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      12-19-2012, 05:31 PM   #1
paynecasey
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New guy from KY. Pondering the purchase of a M3

Hello,

I noticed there are three good BMW forums out there and decided to start here first.

I'm 32 and married to my beautiful wife and have a five year old little girl. Have a pretty successful job as a CFO at a Community Health Center.

I've been car hunting for the last three years and ever so often the owning of a M3 enters my mind. Then I think about their maintenance cost and it scares me away. The year I have in mind is the 2001 model. Ps I have no idea what E90 E92 etc what all that means.

Also, Ford flew me out to Key West to be behind the scenes of the first Focus ST commercial. Big Ford fan.

Cars on my radar vary greatly.

If I keep my Altima as a daily I want....
2005 Corvette, 2015 Mustang GT, 2015 Focus RS (if it comes), 2001 BMW M3

If I trade my Altima I want...
2013 Focus ST, 2014 Fiesta ST, 2015 Mustang EB I4 (betting they make one, 2014 WRX

I registered here to find out about...

-What to look for when checking out M3's.
-What kind if maintenance is involved and cost.
-If there is a mechanics book on the M3 to do repairs my self.
Reasonable price for a 2001 M3 based on mileage wear and tear.
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      12-19-2012, 05:38 PM   #2
paynecasey
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I've seen them go for $12,000 to $15,000 on Autotrader. Seams like a bargain.

I just wonder about the reliability of an M3 with 80,000 to 130,000 miles.

That's why I'm thinking secondary.
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      12-19-2012, 05:39 PM   #3
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The e90 (sedan), e92 (coupe), e93 (convertible) refers to the latest generation M3, 2007-Present

A 2001 you are interested in would be the older generation e46, for that you should check out the e46 sub forum

http://www.m3post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=75

The M3 is just awesome..do it!
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      12-19-2012, 06:05 PM   #4
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If you have a good job, why are you interested in a 2001? If you'd like an E46 (2001-2006) I believe a 2005 or 2006 competition package, especially with a manual transmission, would be the ideal and still relatively good value.

On this form (E9X), you'll probably get people telling you to get an E9X, since that is what we all own. Having said that, you should consider getting an E9X (E90 is quite practical as it is a four door). They are faster in every direction, look a lot better (subjective, but I think the E46 is starting to show its age), have far superior interiors and you can still get one under warranty (also free maintance).

Good luck and DO YOUR RESEARCH!!
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      12-19-2012, 06:35 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paynecasey View Post

I registered here to find out about...

-What to look for when checking out M3's.
-What kind if maintenance is involved and cost.
-If there is a mechanics book on the M3 to do repairs my self.
Reasonable price for a 2001 M3 based on mileage wear and tear.
I am now in my 4th M3 the first one was a 2002 second year rental return to a Vancouver BC dealership. In 2004 that car had 32,000 KM on the odometer when I purchased it. Sold that car privately in 2010 to get into my a used 2011 M3 (now driving my 4th purchased new all loaded M3).

I am still in contact with the new owner of my then 2002 e46, the major repair I had was replaced one rear spring. The new owner last year in May replaced the other rear spring. The car now has over 100,000 KM on the odometer.

Your questions in order ...

1) Purchase from a BMW Dealership certified by them if possible (we have such a program in Canada). If you cannot get it certified make sure you get to see and study all the past reports. Look for major repairs this might hint if the car has seen much track time. Should you purchase from a private source then insist on a full inspection before purchase. The BMW inspection will tell you what you may expect on repairs in turn you can use this information to establish a fair selling price.

2) This is a high end car and as such each time you have something done it will cost a few hundred dollars If you are handy you can handle most things yourself. On the other hand it is a very well build car 50 % of the parts are better then a standard 3 series and 80% of the car is modified that makes it an ///M car and superior to the 3 series. I would not purchase an extended warranty or maintenance plan. Just study the past inspection reports and it will guide you.

3) I don"t know if there is a maintenance book or not. I guess you need to Google this and check it out. I have one for our first BMW a 1987 e28 535is and still use the manual whenever I work on it for my daughter that is still driving this car.

4) as for cost I sold my 2002 for $25,000- I paid for the BMW inspection and replacement of the rear spring. You should find one in good shape for around $20,000- US.

Welcome to the forum! Good luck with your hunt for that first ///M3

BTW. This is the best ///M forum around
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      12-19-2012, 08:21 PM   #6
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Thx for the comments guys.
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      12-19-2012, 09:46 PM   #7
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Your background and circumstance qualify you to own an e90m...I'm sure you could get a reasonable price on an 08... More practical, solid and newer
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      12-20-2012, 12:44 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mmmdreamer
Your background and circumstance qualify you to own an e90m...I'm sure you could get a reasonable price on an 08... More practical, solid and newer
I'm the CFO of a non-Profit clinic not Apple/Google.

I've gotten more frugal over the years. The more budgets I do the more I don't want a new car period.

My affordable range on 2010+ is capped at $30,000 unless I drop a bid down payment.

For used its $15,000 or $20,000 Witt $5,000 down. That's $327 a month for four years.

Can't wait till my daughter is out if day care. $400 saved.

College debt doesn't help $315 a month. Two car payments $365 and $400.

Want my daughter in in school and my Altima paid off before I buy.

And like any accountant I've got my retirement mapped out already. But buying a car slows it down

So right now I just want to learn more about M3's. and what better place than a BMW forum.
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      12-20-2012, 01:50 AM   #9
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It sounds like your priorities are straight
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      12-20-2012, 02:28 AM   #10
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If you're looking for 2001-2006 go on m3forum.net as its a much better resource. Good luck
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      12-20-2012, 09:34 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paynecasey View Post
I'm the CFO of a non-Profit clinic not Apple/Google.

