Decided on getting an m3! Good idea?

Great cars, buy a good one and you won't go far wrong. I prefer the manual over the SMGII, but the SMGII box is pretty good as far as automated manuals go.
Make sure you give it a proper inspection and as NickXX said, go for a 2004 or onwards.
Check the rear springs aren't snapped, as this is a common failure point; however they aren't too expensive to replace.
Also, I'm not sure how relevant this is to 2004+ models, but get the subframe checked for any cracks.
Theres plenty of good buyers guides on the internet.
 
Ive looked at info on M3 cutters, the opinion i got was that it was a very chavvy board and most of the posters are completely clueless
 
So i have asked more questions and it appears there is a full book stamped with history, however no paper work (invoices etc) just the official stuff.

I have called up all the previous dealerships and they have been helpful in proving the mileage however there is a stamp in the book that says it has had the Inspection 2 service, But when i called them they have all the other services noted on there official system but not the inspection 2 service.....

A real shame cos this is the perfect car, i have realised i prefer this colour and interior. But if its not had the correct service etc then its not worth the risk.
 
Adam said:
Seems strange that you would link to the car you are viewing, if someone else is local and looking for something similar then you are opening yourself for disappointment.
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Eh? I think the potential advantages of discussion of the car here somewhat outweigh that tiny risk :p
 
Tomcat825 said:
Sometimes it is better to make your mind up rather than what some people on the internet think when it comes to something as big as a 10 grand car. :)
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Completely agree with this. As long as your happy with what your getting. You have no idea about the extent of experience of advice anyone on the net offers.


Matt82 said:
Ive looked at info on M3 cutters, the opinion i got was that it was a very chavvy board and most of the posters are completely clueless
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Lol. Much like any other board then. I recently joined since I got my M3 and I must say there has been some very good advice on their that's helped me.
 
Matt82 said:
Ive looked at info on M3 cutters, the opinion i got was that it was a very chavvy board and most of the posters are completely clueless
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Thats just what happens as cars such as Emfreez become affordable. The E92 forum is not too bad but in 5 years times you will end up with the same "best budget tyres?" "Can I use chip fat coz BMW oil is bare expensive" and "best lowering springs for £30?".

As people have said buy on condition, I have a friend who sells quite a few M3s and he recently had a 53 plate with 145k miles on it one owner with full bmwsh bar a bit of worn plastic on the drivers door pull it drove like it just rolled out of the factory. Oh check for 1200 mile run in service and bearing recall has been done on pre 2002 cars (I think)
 
Please do your homework before buying. These are awesome cars that deserve to be kept properly not bodged by people who can't afford to own them but think they can which, as alluded to above, happens more and more as they get older.

If you can afford to run one properly then you'll love it. If you can't, you'll ruin it. Only you know if its affordable or not but make sure you are not 'stretching' to buy it or it'll end in tears and yet another M3 will be ruined. Many of these cars are now at the age where a lot of refresh work is probably required to bring it back to how its supposed to be - work thats often neglected in favour of crap ebay modifications and rubbishy aftermarket wheels.
 
It actually pains me to see what has happened to the E46 and the demographic they have fallen into.
M3cutters (E46 sub forum) is a perfect example of this. Whilst I spend a lot of time on there because there are certain posters who are a wealth of knowledge; there are some complete tools on there who don't deserve to own them. Its a great board though for advice and everyone is friendly on there. No way near as bad as scoobynet.
 
MeEsH BaKkA said:
Thats just what happens as cars such as Emfreez become affordable. The E92 forum is not too bad but in 5 years times you will end up with the same "best budget tyres?" "Can I use chip fat coz BMW oil is bare expensive" and "best lowering springs for £30?".

As people have said buy on condition, I have a friend who sells quite a few M3s and he recently had a 53 plate with 145k miles on it one owner with full bmwsh bar a bit of worn plastic on the drivers door pull it drove like it just rolled out of the factory. Oh check for 1200 mile run in service and bearing recall has been done on pre 2002 cars (I think)
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i clicked on a classifieds ad on M3Cutters for some second hand e46 m3 brakes. there were quite a few replied, i opened it up to see if A) they were posh brakes and B) if the replies were ribbing the OP

neither. they were asking for pictures of the size of the lip on the edge of the discs, they were genuinely looking to put second hand brakes on their car :D
 
1K under what cutoff?? they have told me its mine for £12000 i think the 2,500 extra is worth it in the long run with 3 months dealer warranty for one! plus its better spec'd and the history is genuine
 
Under 60k miles it's cheaper BMW warranty. What you want to do is take out the warranty on the monthly plan, which as long as you keep up you'll continue paying the pre-60k rate.
 
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