not available on the E90.

These cars in general have proven to be pretty reliable. Look for a nice low milage example. Good luck.

[leemik]

Originally Posted by AllBlackBimmer

4. I realize the e9x M3's are no more or less reliable than any M3 of the past, or any other 3-series BMW... but obviously there are always concerns - I would most likely get a warranty of some-type... have you guys gone with the BMW-Warranty or 3rd party?

on the contrary, I think e46 m3's with SMG are the most unreliable M3 ever made. I think the e9x M3's will be the most reliable M3 going forward.. We have a redesigned for reliability VANOS system. Not the same one that blows up regularly in E60 M5's and E46 M3's. We don't use direct injection like the 335's which is causing all kinds of carbon build up, power reduction and walnut blasting. We have hydraulically adjusted valves, so no need for a valve adjustment every 60K miles like previous M's.. The DCT has so far been good.. no wide spread failures like SMG. We don't have HPFP and water pump failure issues like in the 335...and our wastegates and turbos don't fail either because we don't have them We don't have serious subframe issues like the E46 M3's.. some E46 owners even use e9x parts to re-enforce their subframes.

I have heard of the rod bearing issues on the e9x m3.. BUT never knew anyone personally/locally that suffered from it. It seems like everyone that has had the issue is on m3post Buy a 2009 and up to get the newer and better idrive..

I have owned 2 e9x m3's now, one was DCT with sunroof and current one is carbon roof with 6MT... The only problems I've ever encountered was minor electronic issues handled under warranty... which seem to plague all German cars I've owned.

I miss the sunroof on warm days.. but the carbon roof looks so cool.. Dumb people that don't know M3's think it's aftermarket or a wrap.. Just like how they don't know e9x M3's come with 4 doors too.. The 6MT is not the greatest stick I've driven but the DCT gets damned boring to drive after a few thousand miles.. so personal preference on both really.

--mike

[leemik]

Originally Posted by AllBlackBimmer

6. This is wayyyy down the road, but supercharging the M3... what else needs to be upgraded if you plan to bolt-on a SC? Can the stock driveline/clutch/etc. handle the extra power? A SC would be a dream, best-case scenario.

ahh just saw this ... buy a 6MT instead of the DCT.. The DCT slips with too much power

[AllBlackBimmer]

Originally Posted by leemik

on the contrary, I think e46 m3's with SMG are the most unreliable M3 ever made. I think the e9x M3's will be the most reliable M3 going forward.. We have a redesigned for reliability VANOS system. Not the same one that blows up regularly in E60 M5's and E46 M3's. We don't use direct injection like the 335's which is causing all kinds of carbon build up, power reduction and walnut blasting. We have hydraulically adjusted valves, so no need for a valve adjustment every 60K miles like previous M's.. The DCT has so far been good.. no wide spread failures like SMG. We don't have HPFP and water pump failure issues like in the 335...and our wastegates and turbos don't fail either because we don't have them We don't have serious subframe issues like the E46 M3's.. some E46 owners even use e9x parts to re-enforce their subframes.

I have heard of the rod bearing issues on the e9x m3.. BUT never knew anyone personally/locally that suffered from it. It seems like everyone that has had the issue is on m3post Buy a 2009 and up to get the newer and better idrive..

I have owned 2 e9x m3's now, one was DCT with sunroof and current one is carbon roof with 6MT... The only problems I've ever encountered was minor electronic issues handled under warranty... which seem to plague all German cars I've owned.

I miss the sunroof on warm days.. but the carbon roof looks so cool.. Dumb people that don't know M3's think it's aftermarket or a wrap.. Just like how they don't know e9x M3's come with 4 doors too.. The 6MT is not the greatest stick I've driven but the DCT gets damned boring to drive after a few thousand miles.. so personal preference on both really.

--mike

Great post, thanks for the reply. Many great points.

Coming from 328/335 and all the water pump failures... Why not on the m3? Different cooling system and/or pump?

I agree being a NA engine you don't have to deal with all the turbo issues down the road. (After all regular cars go turbo to save gas, watch over the years of all the common turbo problems and turbo related recalls)

I have not driving DCT but already would rather have a 6MT since I've had nothing but manual cars in my life... But agree BMWs manual is nothing to rave about. How is DCT in city driving or stop and go traffic?
My buddy had a e46 m3 and dumped it solely because of worry about the SMG... He thought his was starting to slip.

