ADVICE PLEASE - 2011 M3 Convertible Jerez Black/ Novello Black

[likecarz]

About to purchase my first M3 ....2011 Convertible, 27k miles, Jerez Black Novello Black Loaded..original MSRP $84k ...from BMW of Roswell / United BMW Roswell.

This being my first M3, does the price seem right? Advice on what to look for when inspecting / driving the car before buying on Wed? Rattles? Anything specific to convertibles? Appreciate any advice! Thanks.

MSRP $84,075 VIN WBSDX9C5XBE584611
ZCV Convenience
0ZP2 Premium Pkg II
0ZCW Cold Weather
0223 EDC Dynamic Damper Control
02ZMK M Double Clutch
02MT 19" Alloy Double Spoke Wheels
05AC Auto High Beams
0725 Enhanced Premuim Sound
06NF Smart a phone integration
0655 Satellite Radio

Dealer asking $58,950 . Settled on $57,000 buy price. Tires replaced at 18,500 miles...now 27,300 miles on air.
CarFax shows dealer bought at auction 90 days ago; 1 previous owner; no accidents, pics look good. Purchase subject to inspection when I get there.

Picking up Wed and driving back to Chicago (weather permitting)..otherwise ship

Have owned 2011 & 2012 535 M sport, 2011 X6, and 2012 650 xDrive.

This being my first M3, does the price seem right? Advice on what to look for when inspecting / driving the car before buying on Wed? Rattles? Anything specific to convertibles? Appreciate any advice! THANKS!

[Wolf_Racer]

This past summer I bought a 08 E93 for $40,500 with 29k miles on it. It has every option and 6 MT and was pretty much flassless (a FL car). Being it is the same car as a '11, 57k seems high but just my guess. '11 is under maintenance and warrantee however, but 17k more?

I dont know what a '11 should get, look at Edmunds.com to get a general idea.

Hope it helps a bit.

If you do buy it, I LOVE my E93. It is an incredible car.

[likecarz]

Hey Thanks Wolf! Does seem a bit high on price but KBB and Edmunds are right there at $58k....warranty is through 12/31/2014 so 22 mos. Color is exact what Ai want....Jerez/Black.....from 09 the M3 has the newer Nav...but you are right..basically the same 08 car. Appreciate the feedback.

[SD-E93-11]

At that price it's in the current range for a non-certified '11. There are quite a few on the market and given that, I'd personally:

Pay perhaps a bit more to get one with fewer miles or one that is certified. You might want to ask them what it would take ($) for them to certify the one you're looking at, or just get the extended warranty.

Find an '11 that was not built in early '10, which the Carfax would indicate this one is. The auto start-stop is a preference thing, but the Nav/Premium audio integration is clearly better. I believe models built after 8/10 was the cut-over date.

It is a good time to be buying an e93 though. Whichever one you get, enjoy it.

[SD-E93-11]

...Oh and one more thing. Hem and haw like you're on the fence...and say you'll buy it if they throw in the wind deflector (assuming it isn't coming with one). It's essential (and a separate accessory - unlike your current ride), and you'll save yourself $500 or so.

[kiloil]

I built my 2013 for 61k

[fuddman]

Did the previous owner buy extended maintenance (not applicable to prior leases)? If so, it carries over to you.

Look under the car for damage, especially the front nose area. Run the top up and down a few times, listen for unusual noises, watch the action of the top ( both inside the car and out) and note that it seats properly. Do the rims show curb rash? Ask to see the maintenance sheet showing what they have done to the car since it arrived or for preparation for sale. Make sure you have all the things that came with the car new, i.e., manuals, jack, tire repair kit, etc.

Because this is likely a lease return, the previous owner may not have cared much about being civil with the car. That possibly being the case, an extended warranty is very important to you. Put that together with the fact the dealer has had it for over 90 days (probably needs to get rid of it) and lobby for an extended warranty.

Good luck!

[likecarz]

SD-11, Fuddman and Wolf...many Thanks for the suggestions! This gives me a very informed list of things to look for and negotiate for on Wednesday. Not that many out there with the color and options I want...but I realize there are others (color) ad can use that ad leverage. Regards, Dave

[Lorde]

Why spend all that money on a slow vert?

[Lorde]

Why spend all that money on a slow vert?

[bvernon]

Originally Posted by Snig

Why spend all that money on a slow vert?

Because he wants a convertible

[likecarz]

Snig...translation please.

[Wolf_Racer]

Originally Posted by likecarz

Snig...translation please.

There are many threads of vert vs non vert, I hope this does not become one!

Sure the non vert is faster because it is a bit lighter (and you can track it etc). But the vert there are advantages too. For colorado where I live, having a convertible is really great and a hardtop for the colder weather times. Like 2 cars in one and with top up does not fee like a traditional soft top. I love my vert and would buy one again, I dont track.

Whatever model M3 you buy you will love it like the vast majority on this forum!

[///M Ryder]

Seems a bit high......Dave I posted on your other thread as well.........Phil

[ZooMMM]

E93 great car for a convertible. But be prepared for some shuddering in chassis when hitting potholes... Especially with top down. There is definitely some flex. That said, car is still great for a vert!

[likecarz]

Thanks guys. Understood on Vert E93 being heavier and some possible shudder...but the Vert is what I am after....with the M3 speed and engine!

[Wolf_Racer]

Originally Posted by likecarz

Thanks guys. Understood on Vert E93 being heavier and some possible shudder...but the Vert is what I am after....with the M3 speed and engine!

Yep, you will love it

[VMcV3y]

Originally Posted by likecarz

Thanks guys. Understood on Vert E93 being heavier and some possible shudder...but the Vert is what I am after....with the M3 speed and engine!

25k miles, model year 2012: doesn't shudder on potholes; it works great on track days; has had one tiny problem with a seal on the rear window (fixed in a few seconds); and may be heavier and slower than other E9x's, but keeps up with many of them on track. Get the car style you want, and don't worry about the naysayers.

- V


.

[llis]

My last car is same year, same color, also loaded with options, is for sale at dealer as CPO. Not a convertible, though, but still, why isn't the one you're buying CPO?

[fuddman]

Originally Posted by llis

.... why isn't the one you're buying CPO?

I would speculate there are two reasons. You have to understand the CPO (insurance) tag on a car is authorized by BMWNA not the dealer. The dealer has to pay BMWNA for that privilege and , to recover that payment, add that cost to the asking price of the car. Two reasons are:

1) (likely) The dealer does not want to add to the asking price of the car and
2) The car, itself, does not meet a BMWNA criteria for cars they authorize to be labeled CPO. For example, a car with frame damage would not be allowed to be a CPO labeled car.

In any case, I think it's a good question to ask the dealer.

[Vic311]

Originally Posted by Snig

Why spend all that money on a slow vert?

[Powerbeast]

Seems pretty reasonable for a 2011 E93.