Soon to be M3 buyer

[Burstey]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forums and I'm now in the market for a 2008 e92 M3. I just sold my fully modded Mistubishi Evo 8 and ready to get the car I've wanted for a while. Do you guys have any tips for someone that's buying a 2008 E92? I'm looking to stay in the lower 30k range.

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by Burstey

Hey guys, I'm new to the forums and I'm now in the market for a 2008 e92 M3. I just sold my fully modded Mistubishi Evo 8 and ready to get the car I've wanted for a while. Do you guys have any tips for someone that's buying a 2008 E92? I'm looking to stay in the lower 30k range.

Not really enough to get a quality E9x at this point IMO. 08 will not have the iDrive updates. I would consider stretching your budget if possible.

[M3-S65]

Originally Posted by Burstey

Hey guys, I'm new to the forums and I'm now in the market for a 2008 e92 M3. I just sold my fully modded Mistubishi Evo 8 and ready to get the car I've wanted for a while. Do you guys have any tips for someone that's buying a 2008 E92? I'm looking to stay in the lower 30k range.

If your coming from the EVO world I am sure you don't care about the minor creature comforts in the cabin that come with the updates that no one uses...from 08 on up. I have a 2011 and don't use half the crap in it.

Since I know you love the M3, I would only make you aware of the problems that you face with the BMW M3.. Especially comparing it to the EVO...
1. Cost - Maintenance is high, cost of parts are high, aftermarket performance parts are high. Example: Changed my oil myself costs 125 to 140.00. Doing it yourself! Exhaust: A new axel back: 2k new and used 1.3k approximately. I spent 4k on a splitter, diffuser, axel back exhaust and some other cosmetic mods....get the idea?
2. The S65 engine is not perfect: Has bearing issues and valve spring issues etc etc. Search you will find more..lol ... All engines have problems but this engine is expensive so the problems are even more ...scary.
3 Make sure you get one with an extended warranty or get a warranty. Although the engine is reliable, there is a low probability of problems, unlike a EVO where the engine if it grenades, it is not going to cost you 25k to replace! So guess what? Warranty ...costs what? More money!!
4. You cannot find a service tech manual like with EVO. You are on your own, and this forum which is a great resource, or you can find a sorry service tech disc on ebay with a horrible service manual that is very general.

Don't get me wrong I am a M3 lover....but like all cars there are things you need to know before you buy!

[4corners]

Originally Posted by M3-S65

If your coming from the EVO world I am sure you don't care about the minor creature comforts in the cabin that come with the updates that no one uses...from 08 on up. I have a 2011 and don't use half the crap in it.

Since I know you love the M3, I would only make you aware of the problems that you face with the BMW M3.. Especially comparing it to the EVO...
1. Cost - Maintenance is high, cost of parts are high, aftermarket performance parts are high. Example: Changed my oil myself costs 125 to 140.00. Doing it yourself! Exhaust: A new axel back: 2k new and used 1.3k approximately. I spent 4k on a splitter, diffuser, axel back exhaust and some other cosmetic mods....get the idea?
2. The S65 engine is not perfect: Has bearing issues and valve spring issues etc etc. Search you will find more..lol ... All engines have problems but this engine is expensive so the problems are even more ...scary.
3 Make sure you get one with an extended warranty or get a warranty. Although the engine is reliable, there is a low probability of problems, unlike a EVO where the engine if it grenades, it is not going to cost you 25k to replace! So guess what? Warranty ...costs what? More money!!
4. You cannot find a service tech manual like with EVO. You are on your own, and this forum which is a great resource, or you can find a sorry service tech disc on ebay with a horrible service manual that is very general.

Don't get me wrong I am a M3 lover....but like all cars there are things you need to know before you buy!

Good summary, but damn, they run like a bat out of hell. It's worth it, if you have the money. Cheaper to maintain than others I'd imagine.

[superpenguin]

On the flip side, the M3 will be MUCH cheaper to insure than an Evo of the same model year

[JPH704]

Originally Posted by M3-S65

If your coming from the EVO world I am sure you don't care about the minor creature comforts in the cabin that come with the updates that no one uses...from 08 on up. I have a 2011 and don't use half the crap in it.

