For New Owners - What I wish I knew when I first bought my E9X M3:

Gotfuel wrote

Just read through this entire thread. Maybe something that would be helpful is for the folks looking at an 08, what are the differences to look for. I’ve read the clutch and flywheel and that it would be upgraded to the newer >=09 spec. No I drive. Older taillights. Generally speaking, if you buy a car without NAV (single hump) what are you giving up? Do you lose access to driver adjustments that can be made? Or do you just have to get used to making changes via an ODBII tuner? Lots of folks with 08’s so I’m less concerned about buying an 08 if I found the right one, but always good to go in to a purchase armed with as much info as possible. I read the 09-13 sticky, but was less helpful, and the 08 was oddly missing from the list.

DrFerry wrote

iDrive is available for the 2008 E9X cars, it's just not the later 'updated' iDrive. The '08 tail lights are incandescent bulbs rather than the LEDs used on later LCI models. Generally speaking, if you buy a single hump car you are giving up choosing your own "M" button mode driver settings - which are changeable within iDrive. Without the hump there is no iDrive so you have to accept the factory default "M" button settings.

You also lose the NAV screen, as well as some climate control and other personal preference settings available in iDrive such as daytime running lights, climate fan intensity settings, parked car reverse fan ventilation, independent key settings such as the shift lights etc. etc. So yes, you do lose access to some driver adjustments such as "M-Dynamic" traction control. I could be wrong about that, but it doesn't seem to me there would be a way to select M-Dynamic traction control w/o the iDrive menu. Take a look a some of the resources below for more information.

2009 vs. 2008 M3 - differences?
https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=199793
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Good article about the differences and evolutions
https://carbuzz.com/cars/bmw/m3-e90-e92-e93
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Turner Motorsports comprehensive buyer's guide
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/t-BMW_E9X_M3_Buyers_Guide
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Similar article to Turner M'sports but not as detailed
https://www.truecar.com/blog/used-buying-guide-2008-2013-bmw-m3/
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This video covers most of what you needed to know especially known mechanical issues..

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Assimilator1 wrote

I've been made aware of other sources of info by BMW from a master/senior tech at the dealer I work at.
Turns out that BMW's S-Gate (which I did know of) has a Wikipedia like section called Technipedia (which I didn't know of), within this (amongst much other info! It's very interesting for a BMW geek like me! ) is a section for the Alternator in Drivetrain>Engine electrical system>Alternator>Intelligent Generator Control (IGR).
It starts by saying this was introduced 'Since about 2004', and 'In marketing, IGR is often also designated as "brake energy regeneration".' (which is the term we know for our M3s).
In this it describes switching off the alternator to save fuel and allow more of the engine's power to go to the wheels (when the battery has enough charge).

If the battery is at a high state of charge the alternator only charges on the over run/braking (something I've only ever seen on my long trip to the Nurburgring (I'm in SE England). I have a meter on the dash displaying volts, as well as ECT. When cruising/accelerating it was showing battery voltage of 12.3-12.6v ish, AFAIR).

If the battery charge is middling it'll only provide enough power for electrical consumers when cruising/accelerating and won't charge the battery (quite how it would stop any charge going to the battery it doesn't say, and personally I would make an educated guess that it doesn't. But that the charge rate is minimal. Voltages I see at this level are about 13-14v, ish ).
On the over run/braking it still charges at full capacity.

If the battery charge is low enough* the [...]

kerancollier wrote

Buying an E9X M3 is a thrilling experience, and there are several things that many owners wish they knew when they first purchased one. Here are some valuable insights that could have made your ownership journey smoother and more enjoyable:

Maintenance Costs: The E9X M3 is a high-performance sports car with complex engineering. Be prepared for higher maintenance costs compared to regular cars. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes and brake services, can be more expensive, so set aside a budget for this.

Vanos System: The E9X M3's S65 V8 engine has a Vanos system responsible for variable valve timing. This system requires regular inspection and maintenance. Be proactive in maintaining the Vanos system to prevent potential issues and to ensure optimal engine performance.

Rod Bearings: The S65 engine in the E9X M3 has been known to experience rod bearing wear. If left unaddressed, it can lead to engine damage. Some owners choose to replace the rod bearings preventively, even before any issues arise, to safeguard their engine's longevity.

Throttle Actuators: The E9X M3's individual throttle bodies use electronic actuators that can wear out over time. Faulty actuators may lead to reduced performance or even limp mode. Regularly check and service these actuators as needed.

Cooling System: The M3's engine generates a lot of heat during spirited driving. It's essential to keep a close eye on the cooling system to avoid overheating issues. Regularly inspect the radiator, water pump, and hoses to prevent any potential cooling system failures.

Carbon [...]

Assimilator1 wrote

DrFerry Just spotted this in your earlier post "parked car reverse fan ventilation", what on earth is that? lol (I don't want to spend ages finding it in Technipedia! ).

DrFerry wrote

In the southern United States (and even sometimes in the northern states haha) interior cabin temperatures can sky rocket due to high ambient temperatures (90F to 100F) when the car is parked with windows closed for long periods (such as all day when you're at work). This is made even worse with a black roof and not leaving the windows down slightly (due to the risk of afternoon summer thunderstorms). In order to reduce interior cabin temperatures the fan can be run backwards to ventilate extremely hot air from the cabin (using the timers found in iDrive) 30 minutes prior to one's anticipated departure. Here's some more information on the subject from the manual. Hope this helps and avoids mining the Technipedia.
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WAKman wrote

Wow--very useful thread, Theodore. Thanks for taking the time.
I've had my E92 M3 exactly three months tomorrow.

Terry

DrFerry wrote

In the southern United States (and even sometimes in the northern states haha) interior cabin temperatures can sky rocket due to high ambient temperatures (90F to 100F) when the car is parked with windows closed for long periods (such as all day when you're at work). This is made even worse with a black roof and not leaving the windows down slightly (due to the risk of afternoon summer thunderstorms). In order to reduce interior cabin temperatures the fan can be run backwards to ventilate extremely hot air from the cabin (using the timers found in iDrive) 30 minutes prior to one's anticipated departure. Here's some more information on the subject from the manual. Hope this helps and avoids mining the Technipedia.
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Assimilator1 wrote

I just read through the pic again of the manual you provided, it doesn't mention the fan being reversed for this, are you sure about that?
I would've thought the fan would run in the normal direction, and the air expelled in the normal fashion.

Assimilator1 wrote

I just read through the pic again of the manual you provided, it doesn't mention the fan being reversed for this, are you sure about that?
I would've thought the fan would run in the normal direction, and the air expelled in the normal fashion.

Assimilator1 wrote

Although I don't know exactly where they are in e9xs, with cars in general their are hidden vents in the boot, these are usually behind the rear bumper and have thin rubber flaps over them (so they blow open with air through put, but at rest provide waterproof cover). They'll be various gaps or louvres to allow air through the trim panels. This is how you do get ventilation even with the windows closed, but as you've probably noticed, you tend to get better air flow with even just 1 window opened a little.

BigAl2 wrote

I’ve had 2 9x M3’s. Both had throttle valve actuator fails. Last at about 65,000 miles cost $3,500CDN. Latest issue was A/C evaporator. $3,500 to fix, about 2,400 labour with entire dash and console removal required. Fabulous cars. Just be prepared to Ante-up!