G20 to E92

[dr_frankfurter]

I currently drive a G20 330i and am heavily considering selling it (for a small profit) and buying a 2011 E92 M3. Competition Package, DCT. Any input/ advise/ personal experience/ expected maintenance costs are welcome. Want to know if it's a good decision to make.

[Bimmer Barney]

I track my mod and maintenance cost closely. If I look at maintenance only I'm about $1200 per year. That includes the amortization of rod bearing service ($2500). YMMV, but that's a data backed benchmark.

I came from a 335i. I don't have any regrets despite the higher cost of maintenance.

[Longboarder]

We don't know your situation. Only you know if it's a good decision for you to make.

[dr_frankfurter]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Barney

I track my mod and maintenance cost closely. If I look at maintenance only I'm about $1200 per year. That includes the amortization of rod bearing service ($2500). YMMV, but that's a data backed benchmark.

I came from a 335i. I don't have any regrets despite the higher cost of maintenance.

I've heard rod bearings are essentially the biggest issue with the S65. The car I'm looking at buying has recently had the bearings, control arms, and throttle body actuators replaced. Well maintained but over 150K miles. I guess my only concern is maintenance and reliability but I haven't heard any real horror stories about E92's.

[Bimmer Barney]

Compared to the N54, I've found the S65 to be way more issue free. In fact I haven't had any engine issues or codes with this car. If those things are sorted then you should good but that does seem like quite a few miles generally. Makes me start watching radiator and hoses, belts, etc.

[dr_frankfurter]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Barney

Compared to the N54, I've found the S65 to be way more issue free. In fact I haven't had any engine issues or codes with this car. If those things are sorted then you should good but that does seem like quite a few miles generally. Makes me start watching radiator and hoses, belts, etc.

How many miles have you put on it for the time you've had it if you don't mind me asking?

[Bimmer Barney]

About 45k

[Adriano917]

Do it.

[MPG_LOL]

Originally Posted by dr_frankfurter

I've heard rod bearings are essentially the biggest issue with the S65. The car I'm looking at buying has recently had the bearings, control arms, and throttle body actuators replaced. Well maintained but over 150K miles. I guess my only concern is maintenance and reliability but I haven't heard any real horror stories about E92's.

$1,200 t0 $2,000 a year is a good rule of thumb if it's your only car.
Not only do you have throttle actuators and rod bearings, but keep in mind its an older BMW so you have to take care of lots of expensive ancillary stuff.
Valve covers with gaskets, driveshaft, brake rotors are $300 each, oil changes are $300 at an indy shop.
It adds up. If you can afford it, go for it. If the idea of getting hit with a $2.5K bill makes you stress, this isn't the car for you.

[BimmerRookie]

Originally Posted by MPG_LOL

$1,200 t0 $2,000 a year is a good rule of thumb if it's your only car.
Not only do you have throttle actuators and rod bearings, but keep in mind its an older BMW so you have to take care of lots of expensive ancillary stuff.
Valve covers with gaskets, driveshaft, brake rotors are $300 each, oil changes are $300 at an indy shop.
It adds up. If you can afford it, go for it. If the idea of getting hit with a $2.5K bill makes you stress, this isn't the car for you.

Bolded above. Things add up unexpectedly. If you can afford the purchase, that's one thing, but as our E9X's get older, [preventiative] maintenance stacks up. Take a gander at FCP Euro to get an idea of the expense of parts alone.

Alternatively, I would see if you can get some seat time in an E9X. As a daily, it will be worlds apart from your G20. Minimal (to modern standards) creature comforts, noisier, completely different interior/exterior design cues, etc. It might be an adjustment.

Be reasonable, don't be wowed by the hype (nor the torque-less S65), it may not be the best option for you.

I love my E93, but I'm just trying to be objective and honest

[dr_frankfurter]

Appreciate the honesty, that's what I'm looking for. "Do it" is very convincing, however. Repairs won't be a problem (have a family friend BMW-fanboy mechanic). I've driven a manual E93 once for about 10 minutes and it felt amazing. But I definitely need to spend some time behind the wheel to see if I can live with it everyday. Don't plan to put more than 12-13K miles on it a year, but I still want to enjoy it both on the track and on the 2 hour drive back home. Not my first daily V8 but I can't underestimate gas costs either. Learned that the hard way with my old 5.7