WTB e92 manual in 2020

[M3e9x_Aust]

Hi everyone

A newbie here and looking to buy an e92 manual in early 2020. Looking at Carsales it seems most are 2007/08.....

Hoping for a 2009+ manual so the rod bearing issue goes away. Any insight here why there's so little number for sale?

[Fezza]

all e9x m3 model years are affected by rod bearing issue. only way to minimise the risks is to get it done after purchase or buy one with rod bearings already done. I'd suggest you base your search on low kms instead.

[M3e9x_Aust]

I thought from MY09 and onwards they have upgraded the rod bearings?

[CooLeh7]

09 was when the DCT became available....hence the lack of manual transmission after....😩

[bvrider1]

+1

Originally Posted by Fezza

all e9x m3 model years are affected by rod bearing issue. only way to minimise the risks is to get it done after purchase or buy one with rod bearings already done. I'd suggest you base your search on low kms instead.

[M3e9x_Aust]

Thanks guys

Will continue my search and hope to get a great one in 2020 and join you guys as a proud m3 owner 🤓

[DaveDee]

Originally Posted by M3e9x_Aust

Hi everyone

A newbie here and looking to buy an e92 manual in early 2020. Looking at Carsales it seems most are 2007/08.....

Hoping for a 2009+ manual so the rod bearing issue goes away. Any insight here why there's so little number for sale?

A friend has one for sale but its 2007 like many 6MT. He is a BMW Tech in Queensland , the car is supercharged and has a Harrop Big Brake Kit, and the engine has had a total rebuild with forged internals. It also has BBS Wheels and of course is really well looked after, the car was wrapped for a few years but now back to Silverstone.

Its here https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...yYdeJQqxsN6b5E

[M3e9x_Aust]

Thanks DaveDee. That's a very nice car indeed.

Though I am more a stock car person and prefer a non modified version.

[DaveDee]

Originally Posted by M3e9x_Aust

Thanks DaveDee. That's a very nice car indeed.

Though I am more a stock car person and prefer a non modified version.

Yes, that's how we all start out

[jackindabox]

This 2013 model in manual looks like a good example of what you may be looking for:
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...-6387335/?Cr=0

[M3e9x_Aust]

Yeah this one definitely has the spec I am after.

Though it is interesting that it's almost priced at double the price with a similar mileage: https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...SSE-AD-4734961

If the rod bearings issue is across the board I wonder if it's better to get a cheaper one (perhaps 2007/08), replace the rod bearings and throttle actuators as opposed to get a overpriced newer version.

[kmli5]

The 07 Grey is very good value. Good colour combo in my opinion.

I would suggest get the cheaper one and do all the preventative maintenance. It will always play in your mind whether it is 07 or 13. And besides the comp pack and idrive, they are pretty much the exact same car.

Good luck mate.

[E90M3_Guy]

I know there's a big price difference between the two, but I would tend to stretch the budget to the 2013 model. There are a number of subtle improvements in the LCI from 2010/11 onwards such as improved iDrive with higher res screen, LED tail lights etc.

Also manufacturers tend to fix and improve little things along the way. I think the rod bearings have an improved tab to help prevent them spinning when worn.

Another factor is how long you intend to keep it. The purchase of a recent build tends to future-proof the purchase somewhat for a long period of ownership.

[BMWM3TS]

Originally Posted by E90M3_Guy

I know there's a big price difference between the two, but I would tend to stretch the budget to the 2013 model. There are a number of subtle improvements in the LCI from 2010/11 onwards such as improved iDrive with higher res screen, LED tail lights etc.

Also manufacturers tend to fix and improve little things along the way. I think the rod bearings have an improved tab to help prevent them spinning when worn.

Another factor is how long you intend to keep it. The purchase of a recent build tends to future-proof the purchase somewhat for a long period of ownership.

With reference to subtle improvements, just a view but I am with Dave Dee. These cars are light and day difference between a boring stock example and some subtle tweaks to improve the behind the wheel driving experience. ( Slight tweaks =air filter ( bit of induction noise reminds me of driving a turbo with the right filter) tune( bugger all hp increase but big difference in throttle response with an exhaust), height adjustable springs ( reduce 4x4 stock look), exhaust( xpipe for throttle response with a tune, back box to remove handcuffs that factory engineers had on them in terms of some s65 symphony across the rev range ) dct tune if you go dct ( noticeably quicker gear shifts). All these are easily reversible if you feel the need to return it to stock ( why you would has me baffled ( pun intended particularly with respect to a stock exhaust)).

But I do agree with you, in terms of buying closer to 2013 than 2007. A PRE LCI ain't no lci and worth the premium. But buy on condition and do a ppi Happy hunting.

PS If I was buying today with an eye on the future and the other on the budget, I would be after a 2013 pure with low km's in white and carbon fibre factory as much as you could get and negotiate hard( need about 5k to sort out those tweaks above. I would do those mods all day every day before any preventative work such as rod bearings ( how many low km's 2013 m3s had the rod bearings grenade a s65 motor as a percentage of all 2013's manufactured) just service regularly and don't flog the motor shortly after a cold start. Throttle bodies are a non event. Just replace / fix if they ever go at the time. Also seems you won't be going there, but beyond those subtle tweaks mentioned above,if you think 450hp ain't going to cut it, just buy a supercharged example already done from the get go if you value your hard earnt.