What are the M3's issues

[Nelrock]

Originally Posted by nradbmw

So, I went from a E46M3 to a CTS-V to a C6Z06 and now I'm headed to an E92M3. It's complicated, but there's a reason for each car. In any event, I'd like to purchase with eyes wide open. What are the current issues, complaints or things to watch out of when picking up a used M3 with about 20k miles on it. I'll be getting the a DCT because I can't operate a clutch anymore. (trust me, I'd get a MT if I could)

Thanks guys,

One thing you have to keep in mind...many people only post when they have a problem. So, you look on a forum, it may seem like there are all sorts of problems.
I, myself, have not had any. I will confirm what other have said about the paint...it dings very easily.
I'd also add the windshield glass is incredibly soft too. I only have 4800 miles on mine and the glass is pitted very badly.

Other than that...absolutely love the car.

[Falafel Combo]

Originally Posted by Xcelrrate

57,285 miles on last fill up. NO issues here and I drive her hard!

OP, this has been the only known issue with used M3's. Most likely to be driven hard (*cough* *cough* ... abused like a crippled donkey in an underground rodeo), by previous owners.

[aspahn]

At 7k miles, I had a leaky power steering hose and a bad power steering pump. All covered under warranty.

[stefan]

Originally Posted by JB_Vert

The only consistent complaint I'm aware of is the idle control valve, which should have already gone bad by 20K if it were going to.

Also really common to all 3-series cars. Keep in mind though, you can usually just clean the ICV out and it doesn't take too long. It's not even that bad of a replacement. But it is something I wish was tossed in with the "regular maintenance".

[Dannys M3]

65,346 miles, I've had the idle control valve fix, DCT reprogrammed and just a couple of weeks ago I had to replenish the R134a. Must be a very slow leak because the AC is still cold after two weeks. So I guess you could say no major issues.

[BobsM3Coupe]

Originally Posted by W Cole

So far no problems with mine (14k miles). However, I have noted that the paint is incredibly soft. My m3 at 14k miles has more rock chips than my 04 mercedes (nano clear) has at 90k miles.

All manufacturers have to use the softer paint to meet environmental regulations. It's been that way for a few years now, no matter what country of origin.

[youngnastyman]

often known to cause increased cheek clenching in passengers

[sameh]

30,000 miles on my 2011 (yes 2011) DCT. Can't stop driving it (I guess my milage speaks for itself) no other issues.

[rick berry]

Over 30th miles, no problems. Ordered new car last month. DCT again. Really is a practical daily driver, that can also bare it's fangs and scare most passengers. Hard to go much faster on public roads.

[e1000]

The M3 is among the most reliable performance cars made today and if not the most reliable BMW made today.

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

Originally Posted by e1000

The M3 is among the most reliable performance cars made today and if not the most reliable BMW made today.

That's actually a fact. The M3 is BMW's most reliable car. Don't know if that's going to stick next gen with all the HPFP's that'll be popping up.

[nradbmw]

What about track duty. Is it a daily driver that can serve weekend warrior time at the track?

[nradbmw]

Originally Posted by -=Hot|Ice=-

That's actually a fact. The M3 is BMW's most reliable car. Don't know if that's going to stick next gen with all the HPFP's that'll be popping up.

any references?

[M3er]

Originally Posted by nradbmw

any references?

edmunds...?

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

Originally Posted by bmw_enthusiasm

edmunds...?

Originally Posted by nradbmw

any references?

JDpower.com, Edmunds.com Check them out.

[GOVCO]

Well, if you ask me what issues I have had with my M3, I will tell you just one huge issue! Happens every time I drive her. I tell my wife about it, and she agree's! The issue, and I bet all of us know what I'm talking about too. [scratching your head...wondering what can it be...]

It happens to every M3 made. You want more of it! I find myself going on random trips...even if it's to the end of my driveway. It happens. The thrill will consume your very being. Each morning you fire her up. Listen and smell her. Ahhhh....[hold on....]

[5min lapses.....]

[10min lapses....]

[15min lapses...]

Okay, she was calling me again. Tearing at my heart to take her out on the ever so windy roads..... No issues to report! Just obsession!

[nradbmw]

Ya, I can't wait to pick one up. Any specific year to stay away from?

[Bx Tpr]

Picked the car up in Feb 11 and it's my daily driver. 17k with mods, 4 track days and not a single issue.

[Erie Von Otto]

I concur with the obsession statement. This is a fact. Thinking about the car is overwhelming. You dont want to drive anything else, ride anything else, sit in anything else. My motorcycle has collected quite a nice layer of dust over the past few months of ownership of the M3. She is my DD and I love it. Soft paint is a pia, scratches appear out of nowhere. But what can you do, environmental hippy freaks messing with everything worldwide.

[rdollie]

The one thing I'll add to the list is that the windshields get pits way too fast. My '09 windshield after a cleaning looks like it's been sandblasted when I'm driving into the sunlight.

[markjord]

Originally Posted by rdollie

The one thing I'll add to the list is that the windshields get pits way too fast. My '09 windshield after a cleaning looks like it's been sandblasted when I'm driving into the sunlight.

Agreed. I had a non oem one fitted 15 months ago and it's still near perfect. Weird that. The same issue also affects the headlight lenses.

[James T. Kirk]

No issues that you should expect.
Just get it checked out by a dealership and take the plunge.
You sound like a grown-up. I bet you will not miss that Vette.