Looking at getting into a 2008 E93 M3

[Mosaud1998]

I've had my eyes on this E93 for a while now. It's got 38k miles and is priced at $29,998. I am thinking about trading in my G30 540 (depending on what I can get for it).

What's everyone take on the E93? I have never owned a convertable. My brother-in-law has owned a couple of M3s. He recommends to not get a convertible because it's expensive to maintain the top if it goes bad and there can be water leak issues etc.

Here's a link to the E93: https://www.saintcharlesmotorcars.co...w-m3/100262608

I know resale value-wise, I don't think the E93 generation will hold much of its value compared to an E90 or E92.

Let me know you guy's take. Car looks super clean. I looked at it in person maybe 2~ months ago. Priced a bit high compared to Classic.com. A similar one sold on BAT for $27,250.

Linke to BAT E93 M3: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...onvertible-42/

[Brandoch]

I bought an E93 in June 2022. Love driving every minute of it. No, the E93 is not an E92 as far as the purists go. However I would not trade my E93 for an E92. There is more drama and sound with the top down.

[kolosy]

Originally Posted by Mosaud1998

I've had my eyes on this E93 for a while now. It's got 38k miles and is priced at $29,998. I am thinking about trading in my G30 540 (depending on what I can get for it).

What's everyone take on the E93? I have never owned a convertable. My brother-in-law has owned a couple of M3s. He recommends to not get a convertible because it's expensive to maintain the top if it goes bad and there can be water leak issues etc.

Here's a link to the E93: https://www.saintcharlesmotorcars.co...w-m3/100262608

I know resale value-wise, I don't think the E93 generation will hold much of its value compared to an E90 or E92.

Let me know you guy's take. Car looks super clean. I looked at it in person maybe 2~ months ago. Priced a bit high compared to Classic.com. A similar one sold on BAT for $27,250.

Linke to BAT E93 M3: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...onvertible-42/

i had an e93 for about a year. awesome for what it is -- top down V8 noises. if that's what you're looking for, it's tough to beat. i ended up switching to a coupe because it was just too slow because of the added weight for what i wanted.

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by kolosy

i had an e93 for about a year. awesome for what it is — top down V8 noises. if that's what you're looking for, it's tough to beat. i ended up switching to a coupe because it was just too slow because of the added weight for what i wanted.

I forgot about the added weight on a E93. I could just tune the 540 to make more power. I feel like the 540 Is more of a "old man car". Me being in my early/late 20s, I kinda want something "sportier". If that makes sense.

[E92Bean]

I’m more into my ‘13 carbon roof comp I bought a few months ago. There are a few factors. If you ever plan to track the car or aggressively hit backroads, the e93 is heavier with less chassis rigidity. Also the roof is expensive mechanism to fix and can leak.

Good for a GT car, but an e90 or e92 is better for sports car activities.

[CTMike]

Looks like a nice one. Look, everyone here is going tell you it’s like driving a Chrysler compared to the E92 even though most folks aren’t close to exploring its limits ever, never mind on a daily basis. If you want a track weapon there are better choices all around. If you want a car that puts a huge stinkin smile on your face every time you get on the gas and drive the thing… you can do a whole lot worse than an E93 M3.

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by CTMike

Looks like a nice one. Look, everyone here is going tell you it’s like driving a Chrysler compared to the E92 even though most folks aren’t close to exploring its limits ever, never mind on a daily basis. If you want a track weapon there are better choices all around. If you want a car that puts a huge stinkin smile on your face every time you get on the gas and drive the thing… you can do a whole lot worse than an E93 M3.

Eh, I probably will never track it . I've always wanted an M3. I had the opportunity when I sold my E90 3 series and bought the 540. But, somehow got talked into the 540

Plus, money was kinda tight at the time. Now, I have a winter car that I can use during the winter months and the M3 can be the summer cruiser. I don't hate the 540, it's smooth and runs fine (sitting at 36k miles). Just want something sportier. I could tune the 540 after the warranty expires. But, I still doubt it'll be like driving an M3.

