Buying tips for a 2007-09 M3 ?

[bennzwel]

Hi all,

I am going to make a radical decision but thought to seek for your advise first.
I bought a new F20 116i which has done only 600kms, however I truly love and want a M3 ( need for power ! ) and was thinking to sell my F20 and get. 2007-8 M3 which will be similar price.

Just wanted to know if you think it's a wise decision ?
What are the buying tips and to watch out when buying. 2007-8-9 M3 ?
I will only buy one with service history but want to make sure I know what I should look for when choosing this car.


Any suggestion or advice is appreciated




Thanks

[fastmike]

I would get at least a 2009 so you get the newer iDrive (CiC). The 2008 has the older iDrive (CCC) which is DVD based and much slower.

[bennzwel]

Thanks for the advice.
What about mechanical , electrical or other parts ? What should I be aware? What tends to fail or becomes faulty.

The cars in my price range have done between 50000- 70000 kms ,

[Denk]

Depends on your budget and what's available for you. My best advice is to find one that is obviously well maintained with a clean history. If you can swing it, 2011+ models for the LCI updates. This generation M3 is pretty solid, no worries for the most part. Some reported bearing issues, hit or miss I'd say. I've had a few e92 M3's without any issues. Great fun car, a total blast! My favorite M3 to date. Go for it if it feels right. You'll love it for sure.

[MTM]

Just don't test drive it until you have already decided to buy it...it will suck you in and use Jedi mind tricks to ensure it goes home with you! These are some of the most seductive cars on the planet.

As for things to watch for, searching the forum will provide a lot better help. Make sure to get a very thorough inspection of the car before purchasing (good advice, I think, for any car).

[bennzwel]

Thanks you guys,
Unfortunately can't afford 2011 model as the price jump is very high.

I will try to search but don't know what to search for 2007-9 M3 ? Do they have any common known issues or faults to be aware of or check that has been serviced ?


And I was also looking to import one from UK to New Zealand if I can't find anything good locally. Does anyone know any reputable place which I can get in touch with ?

[jchristianp]

Nope no issues in the early ones. If you want a newer computer screen and interface then get a 2009 or newer, if you want different tail lights then get a 2011+. If you want a fast fun car... then get the one if your price range and you will have a blast.

[bennzwel]

What would be the main service items in around 50,000 to 70,000kms ? Any major one that going to cost considerably or it's usage based ?

[miringrains]

If you got the 1 series new, youre going to lose quite a bit on it selling

[terry]

Originally Posted by bennzwel

What would be the main service items in around 50,000 to 70,000kms ? Any major one that going to cost considerably or it's usage based ?

As alread said, I would go for the 2009 model with CiC IDrive instead of the CCC. Mine has 70000 miles and no issues.

[sgrinavi]

is it wise? hell no, you're going to take a massive hit trading in or selling that new car that quickly. You're better off keeping it for a while and saving up so you can afford a newer one.

[dmk08]

The new iDrive sucks just as bad as the 08 iDrive. If you're looking for cheap and performance get an 08.

[325rider]

Originally Posted by dmk08

The new iDrive sucks just as bad as the 08 iDrive. If you're looking for cheap and performance get an 08.

LMAO.
As a non I-drive owner by choice (and STILL undecided lol), this is the first time I have heard someone say the new I-drive "sucks badly"…..

In 4 thread #1,498 on I-drive defense and I-drive bashing.

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by 325rider

LMAO.
As a non I-drive owner by choice (and STILL undecided lol), this is the first time I have heard someone say the new I-drive "sucks badly"…..

In 4 thread #1,498 on I-drive defense and I-drive bashing.

I had an 08 and I had such high expectations moving to my 2011.75. Yeah not so great. Still not as good as my 08 ISF.

[glockperfect]

Originally Posted by dmk08

I had an 08 and I had such high expectations moving to my 2011.75. Yeah not so great. Still not as good as my 08 ISF.

Yea. You should probably take this guy's opinion over the innumerable other comparisons that consistently rank the m3 ahead of the isf.

