Purchase Advice

[x5joe2013]

Hi guys,

Looking at an 06 M3 convertible with the SMG trans. I know a lot of people say to pass because this trans platform is awful, but I really like this deal. Seems super clean and maintained with low miles (43K).

Thoughts?

http://www.autotrader.com/ATCarID/AT...r_id=373274449

Thanks!
Joe

[Petros]

Pass. This tranny is awful

Price is a bit high too. For $10k more or so you can get a 2008 E92 M3 instead which is a much better and more reliable platform.

[kmadey1]

I absolutely loved my 2003.5 M3 with SMG all the way to 131K when I sold it for an E92.

[kmadey1]

And the one you're looking at is gorgeous. Maybe a little high on the price.

[x5joe2013]

Originally Posted by kmadey1

And the one you're looking at is gorgeous. Maybe a little high on the price.

Thanks for the second opinion.

I keep going back and forth. The car is really in perfect condition.

Any way to have a shop check transmission wear? Or what do people dislike about the SMG? Is it just driving preference?

Joe

[SWOT1]

Very clean... but a no-go at that price. Offer $22k (buy at $23k if you really love it) or start looking to spend a bit more for a 2008 E93.

How 'bout this for under $19k http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-...sting=73778355

[FormulaMMM]

Have you driven smg?

[x5joe2013]

Originally Posted by FormulaMMM

Have you driven smg?

Yes - didn't bother me that much.

Thanks for that other site link!

Joe

[FormulaMMM]

Originally Posted by x5joe2013

Yes - didn't bother me that much.

Thanks for that other site link!

Joe

Cool. Reason I asked is because some go smg with unrealistic expectations, not because I dislike. If you don't care for it the whole experience is tainted since, you know, can't avoid shifting.

[kmadey1]

Originally Posted by x5joe2013

Thanks for the second opinion.

I keep going back and forth. The car is really in perfect condition.

Any way to have a shop check transmission wear? Or what do people dislike about the SMG? Is it just driving preference?

Joe

The best indication are the service records and any information you can get about the previous owner. Moreover have a PPI done to check for rear subframe cracks. That's an indication of abuse.

[socalm3lover]

I had an '03 SMG and loved it for 70K miles. It is different than the DCT, but perfectly fine. The SMG is the same 6 speed and clutch that is in the manual M3s . The sequential works fine, the auto mode is a little clutsy, but works fine. I used it mostly on the 405. Under full power at 8,000 rpm, the 1-2 shift is traumatic, you will be looking in the rear view mirror for parts laying in the road.

The clutch is a wear item, I do not know if there is an inspection access point or not, but should be. The hydraulic pump has failed on some of them and it a little pricey. I think they are reliable cars, but a expensive when they break.

John

['Cane]

Originally Posted by SWOT1

Very clean... but a no-go at that price. Offer $22k (buy at $23k if you really love it) or start looking to spend a bit more for a 2008 E93.

How 'bout this for under $19k http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-...sting=73778355

That place is not far from me. Do your due diligence on that one, they sell a LOT of cars with accident histories.

['Cane]

Here's a link to the same car on cars.com with a free Carfax link (and yes, it has been in an accident).

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...nal&listType=1

http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory...&partner=CDM_0

[BzsBimmer]

Coming from two E46 M3's right before this E90 M3 I can tell you that the two platforms are night and day.
The convertible doesn't suffer from rear subframe issues that plague the coupe but SMG does have it's pro's and cons.

Both of my last E46 M3's were SMG. I loved the SMG transmission but if it does fail, it can get costly. The good news is that for a cost typically less than new SMG components, you can swap to a manual.

Then there is the VANOS issue to contend with. If you do the maintenance work yourself, it will be a lot cheaper than having a dealer do it.

The E46 model is highly customizable and a classic chassis. There are a lot of mods that can be done to this car and make it go fast. A modded NA can beat or at least keep up with a stock E9X.

The vert you are looking at is going to be a porker due to the extra weight but it's still a great car. If you want to save some money, find an older year (2003-2005) but in good shape and if you can, find one with service records as that's the main concern; getting one with a good maintenance history.

[x5joe2013]

Thanks for all the input.

I'm going to get the PPI on the 06 silver one I posted.

Joe

[Need4Speed_Motorsports]

Make sure you get a warranty if you get this car. I bought my 06' e46 M3 back in 2011. My SMG pump failed about 2 weeks later. Cost almost $4k with labor. Also, price seems to be a little high. Good luck!