E92 M3 Buying Agent?

Has anyone tried using an agent or other service to buy an older, less common BMW? I'm looking for an E92 M3 sedan with a manual. I usually buy CPO from dealerships so I don't have much experience with private party or auction sites (e.g., BAT, cars and bids). All I really know is to get a carfax report and PPI, and I've heard that rod bearings need to be replaced on these vehicles. But beyond that, I don't trust myself to do the proper diligence on something like a 15 year old M3.

I'm mostly interested in making sure I get something that has been cared for, and with the right maintenance, can last for many more years to come. This is going to be a weekend car for me and needs to occasionally haul a family of 4. It's probably the last stick shift I'm going to be able to buy, looking at how the market for performance sedans is headed.

I have never used a buying agent and I don't think it makes sense at the price point of an e92 M3.

I'd suggest one of two approaches:

A) Be prepared to pay 10-20% over market price and buy from a very reputable euro collectible car dealer. The type of dealer i'm referring to will not sell a car that hasn't been properly vetted and honestly represented. Such dealers that come to mind? ... EAG, UDrive, Ryan Friedman, Switchcars, etc. Or buy via auction site from a similarly reputable seller... for instance, on BaT... 1600Veloce, 911R, etc.

or

B) Be prepared to do your own homework. It isn't hard. Check the Carfax. Pay for a MPI at a good independent Euro shop or BMW dealer. Look for a comprehensive service history. And most importantly, buy the seller and trust your gut.

FYI, Rod bearings were much more problematic on pre-LCI cars ('08-'10). Personally speaking, I would like to see them replaced on a pre-LCI car over 50k miles and I wouldn't worry about it on an '11-'13.

Agreed. It’s not rare/specific enough and not expensive enough. But if you want to drop that kind of coin on peace of mind just get one from EAG.

I would not deal with Ryan Friedman! They like to change the asking price every day which I find frustrating and consider POS car dealer games!

UPSROD wrote

I would not deal with Ryan Friedman! They like to change the asking price every day which I find frustrating and consider POS car dealer games!

I believe the main reason for the up and down price changes by Friedman and other dealers is to freshen the listing in various search results and internet queries.

Note- I have not personally done business with Friedman but I have bought and sold from several of the other sellers I mentioned

bananabun is in the business (https://www.iconrpm.com/) and might be able to help, he's also been in the track community and a fairly good guy whenever I've had the chance to talk to him.

bipp wrote

bananabun is in the business (https://www.iconrpm.com/) and might be able to help, he's also been in the track community and a fairly good guy whenever I've had the chance to talk to him.

Ah man, I'm just seeing this. Thank you so much for the kind words. I've sold over a dozen of these in the last year, all the way from low mile garage queens to track beaters. Happy to help anybody looking. I personally own 2 E92 M3s and know everything there is to know about this platform.

I know that our inventory screams Porsche but my heart will always be partial to E series BMWs.


Thanks!