Hey guys,
Hope it's OK to post in here. I am looking to buy an E46 M3 as a daily runner to replace my 330d GT X-Drive which goes back after a 3 year lease in around 2 months. I am keen on the M3 for 2 reasons:
1) It would be my first recognised 'drivers car'. Everything I've read and seen online suggests that these are a great drive. I hope a test drive will prove this to be true!
2) I am looking for some investment potential in the next car I own. The lease has cost me pretty much 20k for 3 years - If the M3 (running, maintaining and taxing) for the same 3 year period cost me less than a few thousand then I'd consider that a huge win!
My main dilemna is whether to go SMG or full manual. I have driven autos exclusively for the last 4 years and absolutely love the comfort and convenience. I understand that the SMG isn't a true auto box but more like an auto changing manual (using a clutch rather than a torque converter).
Being more of a driving 'fan' than an enthusiast, I think the SMG makes most sense for me. From an investment potential perspective I think the manual is likely to see the biggest increase (do you agree?). Can anyone share any thoughts on the SMG vs. manual choice for these cars?
Thanks
Rob
I was in a similar situation to you only a few weeks ago, not regarding the lease stuff but around what to buy in terms of manual or smg. I went the SMG route.
I can tell you now if you are use to auto's and by the sound of it newer auto's like BMW DCT then SMG will not feel as good as those, it is now ancient tech in comparison and can be very lazy at times so it definitely has its quirks. What i can say is that now i am used to it, i like it
In terms of investment i think the gap is now very marginal between smg and manual cars, value is more dependant on mileage, condition and history. Make sure whatever car you buy, smg or manual that it has good history. In particular its running in service at 1200 and then inspection 1 and 2 services done at the appropriate time. These cars can do moon mileage if looked after and maintained properly. A friend recently sold his at 180k mileage and it sounded and drove just as nice as my recent purchase which has 85k, because it was very well maintained. Also look for subframe condition on inspection when purchasing, or check if its already been done.
Have a read up as there are big debates between SMG and manual cars, its a love hate thing. Only thing i can say is that the daddy of them all the CSL only came in SMG flavour, which says a lot. But it had different software and settings on the SMG ECU and again have a read up and everyone pretty much says the first thing to do if you buy an SMG car is to have CSL rev matching and inertia software installed on your car as it transforms it. I will tell you today if that is the case as i am having it done
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From an investment point of view i dont think you will gain much whichever you buy, if you buy a low miler it will already have a markup on it to reflect that. I paid 13k, to a dealer, for an SMG car with every factory optional extra bar the rear window blind and had 85k mileage on an 04 plate and at the time it was about the right price compared to what was out there. The history was there though that is the main thing. I recently saw a car go on M3cutters which was an 02 plate but only had 46k mileage with a few nice mods like AP brakes for 16k. Some people are asking nearly 20k for low milers and CSL prices are through the roof circa 50k+. The prices are all over the place. What i definitely will say is you wont lose money, again if you keep it in good condition and maintain it.
Research is your friend, i spent weeks and weeks on a daily basis reading up on these before making my purchase. Mileage is not your first main concern like i said you need to consider:-
Proper servicing at the appropriate times or before, 1200 run in, inspection 1 and 2 (inspection 2 will cost approx 900 at BMW, decent BMW specialist approx 500-600) has to have valve clearances checked
Subframe condition, or reinforcement done by previous owner
VANOS - listen for any engine rattle, it apparently sounds like marbles in a metal tin if its on its way out.
Rear springs tend to go easily
Constant Pressure Valve leaking - not a biggy and approx £30 to fix
Rust (check arches in particular)
SMG pumps were a massive issue at one point and is a reason people hated them, if your SMG fails it could be the hydraulic pump which is nearly £2k to replace or it could be something simple like the salmon relay which is £20 or even a compression spring on the box which is about £2 but got to get someone do it so needs a labour charge. What i will say now is it seems the pump replacement isnt that much of an issue now, i've seen people talking about repair kits being available for £500 from a german specialist, apparently 99% of the time the pump failure is down to the electronic motor and this kit is a brand new motor. I Need to investigate more.
The above make it sound like a nightmare car but you have to consider most cars have there issues and this is a performance car and newest examples are 11 years old now, and the above are worse case scenarios. For example i bought mine and subframe was crack free but not reinforced so i had it resin injected by BMW for £300. Again have a google or read my previous post a week or two ago.
Buy the right one and they are an awesome machine, i've only owned mine just under 2 months and i love it. I had an EVO 9 previously and i enjoy this more
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