Looking to purchase 2012 BMW M3 Competition - thoughts on condition, good car?

[kolosy]

ha yeah. 3k is the going rate around here for RBs.

[Gregrobin]

Originally Posted by Ximian

Based on these prices, SoCal must be the most affordable place in the country.

Jokes aside, if a shop charging 5k for rod bearing, run. $4k is the price on the expensive end.

If you're going to buy a terrible example of an M3 and pay to fix it up, at least find one in SoCal to save on labor costs. Either ship it back home once the work is done or take a memorable cross-country trip.

So, if every shop in my area is charging $5k~ for RBs/Motor mounts, I should run, to where?

Like I said above, I don't set the prices in my area. I appreciate your pricing feedback, but it's not helpful in my location/area.

[Ximian]

Originally Posted by Gregrobin

So, if every shop in my area is charging $5k~ for RDs/Motor mounts, I should run, to where? Like I said above, I don't set the prices in my area.

Run out of state. Just because everyone is charging rip-off level prices, it doesn't make it right.

Not even 30 minutes ago I saw a FB post of a shop in CA offering $1800 rod bearing jobs. Ship a car there and back and it'll still be cheaper.

[omgzirra_exe]

Originally Posted by Ximian

Based on these prices, SoCal must be the most affordable place in the country.

Jokes aside, if a shop charging 5k for rod bearing, run. $4k is the price on the expensive end.

If you're going to buy a terrible example of an M3 and pay to fix it up, at least find one in SoCal to save on labor costs. Either ship it back home once the work is done or take a memorable cross-country trip.

it really is, i think the cheapest is $1800 but could be different from inflation now. but normally never more than $2000? maybe $2200 now? I'm basing it on my original RB job i did in 2019 that was $1900.

Originally Posted by Gregrobin

So, if every shop in my area is charging $5k~ for RBs/Motor mounts, I should run, to where?

Like I said above, I don't set the prices in my area. I appreciate your pricing feedback, but it's not helpful in my location/area.

and yeah run out of state.. if every shop is charging you $5000... and the total service cost is sub $15,000.. you save money just shipping your car to California and getting it done and shipped back lol

[Gregrobin]

One of the quotes:

"Replacing rod bearings with treated bearings and ARP rod bolts. Includes oil, filter, seals, gaskets, hardware, etc. $3700 + tax. This is a great time to replace your motor mounts as well since there is no additional labor. + $300-$400 in parts (higher end includes new subframe hardware if needed"

[Ximian]

No affiliation or experience with this shop.

If you don't have a good relationship with a local shop, go out of state to get this type of work done. You can get rod bearings and several other items done for less than just the rod bearing service you have been getting quoted.

[Gregrobin]

This shop did the cats(less) for me on my prior 335i and they have an excellent reputation, especially for folks who track. I never thought about going out of state, good suggestion.

I think it's a supply/demand thing, most of the For Sale M3s I see are in CA.

[DrFerry]

Originally Posted by Gregrobin

Nobody else has thoughts, opinions, on this car? That might be a first for an internet forum :-)

Don't buy it. Since you're having second thoughts now, and this particular car needs lots of TLC and $$$ to bring it up to snuff, pass on it and find a cream puff that's been pampered. You don't want to buy a car that will keep you up at night wondering - especially one that has had not one, but two wrecks. Wait and keep looking. There are others out there.

[Gregrobin]

Originally Posted by DrFerry

Don't buy it. Since you're having second thoughts now, and this particular car needs lots of TLC and $$$ to bring it up to snuff, pass on it and find a cream puff that's been pampered. You don't want to buy a car that will keep you up at night wondering - especially one that has not one, but two wrecks. Wait and keep looking. There others out there.

Thanks, Greenville, SC? My company is based out of Greer, and I have some employees in Greenville.

My prior 08 335i E93 was in excellent condition, one owner, no accidents, beautiful car. I tuned/modified it and had fun doing so, I called it my sleeper. I even taught myself how to detail it, touched up scratches, etc. I am starting to realize that is what I am looking for in my next weekend driver, fun car.

[Gregrobin]

This has been a helpful thread/conversation for me, thank you for your comments.

[DrFerry]

Originally Posted by Gregrobin

Thanks, Greenville, SC? My company is based out of Greer, and I have some employees in Greenville.

My prior 08 335i E93 was in excellent condition, one owner, no accidents, beautiful car. I tuned/modified it and had fun doing so, I called it my sleeper. I even taught myself how to detail it, touched up scratches, etc. I am starting to realize that is what I am looking for in my next weekend driver, fun car.

Yep, I'm in Greer. Home to the biggest BMW plant in the world, and Greenville is home to Michelin North America as well as many others.

[DrFerry]

Here's a few good resources for shopping:
.
Cars
https://m3list.com/listings/
.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...startYear=2008
.
Market Pricing
https://www.classic.com/m/bmw/3-seri...oupe-automatic
.
BAT Auction Prices
https://bringatrailer.com/bmw/e90-e92-m3/
.

