Looking for 6MT E90 - difference between '08 and '11 worth the price?

[Law]

Model Year 2009 (build date beginning 09/2008)
-In conventional usage, the term "E90 M3 LCI" refers to MY2009 & up E90 M3s, which happened beginning MY2009 (i.e., Sept. 08 build date). E92/93 M3 LCI refers to later E92/93 M3's, MY2011+ (build date beginning Mar. 2010)
-MY2009 E9X M3's also received the following updates:
-LCI LED tail lamps (E90 only)
-Revised climate control buttons (i.e., heated seat buttons moved near climate control, etc.)
-Updated iDrive system from previous CCC to CIC iDrive (hard-drive based with buttons)
-New paint colors added: Le Mans Blue; Sparkling Graphite replaces Space Grey

Model Year 2010
-The specs & updates remained pretty static through the MY2010 until MY2011, which began with Mar.2010 build dates.

Model Year 2011
The MY2011 ran from March 2010~September 2011
Various changes were made throughout.
Although very miscellaneous to most, it helps prospective buyers to know the differences.
Enthusiasts have retroactively applied the labels "2011", "2011.5", and "2011.75" to identify the various production [date] variations within the 2011 model year range.
These terms carry no official BMW weighting but are commonly used. Below is a cross reference of the terminology with the official production dates as well as a description of the changes introduced.
"2011" (03/2010~08/2010)
-E92/93 gets LCI LED tail lamps (E90 already got LCI lights as of MY2009 09/08 build)
-Competition package (ZCP) added as an option for E90/92
-Mineral white added as a color option for post 06/2010 builds.
"2011.5" (09/2010~02/2011)
Many threads reference the 2011.5 as the "September Changes".
For the M3, this includes:
-Automatic start/stop function added
-Additional bluetooth & smartphone connectivity, including bluetooth audio streaming (Combox)
-The aforementioned mineral white paint option
-18-inch Style 219M/260M alloy wheels receive bright silver finish in place of Ferric Grey finish
-Manually-adjsutable front seats introduced on E90/92 (USA only)
-Bi-color Novillo leather upholstery in two different combinations (Palladium Silver + Black or Fox Red + Black) offered for E90/92 (USA only)
"2011.75" (03/2011~09/2011)
-BMWApps/BMW Connected Drive added to the iDrive (6NR)

The 2011.75 is essentially a 2012 in all but name. The 2012 has the same specs as the 2011.75

[buffstocover]

I was facing the exact same predicament. I ended up placing mileage & documented maintenance as my equal #1 priorities. Period. NAV and taillights be dammed. I drove '08's, '09's and '11's and couldn't tell a bit of difference in cars with similar mileage. So, I found a flawless '08 sedan w 22k miles, 6MT, all the options i cared about (heated seats/cold weather package, extended black leather, premium sound, 19" wheels, and a sunroof), and snapped it up for a great price easily $10k less than a '11 with similar mileage. It took me 7 months to find a car with the right story. Just my $.02.

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by SheaButter

I went through this same decision making process. In the end I went with an 08' since it's my DD. I decided that having a perfect condition 08 with $6-$10k in extra mod money was worth sacraficing the idrive, which let's be honest it's just a novelty. That's just me though, I don't care that my screen isn't updated, and I use my phone docked for nav. HOWEVER if it was Teslas nav sync'd with Google maps, I'd spring for the updated one. Factory nav always sucks, in a few years it will probably be on par with Google Maps (or google maps loaded in).

Goodluck man!

Oh and yes, I dropped $6k in mods in my very first day of ownership So I stuck with my plan!

this is a good choice. Back in 2010, when I owned my 08, I toiled whether I wanted to trade my car or do a CIC retrofit.

Only recently, I was able to use a CIC on a regular basis after I bought a 2012 X5. I have to say, CIC is slick, but $$$$ in my wallet is slicker. CIC and NBT is NOT worth the cost of the upgrade IMO. When I drive, I focus on driving, not staring at the screen.

[SheaButter]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

this is a good choice. Back in 2010, when I owned my 08, I toiled whether I wanted to trade my car or do a CIC retrofit.

Only recently, I was able to use a CIC on a regular basis after I bought a 2012 X5. I have to say, CIC is slick, but $$$$ in my wallet is slicker. CIC and NBT is NOT worth the cost of the upgrade IMO. When I drive, I focus on driving, not staring at the screen.

I couldn't agree with you any more! The tech options are certainly better, but the 08's work just fine. Having nearly 8k in my pocket to buy all of the carbon fiber I want was the true selling point for me. All I really want now, is my LCI tails, waiting find a wrecked 3 series to snag them from.

A "scroll wheel" much like on a computer mouse would be SO nice for music selection.

