Decided on getting an m3! Good idea?

Stinky

Stinky

Stinky

Soldato
Joined
28 Mar 2005
Posts
9,250
So after all my fussing I've finally decided on a cheap derv for work £3000 ish and then an m3 for the weekend and some fine time but also keeps the practicality for long trip with more than 2 people!

I'm not to keen on the smg 1 or 2 after reading some hurry stories and generally I prefer a manual!

So my question is I will have £10,000 to spend and a lot around 2003 and 2004 seem to fall into that, wit full history and the all important running in service
Complete!

Is there anything else I should be looking at? I test drove one yesterday and loved it, I'd love the hard top convertible but them seem retry damn rare!

Thanks for any help!
 
Several points:

1. All smgs are SMG2. The reliability problems are blown out of proportion - it is actually a pretty strong system. I love the SMG gearbox on mine.

2. £10k is a great budget. Get a 2004 if you want the 12yr corrosion warranty.

3. Hard top convertible isn't rare. All are soft tops- the hard top is a fixed roof and was an option.
 
I've seen some with convertible hard tops! Or is that another added aftermarket thing??

I guess I need to drive the smg before I judge to much! I've been told it awful at slow speeds in first to second and second back down again?
 
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. :)
 
Insurance for me is pretty reasonable on these. Wouldn't dare have one though in case it broke.

Heard people talk about some quite hefty bills, half the price they paid for the car.
 
SMG II is manual. After owning 2 manual E46 M3's and then getting an SMG II I'd always go for it over manual. As Nick said, problems are blown out of proportion.

I'll be selling my well looked after 2004 SG/IR Coupe with all the options soon, will be put up on Cutters.
 
£2k for the gearbox and thats Is it really. New turbo is about £500.

Everything else is pretty cheap to fix from what i am aware of up to yet.
 
Signed up on m3 cutters now! Will have a butchers through there for sale section!

Can't wait to get the right one! I'm being very fussy, black with red leather is all ill go for!! But do I go convertible or not
 
Stinky said:
Signed up on m3 cutters now! Will have a butchers through there for sale section!

Can't wait to get the right one! I'm being very fussy, black with red leather is all ill go for!! But do I go convertible or not
Click to expand...

Some very nice examples on that forum.
 
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.
 
I went through the same process 6 months ago. Lots of nails out there. The cars on cutters are supposedly nice but they are expensive!
I wanted a coupe as the convertibles are a bit floppy. I'm now selling mine but if you are in Devon it may be too far away.
Lots of bargains out there this time of year though.

Good luck.
 
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