Looking to buy an E90/92 M3, in need of some guidance

Stugger wrote

Hey guys, so I’m finally in the position to purchase my dream car. I’ve been avidly refreshing Craigslist and numerous other sites in search of an E90 or E92 M3. I’m looking for a 08/09 DCT with (preferably) 80k or less miles. My budget is roughly 25k. I’ve done hours upon hours of research on this M3 in hopes of knowing what I’m getting myself into. I apologize if this thread is overplayed, I’m just hoping to get some feedback/advice more perdinent to my own situation.

So I’ve seen some ‘horror’ stories regarding ‘common’ issues, such as rod bearing failure, throttle actuators, dct lag, idler air valve, etc... and honestly it’s terrifying to me as someone who is not mechanically inclined and really does not know what to look for specifically. This will be my second time purchasing a car on my own and if it comes down to it, first time purchasing from a dealer. I have nobody with the know-how that can accompany me or advise me. My current car is a 1999 323i e46 which I bought extremely cheap considering it needed a new transmission. That worked out for the most part initially, but now unfortunately it’s just one problem after the other, the car is no where near worth dumping any more money into it. But yes, I am aware that this a sports car, and it is going to cost a heap more on insurance/gas /maintenance/repair. I’ve set aside a financial cushion and have what I believe to be the income to upkeep the vehicle. I’m trying to avoid the repair scenario though.

So I guess my questions to you guys are: (P.S I live in Oregon if it makes any difference)

1. Is there anything specific I should be listening/looking out for? Common noises, feelings, visual, responses that should raise an immediate red flag? Even subtle. Should I be checking for oddities in fluids, suspension, dct, etc? Like I said I am not mechanically inclined so I really don’t know what to look for. I drive an old 3-series so knocks, noises, poor handling and weird feelings tend to be the norm for me, I’m afraid anything better than this would seem like perfection where as it could mean catastrophe for the M3.

If you're unsure what to look for have a pre purchase inspection done by a reputable shop that specializes in these kinds of cars. Shouldn't be more than $200.

2. Would an extended warranty be worth it? If I’d even be able to get one considering the age/mileage.

If you're not mechanically inclined I'd say so but it depends on previous maintenance and you're willingness to learn how to work on it. These cars aren't as bad as everyone thinks and there's plenty of very well documented DIYs on here.

3. I’m unfamiliar on how dealership purchases work (I should do more research on this) but do dealerships typically have a “grace” period in which I will have a certain amount of time post or pre purchase to get the car fully inspected by BMW?

It depends on the dealer for the grace period. Any decent dealer would let you get a PPI done as mentioned before. (Before you buy it)

4. Given the M3 will most likely be in the 80k mile range, are there certain things I can expect to be replacing at this point in the cars life? Are there certain things that should have already been done to it that I should be aware of? Or what about the differences in years (2008/2009) would one be more “reliable” than the other?

Pretty much anything rubber will be at the end of its life, throttle actuators go around this time, stock suspension will most likely be worn and of course rod bearings. LCI for the E90 happened in 2009 so you get the LED tail lights and for the E92 didn't happen until 2011. All E90/92 had the old idrive in 2008 that imo is awful.

5. Any other advice/guidance? I am really lacking confidence doing this on my own. and will take any advice given. I just really want this to work out and desperately don’t want to end up with a lost cause.

Don't overthink it and if it feels wrong it probably is.

I apologize if that is a lot to answer, honestly I’ve already researched all of this and more, it was a whole lot of information to process and various threads/websites I dug through. I’m really hoping this will generate a single reference for me (or anyone in my shoes) to look back on. Most of the things I’ve read have gone in one ear and out the other unfortunately. A lot of it wasn’t specific to my situation either, which made it harder to discern things.

And sorry if this comes off more as a “Teach me how to buy a car” thread, I’d post on a general vehicle purchasing forum if it weren’t an M3, I’d just really like to hear from those of you who know the ins and outs of this vehicle or have been through the same thing. I really appreciate it, thank you.

