pre-owned E46 M3 -- questions

[crosvs]

Hey everyone-

As some of you probably read, due to the ongoing problems with my aging (115,000 miles) X5, we are strongly considering trading it in for an E46 M3.

The most important thing is that:

* it must be convertible

* it MUST have extended warranty (100,000 miles / 5 yrs?)

* i would like SMG *IF* it won't be a maintenance nightmare like other electrohydraulic manuals (Ferrari, Lambo, etc.)

* it MUST have GPS satnav

* has upgraded HK audio

From my preliminary research, it seems like it should be possible to obtain an 04 or 05 model for the low $40Ks ... agreed?

ALSO: if buying from a NON-BMW seller (e.g., indepenent dealer, private party, etc) ... can I take it to BMW to extend the warranty?

Finally: I understand that early M3s had blown engine problems, but I think this was remedied after 2004 year models. Correct?

Thank you!!

[X5Jay]

Why don't you go for a new 335i hard top convertable?

[Wagner]

Originally Posted by crosvs

Hey everyone-

As some of you probably read, due to the ongoing problems with my aging (115,000 miles) X5, we are strongly considering trading it in for an E46 M3.

The most important thing is that:

* it must be convertible

* it MUST have extended warranty (100,000 miles / 5 yrs?)

* i would like SMG *IF* it won't be a maintenance nightmare like other electrohydraulic manuals (Ferrari, Lambo, etc.)

* it MUST have GPS satnav

* has upgraded HK audio

From my preliminary research, it seems like it should be possible to obtain an 04 or 05 model for the low $40Ks ... agreed?

ALSO: if buying from a NON-BMW seller (e.g., indepenent dealer, private party, etc) ... can I take it to BMW to extend the warranty?

Finally: I understand that early M3s had blown engine problems, but I think this was remedied after 2004 year models. Correct?

Thank you!!

You can take it to a dealer and attempt to have it CPO'd but this costs $$$.

Mid 40's sounds reasonable for a lower mileage CPO car.

S54 engine issue was fixed as of 2003 (which also introduced LED tails). BMW offered a special warranty, 100K, on the motor for specific vehicles.

SMG?? Don't do it. 6-spd all the way, world of difference. I had a E46M3 6spd, a friend had the SMG...totally different cars IMO.

[PersonaNonGrata]

Just in case you are interested, I was at my dealer last week and they have a brand new E46 M3 cab in the showroom fitting most of your requirements. (The options I remember were 19's, HK, and CWP. I think it had nav. It's triple black.) It is a 6MT and not SMGII. The bottom line on it was about $62K. They have a big sign on it with the new price of about $52K. That's a brand new car with full warranty, etc. I'm sure you could do some dealing on it too. They also had a pre-owned E46 M3 on the lot but I don't have details on it. If you are interested, let me know and I'll hook you up with the sales manager. The dealership is not too far from you in SD.

[SANguru]

early M3's did NOT have blown engine problems. The numbers were really small. It was rod bearing recall requiring bottom end rebuilds. Those ARE the cars that you want since they come with 6yr/100k warranties. As for F1 on the Fcars or EGear in the Lambos are maintenance nightmares is beyond me.. Don't know where you got that info from??

Originally Posted by crosvs

Hey everyone-

As some of you probably read, due to the ongoing problems with my aging (115,000 miles) X5, we are strongly considering trading it in for an E46 M3.

The most important thing is that:

* it must be convertible

* it MUST have extended warranty (100,000 miles / 5 yrs?)

* i would like SMG *IF* it won't be a maintenance nightmare like other electrohydraulic manuals (Ferrari, Lambo, etc.)

* it MUST have GPS satnav

* has upgraded HK audio

From my preliminary research, it seems like it should be possible to obtain an 04 or 05 model for the low $40Ks ... agreed?

ALSO: if buying from a NON-BMW seller (e.g., indepenent dealer, private party, etc) ... can I take it to BMW to extend the warranty?

Finally: I understand that early M3s had blown engine problems, but I think this was remedied after 2004 year models. Correct?

Thank you!!

[Kewl X5]

Or 2004-2006 M3 have very little problems with blown engine. Compared to the X5, our M3 has been very reliable!! With over 54K miles, the engine has been fine, SMG fine, etc. Didn't have the bad luck like other M3 owners.

[crosvs]

thanks for all the feedback guys, good to know!!

kevin, you've got a PM

[blondboinsd]

BMW SD always seems to have alot of used CPO M3's on the lot

[crosvs]

another question:

I've never actually sat in a convertible M3, but i HAVE sat in a convertible 6-series and an SL mercedes.

In the 6-series, i found the roof-line was so low with the top down, that it created this feeling/effect of bisecting my forward visibility which I found VERY annoying to the point that i don't think i'd be comfortable ever driving the car with hte top down.

With the SL Benz, this was NOT the case: the roof-line was nice and high and never interfered with my visibility.

How is a convertible M3? From having driven the hard-top a lot, I feel as though its roof-line should be MUCH higher than the 6-series ... more in line withe SL. Agreed?

I'm nearly 6'5", hence my concerns.

Thank you!!

[DINANM3]

get a late model 6 speed coupe. They are very reliable. Snmg is fine to get. It would probably be smarter to for a used car since it doesnt give the driver the freedom to abuse the car like the 6 speed does and at least you cant over rev it.
Like I always said my m cars are more reliable than my X5. My M3 has no problems except givng my passengers whiplash