Since I know you love the M3, I would only make you aware of the problems that you face with the BMW M3.. Especially comparing it to the EVO...
1. Cost - Maintenance is high, cost of parts are high, aftermarket performance parts are high. Example: Changed my oil myself costs 125 to 140.00. Doing it yourself! Exhaust: A new axel back: 2k new and used 1.3k approximately. I spent 4k on a splitter, diffuser, axel back exhaust and some other cosmetic mods....get the idea?
2. The S65 engine is not perfect: Has bearing issues and valve spring issues etc etc. Search you will find more..lol ... All engines have problems but this engine is expensive so the problems are even more ...scary.
3 Make sure you get one with an extended warranty or get a warranty. Although the engine is reliable, there is a low probability of problems, unlike a EVO where the engine if it grenades, it is not going to cost you 25k to replace! So guess what? Warranty ...costs what? More money!!
4. You cannot find a service tech manual like with EVO. You are on your own, and this forum which is a great resource, or you can find a sorry service tech disc on ebay with a horrible service manual that is very general.

Don't get me wrong I am a M3 lover....but like all cars there are things you need to know before you buy!

Good summary, however... The aftermarket is slightly higher than quoted. Most axle-back systems will run over 2k and closer to 3k or more. Everything will cost more aftermarket and maintenance. I do think the e92 is more reliable choice coming from the Evo.

[Burstey]

Thank you everyone for the responses! Im beyond excited to get one. The iDrive isn't a huge deal for me, and I don't have any plans to modify the M3 with aftermarket performance parts. I just want to add a few exterior things such as wheels and diffusers. I also have plans on looking into some warranty options if the car I get doesn't have one. Does low 30k sound right for a 2008 e92 with under 60k miles?

[superpenguin]

Originally Posted by Burstey

Thank you everyone for the responses! Im beyond excited to get one. The iDrive isn't a huge deal for me, and I don't have any plans to modify the M3 with aftermarket performance parts. I just want to add a few exterior things such as wheels and diffusers. I also have plans on looking into some warranty options if the car I get doesn't have one. Does low 30k sound right for a 2008 e92 with under 60k miles?

You'll probably be looking at closer to low 40k.

[Burstey]

Originally Posted by superpenguin

You'll probably be looking at closer to low 40k.

I know I saw a few on the Marketplace on here selling for 35k that were pretty much as I described.

[M3-S65]

Originally Posted by Burstey

Thank you everyone for the responses! Im beyond excited to get one. The iDrive isn't a huge deal for me, and I don't have any plans to modify the M3 with aftermarket performance parts. I just want to add a few exterior things such as wheels and diffusers. I also have plans on looking into some warranty options if the car I get doesn't have one. Does low 30k sound right for a 2008 e92 with under 60k miles?

Low and mid thirty is possible at the mileage you are looking at...

Here you go ...go buy it.

http://www.carmax.com/enus/view-car/...esults:results page

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...nal&listType=3

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...nal&listType=1

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...nal&listType=1

If you find a car with lower miles and love the car don't let 5k stop you. Financed another 5k adds about 100 dollars to the monthly payment.

[Burstey]

Originally Posted by M3-S65

Low and mid thirty is possible at the mileage you are looking at...

Here you go ...go buy it.

http://www.carmax.com/enus/view-car/...esults:results page

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...nal&listType=3

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...nal&listType=1

Thank you, but I realized that those are all e90s. Im wanting an e92.

[JPH704]

Originally Posted by Burstey

Thank you, but I realized that those are all e90s. Im wanting an e92.

E92's run a few thousand more. Are you looking for DCT or 6MT? If DCT... Add a little more.

[Burstey]

Originally Posted by SpaceFox

E92's run a few thousand more. Are you looking for DCT or 6MT? If DCT... Add a little more.

Either would work for me. I think it's going to come down to what deal I find that thats good and close to where I live.