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by E92Bean

I’m more into my ‘13 carbon roof comp I bought a few months ago. There are a few factors. If you ever plan to track the car or aggressively hit backroads, the e93 is heavier with less chassis rigidity. Also the roof is expensive mechanism to fix and can leak.

Good for a GT car, but an e90 or e92 is better for sports car activities.

The roof is my biggest fear. If that thing goes bad, you're f*ucked .

I doubt the RB or TA has been done on the E93 I am looking at. With only 38k miles, I don't think I'd need them done ASAP.

I've been looking at E92 M3s also and found one at a highly reputable BMW dealership near me. But, it looks like a more "basic" M3.

Link to E92 M3: https://www.billjacobsbmw.com/invent...d93549p361450/

The dealership has dropped the price by $7,900 since it was listed in December. Wonder why it hasn't sold. I might have to go take a look at it tomorrow on my day off.

[E92Bean]

Originally Posted by Mosaud1998

The roof is my biggest fear. If that thing goes bad, you're f*ucked .

I doubt the RB or TA has been done on the E93 I am looking at. With only 38k miles, I don't think I'd need them done ASAP.

I've been looking at E92 M3s also and found one at a highly reputable BMW dealership near me. But, it looks like a more "basic" M3.

Link to E92 M3: https://www.billjacobsbmw.com/invent...d93549p361450/

The dealership has dropped the price by $7,900 since it was listed in December. Wonder why it hasn't sold. I might have to go take a look at it tomorrow on my day off.

I like that one more than the e93. Although the spec isn’t that unique it looks very clean. I’d check it out! I also picked up my e92 from a BMW dealer.

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by E92Bean

I like that one more than the e93. Although the spec isn’t that unique it looks very clean. I’d check it out! I also picked up my e92 from a BMW dealer.

I think I'm gonna go take a look at it tomorrow. Rod bearings etc have not been done per dealer. That's going to cost roughly $3.5k for both.


4 owners kind scares me tho.

[pedro2u]

Assuming it's accurate, the Carfax on this 2008 is very interesting. There are so many service visits listed...... and at very short mileage intervals. Previous owner was either meticulous about over maintaining, or at the other extreme, there possibly was a lingering issue that they were struggling to resolve over many visits.

Also, as far as rod bearings go, I would think that many e93's are driven usually only in fair weather, and possibly have never been tracked.. Because it's about that top down experience and intoxicating intake and exhaust sound. Also meaning they may not have seen much WOT or heel/toe driving in their lifetime.

And I know in my lifetime, my verts have been my garage queens and got to spend their winters in storage

GL with the hunt!

[Mosaud1998]

Got the used car inspection sheet for the 09. I have it attached.

Needs tires all the way around, VCG, and the serpentine belt changed.

[pedro2u]

tires, belts, dirty air filter, dark and low brake fluid, emerging VCG leak, and a pulsation on braking. Hinting of a car that might not have been maintained but the Carfax says otherwise. So brake flush, possible rotors, filter, tires, VCG (eventually). Did they test the coolant?

Interesting that the brake fluid was dark and low. It says it was flushed at 75K miles by the same dealer just 2 months ago? Unless this PPI was performed before the dealer serviced it. If so, what items got addressed prior to sale?

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by pedro2u

tires, belts, dirty air filter, dark and low brake fluid, emerging VCG leak, and a pulsation on braking. Hinting of a car that might not have been maintained but the Carfax says otherwise. So brake flush, possible rotors, filter, tires, VCG (eventually). Did they test the coolant?

Interesting that the brake fluid was dark and low. It says it was flushed at 75K miles by the same dealer just 2 months ago?

Coolant seems okay per the report. Now I see why they've had the car for 2~ months. It needs at least $5k~ worth of work to be a "reliable" car. $543(minus labor) for both VCG, brake kit front and back, belt, and pully.

MICHELIN PILOT SPORT ALL SEASON 4 pilot $1,217.75 with tax etc.

$3,700 for RB and TA.

[CTMike]

Both look to be nice options Can’t go wrong with that S65 engine.

Knock on wood, no significant issues with the top on my E93. Not saying this makes it cheap, but I believe the top carried over essentially unchanged to the F33/F83 so parts should be readily available (perhaps even a donor roof in worst case scenario). There are several nice guides around here about servicing the hard top and recommended lubrication of joints and seals.