I def want a 2009 or newer... And not solely for the I drive refresh.

[EJT86]

You don't care about CF roof and aren't building a speed demon but dream of SCing? My advice if you decide you don't care about certain features you can't go back so if you can get em for decent money why not throw them in. You may find lightweight and some smaller mods will be satisfying enough that you won't worry about a SC...I say go all in

[///M Power-Belgium]

What you most need to know...is the condition of the bearings !
BTW.... we all also !

[Sinful]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

What you most need to know...is the condition of the bearings !
BTW.... we all also !

Agreed ^^^^
Other than catastrophic engine failure due to bearing and connecting rod clearance issues, BMW/or any warranty company trying not to cover it, and a 25k cost of engine replacement, other than that ...the rest is all good.
Dont worry no matter what sports car you go with you will have problems the Z06 LS7 has valve train/engine failure, the GTR transmission failures, Mustang piston #8/engine failure. You could buy a 370z Nismo they have zero engine or transmission failures...

[phrozen06]

Bring some Gas Money with you.

[STooK]

Originally Posted by phrozen06

Bring some Gas Money with you.

E9x 328's were pretty bad on mpg (my 335 got higher) but the M3 can really drain your pockets if you are daily driving it mostly in the city. Let's say for example, you fill up the car it lasts you a week with a range of 280 miles. In comparison, you will be filling up the M3 every 3 or 4 days with a range of 180 miles. Pretty much, whatever you are doing now, expect it to drop by half.

I didn't look out for anything in particular when buying the M3. Just treat it like any used car you are about to buy. If you find a model with almost all the options you want, go check it out. Since you have a e9x you will be familiar with the chassis already and know what to look out for. Buying one CPO for a peace of mind is great if you can, but a lot of others choose to buy third party insurances. Just take your time, if anything seems fishy move on to the next one.

[s85e90]

Originally Posted by STooK

E9x 328's were pretty bad on mpg (my 335 got higher) but the M3 can really drain your pockets if you are daily driving it mostly in the city. Let's say for example, you fill up the car it lasts you a week with a range of 280 miles. In comparison, you will be filling up the M3 every 3 or 4 days with a range of 180 miles. Pretty much, whatever you are doing now, expect it to drop by half.

I didn't look out for anything in particular when buying the M3. Just treat it like any used car you are about to buy. If you find a model with almost all the options you want, go check it out. Since you have a e9x you will be familiar with the chassis already and know what to look out for. Buying one CPO for a peace of mind is great if you can, but a lot of others choose to buy third party insurances. Just take your time, if anything seems fishy move on to the next one.

People have no idea how bad this car is on gas.

I drove 350 miles today all highway as I been travelling for work about 1-2 days a week. Today I filled up in the AM and on the way home and the car is at 1/2..

That's like over $ 100 in gas

[s85e90]

I think I fill up about 5-6 times a week @ like 60$. That's at least $ 300 a week, $ 1,200 a month in gas alone!

Makes me fuckin sick to type and read it.

[1MOREMOD]

If you track some you will track often don't kid yourself. It's like trying not to have sex or whack off.

[Flying Ace]

You'll find the trunk capacity is sufficiently high for all your criminal needs

[Devant]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

You'll find the trunk capacity is sufficiently high for all your criminal needs

Courtesan in the boot?

[IrishCoffee]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

If you track some you will track often don't kid yourself. It's like trying not to have sex or whack off.

So true... that first hit off the crack pipe is all it takes. Then you'll be planning your week around when you're going to change your brake pads and track wheels out for the weekend event.

[M3 Esq]

Originally Posted by s85e90

I think I fill up about 5-6 times a week @ like 60$. That's at least $ 300 a week, $ 1,200 a month in gas alone!

Makes me fuckin sick to type and read it.

Because RACECAR.

[M3 Esq]

Originally Posted by IrishCoffee

So true... that first hit off the crack pipe is all it takes. Then you'll be planning your week around when you're going to change your brake pads and track wheels out for the weekend event.

Is that wrong?