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by SheaButter

I couldn't agree with you any more! The tech options are certainly better, but the 08's work just fine. Having nearly 8k in my pocket to buy all of the carbon fiber I want was the true selling point for me. All I really want now, is my LCI tails, waiting find a wrecked 3 series to snag them from.

A "scroll wheel" much like on a computer mouse would be SO nice for music selection.

dood..one few thoughts:

If you haven't done so already, you should install the CIC controller knob in your car. It is 1000% functional with the CCC system and all the shortcut keys work. I've installed it, and really, it improves the functionality of the CCC so much more. Most noticably for me is the feeback of the wheel click when you scroll. With the CIC knob, you won't overscroll.

Here's a DIY, seriously do it, a used CIC knob is $150, then buy a new trim piece for $250-$300 or look for a race car part out:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...light=CIC+knob

This DIY is burried so deep b/c most M3s are now CIC, but in 2010/2011, it was a hot topic.

here's a review of using the CIC on the CCC:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showpos...&postcount=138

[SheaButter]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

dood..one few thoughts:

If you haven't done so already, you should install the CIC controller knob in your car. It is 1000% functional with the CCC system and all the shortcut keys work. I've installed it, and really, it improves the functionality of the CCC so much more. Most noticably for me is the feeback of the wheel click when you scroll. With the CIC knob, you won't overscroll.

Here's a DIY, seriously do it, a used CIC knob is $150, then buy a new trim piece for $250-$300 or look for a race car part out:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...light=CIC+knob

This DIY is burried so deep b/c most M3s are now CIC, but in 2010/2011, it was a hot topic.

here's a review of using the CIC on the CCC:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showpos...&postcount=138

Oh man, I'm doing this, Just wait for my writeup. I have an E93 so I won't be finding a trip piece very easily. I think I'll just modify my stock trim piece with either carbon fiber or fiberglass. And add some additional features to it, Like removing that useless cigarette lighter and ash tray thing, and replace it with USB plugins and possibly an AC adapter if it doesn't look too clunky. Maybe just 2 USB plugs.

[duk]

I would get 09 and above

[douglee25]

I bought an '08 w 75k miles last year and it was about $10k less than a newer year.

[gimmethemuumuu]

Originally Posted by -BEASTMW-

I have no idea why your car isn't selling. Seems like a screaming deal to me. I've even sent your ad to a few friends telling them they should buy it! However, all of them are on the West Coast.

I'm trying to wait about a year to get my M3, but keeping my eye out on the market. In that year I'm hoping to save some money by driving my S2k (my car needs are very low right now with an easy commute, no house, no kids) and waiting for M3s to depreciate more. But if I was buying now, I would have gotten your car PPI'd weeks ago. Good luck man.

Thanks, man. I appreciate the kind words. I've tried to price the car very well to get her sold sooner rather than later. Certainly, I appreciate you or anyone else passing along the good word to anyone who might be in the market. I would even be open to shipping the car for the right buyer.

I understand your wanting to wait to buy. If you should change your mind, though, just let me know

[gimmethemuumuu]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

dood..one few thoughts:

If you haven't done so already, you should install the CIC controller knob in your car. It is 1000% functional with the CCC system and all the shortcut keys work. I've installed it, and really, it improves the functionality of the CCC so much more. Most noticably for me is the feeback of the wheel click when you scroll. With the CIC knob, you won't overscroll.

Here's a DIY, seriously do it, a used CIC knob is $150, then buy a new trim piece for $250-$300 or look for a race car part out:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...light=CIC+knob

This DIY is burried so deep b/c most M3s are now CIC, but in 2010/2011, it was a hot topic.

here's a review of using the CIC on the CCC:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showpos...&postcount=138

This is a great tip! Thanks for posting it up. I had no idea.

Having now moved to an '11, I would agree that CCC is still a great system. And, certainly, I think the addition of the CIC controller to that setup would be a welcome improvement indeed!

[New2Roundel]

Originally Posted by Law

"2011.5" (09/2010~02/2011)
Many threads reference the 2011.5 as the "September Changes".
For the M3, this includes:
-Automatic start/stop function added
-Additional bluetooth & smartphone connectivity, including bluetooth audio streaming (Combox)
-The aforementioned mineral white paint option
-18-inch Style 219M/260M alloy wheels receive bright silver finish in place of Ferric Grey finish
-Manually-adjsutable front seats introduced on E90/92 (USA only)
-Bi-color Novillo leather upholstery in two different combinations (Palladium Silver + Black or Fox Red + Black) offered for E90/92 (USA only)

Very helpful info! I am interested in the info for the 2011.5 cars that you mention. I don't have my car near me (I didn't buy the car new), but I believe it fits this descriptor as I have the start/stop and manual seats. The PO opted for Bluetooth, but for the life of me, I can't figure out how to stream audio over the BT connection. I do not have iDrive if that is a deciding factor. If not, is there some physical feature I can look for to see if I have combox?

