What to expect - 2009 M3 Purchase

[Cessna87]

Hello all,

I have been considering purchasing this car for a few days and I would like some feedback on what to expect.

Here is what I have been told by my local BMW shop:

Replace rod bearings at 100k - $2400
Obviously the 100k maintenance interval - $unknown cost

Ther car has 85k miles on it.

Should I consider this vehicle or look for one with lower miles?

Thanks in advance!!

https://www.suttlemotors.com/Vehicle...-VA/3257253883

[Ngilbe36]

Read through this thread.
https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1418410

[Bimmer Barney]

Rod Bearings are not a mileage thing. They are an asap thing. You'll read different opinions, but anyone who has actually done the job will confirm it is necessary.

Here's a list of everything I've done in the first year of ownership:

Oil Change x3
Air Filter x3
Cabin Filter
Coolant FLush
PS Fluid Flush
Brake Fluid Flush
Pads and Rotors
Tires
Rod Bearings
Engine Mounts
Valve Cover Gaskets
Thermostat
Alignment
Front Engine Cover/Felts
Track Pads
Rear Section Exhaust

I use FCP Euro, so anywhere you see a repeat service, it's very inexpensive. Valve Cover Gaskets, Thermostat were warranty items.

Total Cost of Repairs and Maintenance is $5,678. My car was a very well sorted and good condition E90M ZCP

Hope that helps

[Youngh]

I have a 2009, bought it with 55k miles and now have 66k. In that time frame I did:

Rod bearings
Engine mounts (with rod bearing job)
Driveshaft
Throttle actuators
Tensioner pulley
Oil change 2x
Brake fluid
Power steering fluid
Coolant

Think I spent around 6.5k. Need to do brakes and rotors real soon

[D_M]

Buy with the least amount of miles as possible. Carmax in White Marsh, MD has https://www.carmax.com/car/15910413. If they still have the five year / 100k warranty, I would recommend that as well.

[Montaver]

I bought my 09 with 26k miles. Standard stuff I have done is rod bearings, motor mounts, two sets of tires, one set of wheels, M performance exhaust, combox upgrade, some cosmetics (grill, reflectors etc), cabin filters, alignment. Probably looking at about $8-9k.

Realistically though depending on what car you buy first year you dont 'need' to do any of that.

When stuff goes wrong it can be expensive, my rear LED tail light started flickering last week and BMW said the whole unit needed replaced (coincidentally this happened on my way to a dealership whilst I was test driving an F80). They wanted $320 for the part and $120 for the labour. I ordered the part online myself for $250 and installed it but the point is small things can sting you.

[Mvy]

This is the most expensive car to maintain I have ever owned. Its also the best and most fun car I have ever owned. As long as you are ready to measure enjoyment by smiles per gallon, and have tolerance/patience and cash for a german sports car, its a really good buy.

Barney posted a good list in his post. The car you are looking at is almost a decade old, so throttle actuators, motor mounts, transmission mounts, suspension parts and fluids are fair game to replace out. Id expect to spend 6 grand to bring the car onto its proper maint. schedule if you dont have history showing key things were done. I second FCP euro on parts. Just used them for the first time and everything was top notch.

[Cessna87]

Wow thank you all so much for the insight!!!

Playing the negotiation game now!

I just had it checked out by my local BMW shop, Autohaus of Yorktown, and they said it's had a great life and has never been tampered with. Everything is perfect for the mileage.

[ItsGary]

I have an 09 E90 also,

Got it with 86,900 KM
Currently has 123,005 KM

Got Rod Bearings done at 97,274 KMs
Basic maintenance in between
Due for rotors and pads soon

[monterey]

Just make sure you get a car that feels good to you. I test drove 4 before the right one spoke to me.

[pcohen15]

You didn't ask, but it seems pricey for that mileage.

[NeverL8]

I wouldn’t wait to change bearings at 100k but that’s just me. I had mine changed the second day after I bought the car and they looked pretty bad at 50k miles

[TimmyM56]

Originally Posted by pcohen15

You didn't ask, but it seems pricey for that mileage.

I agree, I feel a 2009 with that mileage should be a couple thousand less, unless it has a perfect history.

[rochoa21]

I spent a year looking for the right one just got it the other day. I found one with 74k miles with rod bearings been done, throttle acuators, brakes, plugs, motor mounts it also had m performance exhaust on it and aftermarket intake. I really was hesitant in buying a m3 but since I got it love it all you wanna do is drive it.

[MJBO]

Originally Posted by rochoa21

since I got it love it all you wanna do is drive it.

This is what to expect.

[Cessna87]

Thanks again for the feedback all,

I found out the car was a single owner. It was exported back to Germany for 5 years where he put 50k miles on it. The last 34k miles was back in the US. Guessing it was a military owner.

The car is a roller coaster. I just cant get over the power it has, not to mention the sound. The previous 'quick' car I had was a 2012 WRX fully built with a conservative 325whp. This M3 makes the WRX feel like a kids toy!

I love the initial cold start noises. ITB's are amazing.

My girlfriend was screaming the first time I took her for a ride.

So being that it was a single owner, near perfect paint (garage kept), minimal interior wear and the 3rd party pre-purchase inspection checked out good, I ended up negotiating down to $23250.

[pcohen15]

Originally Posted by Cessna87

Thanks again for the feedback all,

I found out the car was a single owner. It was exported back to Germany for 5 years where he put 50k miles on it. The last 34k miles was back in the US. Guessing it was a military owner.

The car is a roller coaster. I just cant get over the power it has, not to mention the sound. The previous 'quick' car I had was a 2012 WRX fully built with a conservative 325whp. This M3 makes the WRX feel like a kids toy!

I love the initial cold start noises. ITB's are amazing.

My girlfriend was screaming the first time I took her for a ride.

So being that it was a single owner, near perfect paint (garage kept), minimal interior wear and the 3rd party pre-purchase inspection checked out good, I ended up negotiating down to $23250.

Congratulations! Sounds like you made a great deal. And your girlfriend must be happy as well :-)