I've gotten more frugal over the years. The more budgets I do the more I don't want a new car period.

My affordable range on 2010+ is capped at $30,000 unless I drop a bid down payment.

For used its $15,000 or $20,000 Witt $5,000 down. That's $327 a month for four years.

Can't wait till my daughter is out if day care. $400 saved.

College debt doesn't help $315 a month. Two car payments $365 and $400.

Want my daughter in in school and my Altima paid off before I buy.

And like any accountant I've got my retirement mapped out already. But buying a car slows it down

So right now I just want to learn more about M3's. and what better place than a BMW forum.
Best of luck on your decision and search.

I'm 34, married, with two kiddos and one on the way. My wife actually told me the evening after I came home with my car that we were expecting. She knew, but much love to her, she waited to tell me because she knew that I probably would have balked on the car had I known.

The car is sweet and I have no regrets about getting it, but to be honest, the potential costs of repair and maintenance are a cause for concern (my last car was a Mazda 3 hatch). I'm almost out of warranty, and will probably be getting some kind of extended for peace of mind and insurance against any massive bills in the next few years.

If you don't have a healthy cash cushion, I'd recommend delaying gratification until you're a little more settled. That said, if I'd done that, I might have not gotten my ///M until the kids were out of college!

Life is for living, just don't make a decision that has the potential to mess your family up financially. It seems to me that you're being very smart and frugal to this point. If the M3's not to be right now, the ST or an FR-S/BRZ are pretty good alternatives.

Good luck on the other forums; come back to this thread and let us know what you decided!
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      12-20-2012, 06:24 PM   #12
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I say go for the e9X..its the last of the V8s..
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      12-20-2012, 07:26 PM   #13
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They are faster in every direction, look a lot better
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      12-21-2012, 03:34 PM   #14
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With a child, you'll probably be happier with a sedan, though unfortunately, the E46 M3 never came in a sedan. You might want to consider a lower mileage 330i (sedan) with the ZHP package. This was a bunch of performance upgrades given to the standard sedans, supposedly BMWs answer to the fact that they had no M3 sedan (though later I think it was available in coupes as well). Here's a nice low mileage example that may not be that far from you, and is right in your price range.
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...gIndex=2&Log=0
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      12-21-2012, 07:17 PM   #15
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OP: I applaud you for your financial sensibility. Only you know what is best for you.

With that being said, I have to pass-on my experience. I have completely enjoyed my E90 (4 Door Sedan) M3. I originally had a 2008 E90 M3. My E90's took the kids to school and the movies and took Daddy (Me) to the track on weekends. It is the Ultimate Dual Purpose Vehicle with a V8.

Just a thought....
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      12-21-2012, 11:21 PM   #16
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get an E92 m3. you wont regret it. im sure everyone here will agree with me. If you have the means, which it seems you do, go for it.

V8 power = more smiles per miles ;-)
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      12-22-2012, 06:47 AM   #17
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I have a friend who is the COO of a small regional non-profit health care organization.
She makes a nice 200K/yr, works 10-4 M-F and seems to enjoy her job. I'm a bit jealous; she never seems to be at the stress level I'd consider commensurate to her income; her job is pretty incognito. If you've managed to snag yourself a nice C-level non-profit job then you're doing very well.

In any case, a few pointers:

E90 M3 = sedan E92 = Coupe E93 = Convertible E46 = Previous Generation M3 Coupe/Convertible

E9X M3 = m3post.com
E46 M3 = m3forum.net

I own both cars. E9X is much more comfortable. If you will be driving people around then consider a E9X. If you want a fun car to drive around by yourself and you are ok with a harsher ride, the E46 is ridiculously fun for the price they can be had at these days.

Both cars deliver an immediacy in response that you will soon find addictive in the extreme and will likely cause you to re-evaluate your Ford Focus love affair.

Finally, this is useless to your search, but: I'm a few years off from considering marriage & kids but if I was to find myself in that situation, I'd be shopping for a 6spd 540iT M-Sport, the ultimate Dad car (seeing as the M5 wasn't available in wagon form stateside):



I almost wish I had kids or a horse farm to justify such a purchase.

Last edited by bvanderbilt; 12-22-2012 at 06:55 AM..
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      12-22-2012, 03:19 PM   #18
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Great job on setting priorities. Agree with some of the others...check out an e46 M3.
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      12-23-2012, 10:49 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by davesaddiction View Post
If you don't have a healthy cash cushion, I'd recommend delaying gratification until you're a little more settled. That said, if I'd done that, I might have not gotten my ///M until the kids were out of college!

Life is for living, just don't make a decision that has the potential to mess your family up financially. It seems to me that you're being very smart and frugal to this point. If the M3's not to be right now, the ST or an FR-S/BRZ are pretty good alternatives.

Good luck on the other forums; come back to this thread and let us know what you decided!
This is exactly what I would have said. I agree with the E90 or E92 but obviously I have a bias. A colleague picked up a loaded 09 with 20k miles six months ago for $42k. At this point, with a little searching I imagine you could find one for under $40k.

As was said, life is all about experiences. Be careful though, test driving these cars doesn't often convey just how much better they are than their peers. Get plenty of miles behind one and you'll understand. Unfortunately, you'll have a hard time looking at a Ford ever again. And this is coming from a guy who's been a Ford guy for a couple decades. I still own my first car, an 88 5.0. It was my baby until I got the M3. Now it's just holding my driveway down.
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