2011 e90 m3 buying advice

[tonymac1]

Hi all, still looking to buy a e90 m3. Is 70k miles a lot for a 2011 model? is the throttle actuator swap really important?
Also, comp pack adds value to resale but is it really worth buying one with comp pack?
FYI the car i was looking at had over 70k miles, 2011 model but TA and RB have not been replaced.
Any input is appreciated. Thanks

[derbo]

Throttle actuators aren't that important as they can fail but it is not a catastrophic engine failure.

Competition package adds 19" Style 359 wheels, lowers the car by 10mm and revises the electronic dampening control software. It is up to you if that is worth the premium.

Rod bearings is always a concern on the forums so just budget the replacement of those items in the final decision vs one that had it done already.

[tonymac1]

Originally Posted by derbo

Throttle actuators aren't that important as they can fail but it is not a catastrophic engine failure.

Competition package adds 19" Style 359 wheels, lowers the car by 10mm and revises the electronic dampening control software. It is up to you if that is worth the premium.

Rod bearings is always a concern on the forums so just budget the replacement of those items in the final decision vs one that had it done already.

Thank you! i definitely took the RB replacement into consideration and since there aren't that many comp pack sedans right now im gonna go with the best one i can find, and get the comp pack wheels later.

[AC/DC]

Originally Posted by tonymac1

Thank you! i definitely took the RB replacement into consideration and since there aren't that many comp pack sedans right now im gonna go with the best one i can find, and get the comp pack wheels later.

1200 comp sedans ever made. Keep that in mind...

[SilverSlug]

70k is not a lot for a 2011... That's like 7k miles per year.

The plus side to buying one without TA and RB already done is you can control who does it, find a reputable shop and assure they use quality parts.

TA rebuild is like $650 + labor and comes with a lifetime warranty, so not like the $2200-$2500 for RB's.

Btw the Comp Pack also includes a carbon fiber roof, less weight up top = lower center of gravity = better handling.

And as MBimmer mentioned... only 1200 made.

[tonymac1]

Originally Posted by SilverSlug

70k is not a lot for a 2011... That's like 7k miles per year.

The plus side to buying one without TA and RB already done is you can control who does it, find a reputable shop and assure they use quality parts.

TA rebuild is like $650 + labor and comes with a lifetime warranty, so not like the $2200-$2500 for RB's.

Btw the Comp Pack also includes a carbon fiber roof, less weight up top = lower center of gravity = better handling.

And as MBimmer mentioned... only 1200 made.

I thought e90s don't have carbon fiber roof at all?

[br2wdc]

Correct, only E92 has the Carbon Fiber Roof option, not the E90.

Originally Posted by tonymac1

I thought e90s don't have carbon fiber roof at all?

[br2wdc]

First off, RB and TA are the biggest concerns for any used E9x M3. I would budget around $5,000.00 for TA & RB ($2k & $3k) if they have not already been done.

The more important factor when I was looking 6 months ago was the condition of the car and how it was maintained by the previous owner(s). A PPI is really the only way to find out the current condition of the car, and I used that plus the Carfax plus any service/maintenance receipts to determine how well the car was maintained.

Competition package was on my wish list initially when I was looking, but became more of a "nice to have" vs. the condition of the car.

Originally Posted by tonymac1

Thank you! i definitely took the RB replacement into consideration and since there aren't that many comp pack sedans right now im gonna go with the best one i can find, and get the comp pack wheels later.

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by tonymac1

I thought e90s don't have carbon fiber roof at all?

All E92's without a sunroof have the carbon roof. E90's never did, and the comp pack never impacted the CF roof.

TA's like others said will vary in price. A rebuilt TA which is a pretty easy DIY if you follow the instructions and take your time and have ever worked on your car can do both for ~$750 USD if you go with a rebuilt like M power. Honestly there's so much work that involves removing the plenum that I feel like an expert at it now between replacing the idle control hose, fuel breather valve and spark plugs.

If you live in an area with shops the rod bearings can be done under $3k usually (with motor mounts as well).

[SYT_Shadow]

I can't believe people are budgeting for TA swaps when they get the car. Facepalm.

[DRLane]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

I can't believe people are budgeting for TA swaps when they get the car. Facepalm.

Considering most will spend 2x the price of TAs on nonsensical carbon mods.

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by DRLane

Considering most will spend 2x the price of TAs on nonsensical carbon mods.

I spent more than that on paint correction and coating. Cause it better shimmer on the back of that tow truck.

[DRLane]

I've done that as well. No shame The benefits washing alone are worth it.

Sadly mine (black) has been getting uglier and uglier with tracking and the occasional mishap. I'm thinking of ordering some matte ppf and working on full ppf little by little over winter.