[bennzwel]

Great comments ! Thanks . To be honest I would be happy with old idrive as I have seen it on a 2008 m3 . The navigation is slower but it's not a big issue.

Unless there is a significant downside to the 09 system.

The only reason I want to go with M3 is the power , driving style, look and reliability. But I can only do that if I can sell my current baby bimmer at a good price.

Currently I'm looking for a reliable door to door car exporter in UK . As it seems I have many more choices in UK than NZ .
And I definitely don't want to go with a Japanese version as they are trashed in heavy traffic and intense climate.

Would anyone know any car exporter in UK?

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by glockperfect

Yea. You should probably take this guy's opinion over the innumerable other comparisons that consistently rank the m3 ahead of the isf.

As far as the iDrive or the car? If I thought the ISF was the better car I would own one.

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by bennzwel

Great comments ! Thanks . To be honest I would be happy with old idrive as I have seen it on a 2008 m3 . The navigation is slower but it's not a big issue.

Unless there is a significant downside to the 09 system.

The only reason I want to go with M3 is the power , driving style, look and reliability. But I can only do that if I can sell my current baby bimmer at a good price.

Currently I'm looking for a reliable door to door car exporter in UK . As it seems I have many more choices in UK than NZ .
And I definitely don't want to go with a Japanese version as they are trashed in heavy traffic and intense climate.

Would anyone know any car exporter in UK?

The only other big deal would be if you're going Saloon over Coupe. If that were the case an 09 would have the LCI tail lights as well. On an E92 you can get them for about $600.

[Jonnykin]

I just got an 08 w/ 77k KM. Who cares about the idrive, you don't buy an m3 for a computer screen. (Plus you can always update it if it means that much to you down the road) I have it and premium sound and hardly ever have it on because the car sounds so freaking sexy.....

I would agree with much of what was said. 1 owner if possible, meticulously maintained, regular maintenance done by bmw. Get the extended service warranty... Bearing issue is overblown but the thought of a 15k$ engine job was enough to make me spend a few extra grand.

Also totally agree on the test drive thing.... Make the salesman drive it first time out. Feel and listen to the car from the passenger seat. Then drive it because once you do you're likely gonna buy it....

[paddy335]

Originally Posted by bennzwel

Would anyone know any car exporter in UK?

Mate, contact Autohub. Danny Knight: danny@autohub.co.nz.

They are based in Auckland and will handle the importation for you from pick up at the car yard in the UK to delivery at your nominated compliance point in NZ. An M3 will cost you about $4000NZ for freight, plus $900 compliance, plus GST (unless you can get a VAT qualifying car, which I haven't seen in E90 M3 form in 6 months of looking), plus any remediation, e.g. brake rotors. It will take about 45 days on the ship.

I've brought 3 cars in now and it is very straightforward, and cheaper than it was a couple of years ago.

Feel free to pm for any other info.

[jobe]

@bennzwel

Did you end up buying in the UK and using auto hub.

Im going down the same line as you so any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Also its incredible you can get a brand new M3 in the UK for so much cheeper than NZ. Why?!?!

[M3 n X5M]

OP, it sounds like a real luxury to import a car. Wow, nearly 5k of your currency, according to another post in here.

I would recommend just waiting around for the right car to come about in your country.

An M3 will appear probably in less than 6 months, then you can test it and decide if you want to buy it.

On the side of your plans, what if you import the car and it does not please you? Now you are stuck with 5k in tariffs, depreciation and complexity to resell so soon, loss in your sale of the baby bimmer...

It doesn't stack up in my mind. I would patiently wait and see... Time would bring the right car if you wait.

It seems troubling to buy a complex sports car, sight unseen from half the way around the globe and hope it is all great.

Also, are you a DIY guy? If not then the maintenance and unforeseen repairs will be daunting in price compared to your current car. And if on top you add the transit fees... You could easily be 10 k under. And then the loss on the baby bimmer.

Perhaps if you trade your car to the dealer when they get an M3 on the lot you will do much better.