[pedro2u]

Looks like CTMike and I both have 2011 M3 E93's in CT. I also previously had a 2005 ZHP convertible (soft top) and have had no issues with either with proper lubrication.......

And as CTMike said, attached is one of those guides on top maintenance.

[E92Bean]

Originally Posted by Mosaud1998

Coolant seems okay per the report. Now I see why they've had the car for 2~ months. It needs at least $5k~ worth of work to be a "reliable" car. $543(minus labor) for both VCG, brake kit front and back, belt, and pully.

MICHELIN PILOT SPORT ALL SEASON 4 pilot $1,217.75 with tax etc.

$3,700 for RB and TA.

The wear items show me the car was driven hard at maybe some trackdays. Also the only preventative work I’d do are the RB’s. TA’s only put the car in limp mode and aren’t catastrophic when they go. Better to just replace once they go bad. With VCG’s it depends on the severity of the leak. Mine are weeping, but I’m not in a hurry to replace them.

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by E92Bean

The wear items show me the car was driven hard at maybe some trackdays. Also the only preventative work I’d do are the RB’s. TA’s only put the car in limp mode and aren’t catastrophic when they go. Better to just replace once they go bad. With VCG’s it depends on the severity of the leak. Mine are weeping, but I’m not in a hurry to replace them.

I like the E93. I'm digging the color combo. The miles are super low on it also. But, the E92 seems like a decent deal minus the fact that it will need tires sooner rather than later. I mean, 4/32 isn't THAT bad but still.

I might go look at the E92 tomorrow (if I feel like it ). What kind of price should I have in mind for both the E93 and E92? E93 I was thinking close to $27k~. Taking into consideration one with the same opinions and miles sold for $27,250 on BAT 3 months ago.

E92 considering it's a BMW dealership, I don't think they'll budge more than $500. But, if they are firm on the $25,997, I'm going to want at least the tires or something replaced. Bill Jacobs BMW is giving a 3-month 6k miles warranty though.

[kolosy]

if you're open to an E92, I'd look for one w/ a carbon roof. price difference is usually minimal, unless you try to retrofit it. then it's all of the dollars.

[Tragiclil]

I’ll answer your original post regarding E93 M3s. If you’re looking to track the car, then you’ll likely want an E92. However if you want a white knuckle/exhilarating experience with the top down then the E93 is a total blast. The induction in the front and exhaust from the rear is pure symphony. The car weighs more but it by all means IS NOT a slow or less maneuverable car compared to 99% of everything else on the road. I got my E93 as a weekend car but I can’t stop driving it every other day.

Also by reading the other post regarding the +350k mile M3 with original rod bearings, it looks like you just need to do frequent oil changes and bring car to temp before hitting it hard on the streets. You got some time before you need to change RBs. Don’t worry about TAs till they go bad. Regardless all E9x M3s are masterful in what they do, bringing smiles per hour each and every ride.

[Mosaud1998]

Originally Posted by Tragiclil

I’ll answer your original post regarding E93 M3s. If you’re looking to track the car, then you’ll likely want an E92. However if you want a white knuckle/exhilarating experience with the top down then the E93 is a total blast. The induction in the front and exhaust from the rear is pure symphony. The car weighs more but it by all means IS NOT a slow or less maneuverable car compared to 99% of everything else on the road. I got my E93 as a weekend car but I can’t stop driving it every other day.

Also by reading the other post regarding the +350k mile M3 with original rod bearings, it looks like you just need to do frequent oil changes and bring car to temp before hitting it hard on the streets. You got some time before you need to change RBs. Don’t worry about TAs till they go bad. Regardless all E9x M3s are masterful in what they do, bringing smiles per hour each and every ride.

Damn, I didn't know there's an E9x M3 here with 350k~ miles rolling on the original rod bearings. That's wild. If I got with the E93 M3, I'll most likey trade in the G30 540 if I get the number I have in mind.

[Oreo Cat]

If my e90 is ever wrecked i think I’ll go to e93, move my big brake kit, supercharger, and exhaust. Had a 335i e93 and loved the top down.