Thanks!

[Law]

Originally Posted by New2Roundel

Very helpful info! I am interested in the info for the 2011.5 cars that you mention. I don't have my car near me (I didn't buy the car new), but I believe it fits this descriptor as I have the start/stop and manual seats. The PO opted for Bluetooth, but for the life of me, I can't figure out how to stream audio over the BT connection. I do not have iDrive if that is a deciding factor. If not, is there some physical feature I can look for to see if I have combox?

Thanks!

Well technically, the auto start/stop function should be enough to determine.
But the fool-proof method is to check your "VIN plate".
Your VIN# and build date can be accessed from there.
If you're curious about specific options/equipment, grab the last 7 digits of your VIN# and run it here

[New2Roundel]

Originally Posted by Law

Well technically, the auto start/stop function should be enough to determine.
But the fool-proof method is to check your "VIN plate".
Your VIN# and build date can be accessed from there.
If you're curious about specific options/equipment, grab the last 7 digits of your VIN# and run it here

All very helpful. I have the window sticker, so I know exactly what the options are on the car. I suppose through that and the car itself, I can determine if it is an '11.5 car, but as you state, the start/stop feature likely gives it away. So assuming it is an '11.5 (I can confirm this later, I'm not near the car or any of the paperwork right now), how do I know if I have combox? Will it show up on the window sticker (which I don't recall seeing)? Is there additional hardware or wiring in the car that I can look for to determine if I have combox? If the car is capable of streaming BT in its stock state, I'd like to take advantage of it. All I know is that the car has normal BT for phone calls.

[Law]

Originally Posted by New2Roundel

All very helpful. I have the window sticker, so I know exactly what the options are on the car. I suppose through that and the car itself, I can determine if it is an '11.5 car, but as you state, the start/stop feature likely gives it away. So assuming it is an '11.5 (I can confirm this later, I'm not near the car or any of the paperwork right now), how do I know if I have combox? Will it show up on the window sticker (which I don't recall seeing)? Is there additional hardware or wiring in the car that I can look for to determine if I have combox? If the car is capable of streaming BT in its stock state, I'd like to take advantage of it. All I know is that the car has normal BT for phone calls.

If you run your VIN# on the decoder, it should list "6VC Combox" if your car is so equipped.
The VIN decoder is a more "raw" datasheet of the build of the vehicle.
The datasheet is essentially a reflection of what the BMW dealer network and official channels see.
The window sticker, while good, is often not specific enough or hides its features behind marketing terms; essentially "dumbed down" for the consumer to understand.

But enthusiasts aren't ordinary consumers and window stickers are not always available for used cars, hence the utility of the VIN decoder.

[New2Roundel]

Originally Posted by Law

If you run your VIN# on the decoder, it should list "6VC Combox" if your car is so equipped.
The VIN decoder is a more "raw" datasheet of the build of the vehicle.
The window sticker, while good, is often not specific enough or hides its features behind marketing terms.

Good deal--and thank you for the tip. I will get the VIN and see what comes back. Do the '11.5 cars the in-between period for many of the upgrades, where certain features were slowly added to the cars such that not every '11.5 will benefit from all of the upgrades you nicely listed above?

[New2Roundel]

Ok so I ran out and got the VIN number and ran it through the link you (Law) provided. The car had an assembly date of 10/25/10 and says "S6VCA
Steuerung Combox Control for Combox". I'm assuming that means I have combox, but I'm not sure how to activate it. Do I need iDrive?

[dparm]

Originally Posted by New2Roundel

Ok so I ran out and got the VIN number and ran it through the link you (Law) provided. The car had an assembly date of 10/25/10 and says "S6VCA
Steuerung Combox Control for Combox". I'm assuming that means I have combox, but I'm not sure how to activate it. Do I need iDrive?

Correct, you have the Combox.

[New2Roundel]

Originally Posted by dparm

Correct, you have the Combox.

And apparently it isn't enough. I called BMW and they stated that I need enhanced bluetooth in order to stream audio. My car does not have that feature. Unless there is some information to the contrary, it sounds like I will need to keep using the headphone cable to get audio from the phone to play in the car.

[dparm]

Hit up BPMSport or Alex@Alpine. They do a lot of custom coding. It might be possible to retrofit.

[New2Roundel]

Originally Posted by dparm

Hit up BPMSport or Alex@Alpine. They do a lot of custom coding. It might be possible to retrofit.

Thank you for the tip--I'll see if either of them can provide a solution.