BOOF-M3 wrote

roastbeef has an excellent thread on how he has maintained his car. Read it and learn If you expect to keep her running strong for many years to come.

BOOF-M3 wrote

Excellent first post. You have nothing to apologize for. Keep reading the forums, look for members who appear to be similar to you in thought and look for those who you would like to model your car after and read up on their threads/posts for ideas on maintenance and modding. roastbeef has an excellent thread on how he has maintained his car. Read it and learn If you expect to keep her running strong for many years to come.

Theodore has an excellent thread specifically for future owners like yourself. Read this immediately as I have posted it below.

For New Owners - What I wish I knew when I first bought my E9X M3: https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1418410

Guys like UPSROD and jiggz are really helpful when it comes to finding cars that fit the bill for new buyers. I'm sure they will see this thread and have some pointers. Welcome to the M3 family.

Warpig12354 wrote

Answered beneath questions.

///Mbitions wrote

Yes that thread is awesome. OP you said it yourself, you’ve read up about all the potential issues with this car so you have an understanding what to look for. Find a local BMW indy and Always have a ppi (pre purchase inspection) done, it will not detect the major stuff like bearings but it will at least inform you about the basic stuff like brakes, tires, leaks, damaged subframe, some places might even do compression tests. What’s also great about having a ppi done is the shop will give you an honest answer if they would buy the car or not, I had one looked at which had rear subframe damaged that wasn’t noted until I had a ppi done. Warranties will be costly because of the age and mileage so get prices, take the vin to a local BMW dealer an they can print out any service records if the car was serviced at a BMW dealer. All you can do is find out as much as you can about that specific car man you never really know what’ll happen. Order a blackstone test (research that) so you can test copper levels if you do buy the car. Good luck

roastbeef wrote

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1436109

Transfer wrote

I say do everything you can to get some warranty (even if just for 20k miles through 100k) although don't pay more than like $0.15/mi. Alternatively do the rod bearings immediately - might actually be better overall going that route at higher mileage cars anyway.

Post in regional Northwest forum and I bet you could connect with someone who knows these cars. If I were local to you (I'm in Seattle sorry) I would go see cars with you if you wanted help. Having someone who knows the ins/outs of these M3s is very helpful. These cars have a lot of unique stuff to pay attention to.

Stugger wrote

1. Is there anything specific I should be listening/looking out for? Common noises, feelings, visual, responses that should raise an immediate red flag? Even subtle. Should I be checking for oddities in fluids, suspension, dct, etc? Like I said I am not mechanically inclined so I really don’t know what to look for. I drive an old 3-series so knocks, noises, poor handling and weird feelings tend to be the norm for me, I’m afraid anything better than this would seem like perfection where as it could mean catastrophe for the M3.

2. Would an extended warranty be worth it? If I’d even be able to get one considering the age/mileage.

3. I’m unfamiliar on how dealership purchases work (I should do more research on this) but do dealerships typically have a “grace” period in which I will have a certain amount of time post or pre purchase to get the car fully inspected by BMW?

4. Given the M3 will most likely be in the 80k mile range, are there certain things I can expect to be replacing at this point in the cars life? Are there certain things that should have already been done to it that I should be aware of? Or what about the differences in years (2008/2009) would one be more “reliable” than the other?

5. Any other advice/guidance? I am really lacking confidence doing this on my own. and will take any advice given. I just really want this to work out and desperately don’t want to end up with a lost cause.

I apologize if that is a lot to answer, honestly I’ve already researched all of this and more, it was a whole lot of information to process and various threads/websites I dug through. I’m really hoping this will generate a single reference for me (or anyone in my shoes) to look back on. Most of the things I’ve read have gone in one ear and out the other unfortunately. A lot of it wasn’t specific to my situation either, which made it harder to discern things.

BOOF-M3 wrote

Worth looking at.

2009 M3 Alpine white $23k firm! https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1421429