[Gregrobin]

I sent over 10 messages on m3list, no responses.

I have a saved search on CarGurus.

I have a saved search on BAT and Cars & Bids

Market pricing is a new one, I will check it out.

One challenge I have is "kids" who reply to me, their cars are modified, tuned, bolt ons, all kinds of crazy stuff. I get it, been there, done that, not what I am looking for though.

[egebhardt]

Gregrobin is a focused buyer who knows what he is looking for and generally just needs our support, understanding and insight in case we know something he doesn’t.

Any luck sir? Need any help?

[Gregrobin]

I ended up walking away from this one, too many red flags.

I found a very nice 2010 E93 that I think I'm going to purchase.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/7...0aAgO4EALw_wcB

[kolosy]

Originally Posted by Gregrobin

I ended up walking away from this one, too many red flags.

I found a very nice 2010 E93 that I think I'm going to purchase.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/7...0aAgO4EALw_wcB

you went e92 -> e93? not bashing cabs (used to own one) but they're a very different car than the coupe. just make sure you get seat time in it before you commit.

[Gregrobin]

Originally Posted by kolosy

you went e92 -> e93? not bashing cabs (used to own one) but they're a very different car than the coupe. just make sure you get seat time in it before you commit.

Thanks, agreed and understood. I read a lot of the threads here about the differences between the two.

My 335i was a vert. It wasn't my first choice, but after not finding any nice, unmolested reasonably priced E92s, and then seeing this E93, I decided it would be a good choice. At a minimum I'll use it top down this spring and summer, track it a bit, and then make a decision if I want to go to a E92.

[kolosy]

Originally Posted by Gregrobin

Thanks, agreed and understood. I read a lot of the threads here about the differences between the two.

My 335i was a vert. It wasn't my first choice, but after not finding any nice, unmolested reasonably priced E92s, and then seeing this E93, I decided it would be a good choice. At a minimum I'll use it top down this spring and summer, track it a bit, and then make a decision if I want to go to a E92.

yeah, that way disappointment lies. again, top down the v8 noises can't be beat. but if you're even contemplating tracking it, and it isn't your first choice i'd keep looking. it's a great cruiser with a world class sound track, but the driving dynamics are just completely different. you're going to be better off with a scruffier e92 that you put right than a pristine e93.

[egebhardt]

I overpaid for my 2008 AW on Fox. I kinda regret that but I also got a configuration in my top 5. It’s a tough game.

In my E36 M3 years in California, the cars were so plentiful that I barely cared which configuration I got because I knew I could sell and buy another. Those days are gone.

[Gregrobin]

This will be a weekend driver car for me, not a daily driver. If I end up taking it to a track it's not like I'm going to be racing it or trying to beat anybody, it'll be for curiosity and having fun. If I end up getting serious about tracking and this isn't the right model, I'll take a look at an E92.

I can't justify paying $40,000 plus for an E92 at this point though.

[Gregrobin]

I test drove the E93 yesterday. It was nice, rattled a bit, had some modifications I didn't like so I looked at an E92 Competition he had on the lot, this one

https://www.catoctinautomotivegroup.com/inventory/bmw/m3/797710/

I can really tell the difference between the two, I liked it, a lot. The only issue is on the driver side fender right above the wheel, there's a crack, it's about 2 in long, barely noticeable. He said he thinks it can be repaired, but to do it right the entire fender should be sprayed. The other thing that bugs me is someone installed aftermarket coilovers, Ohlin. It feels super nice but you lose the EDC. I've never been a big fan of white, but it does look good with the black trim and roof. The car is going to need new tires soon as well.

I think it's priced fair based on where I see the market. He's willing to take some money off for the crack in the fender. He's going to have his touch up tile look at it for me next week as well.

Thoughts on this one?

[kolosy]

Originally Posted by Gregrobin

I test drove the E93 yesterday. It was nice, rattled a bit, had some modifications I didn't like so I looked at an E92 Competition he had on the lot, this one

https://www.catoctinautomotivegroup....bmw/m3/797710/

I can really tell the difference between the two, I liked it, a lot. The only issue is on the driver side fender right above the wheel, there's a crack, it's about 2 in long, barely noticeable. He said he thinks it can be repaired, but to do it right the entire fender should be sprayed. The other thing that bugs me is someone installed aftermarket coilovers, Ohlin. It feels super nice but you lose the EDC. I've never been a big fan of white, but it does look good with the black trim and roof. The car is going to need new tires soon as well.

I think it's priced fair based on where I see the market. He's willing to take some money off for the crack in the fender. He's going to have his touch up tile look at it for me next week as well.

Thoughts on this one?

love that it's a later-model comp and the carbon roof. hate the shiny interior "detail" they did, but the interior does look a bit worn for the mileage (looking at the steering wheel, the 3 button EDC cluster coming loose from the center console and other smaller items. also seems to have some panel alignment issues. I'd hit it with a paint meter to see see if it's been sprayed before. Seems priced a bit high, but i haven't kept up with the market for a bit, maybe i'm wrong.