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Used BMW M3

Find new and used Used BMW M3 at our automotive classifieds and Cars for Sale website Classifieds.Sub5Zero.com

Q: What should I look out for when buying a used bmw m3.?
I am getting my first car soon and the only car that I want is a m3 coupe 95-99. I have about 7 grand right now and I am wondering what I should look out for when buying the m3. All help is greatly appreciated.

A: Call a local BMW dealership’s service department with the VIN and check the service history. Due to the age of the car, there will probably be a lapse but that isn’t a bad thing.

Service expenses for the M3: oil change $150; brake job $400; scheduled service $650-800.

There are no ‘typical’ problems with the M3 except for tire wear. Because it is a race suspension, the tires don’t last more than ~10,000 miles and are very expensive.

Because you are looking for an older model, I would recommend contacting the local BMW owner’s group for information and assistance. They may know of some well maintained M3s for sale.

M3s are terrific cars but they are not really for every day driving. If it is your first car, I would recommend something else for now. I have always loved BMWs (the Ms especially) but they can be very expensive to own and I waited until I could afford to own one before I bought my first M.

You need to make a realistic decision…the last thing you want is your cool car parked in the driveway because you can’t afford to fix something.

Q: What would you choose between used 2008 BMW M3 Coupe or new 2009 BMW 335i Coupe?
I am about to get either one of these: Used 2008 M3 coupe or New 2009 335i coupe.

Used 2008 M3 (that has less than 12000 mileage) is about $6000 more expensive than a new 335i.

Is paying $6000 worth enough?

What are pros and cons for these two vehicles?

Thanks.

A: Do not listen to the first poster he is ignorant and does not know what he is talking about. First of all, BMW engines are not V6s they are Straight 6s. Also the 335 has 300hp.

Now moving on to your question…

The M3 does have 414 hp and it is a small V8 (4.0L) It also has a redline of 8400RPM. THAT IS HIGH!! It will have noticeably louder engine noise, the suspension will be a lot more stiff and sometimes it will be uncomfortable. The M3 is a great car, but it will be more expensive to repair. The Oil is more expensive and parts are as well.

The 335 is more lightweight it is more comfortable to drive and it is certainly fast. It has a twin turbo 3 litre engine that still gets amazing gas mileage while being faster than most cars on the road. If you buy a brand new vehicle then you do not have to worry about paying for any maintenance on the vehicle.

The M3 is the better car obviously and it will get a lot more heads to turn and it will be a lot more fun to drive. But it will cost more to maintain, it will be more uncomfortable to drive and it will bring more attention.

If it were me, I would chose the M3, but thats only because I race on the weekends.

Here is my suggestion, go test drive them both and you will see that the 335 has more than enough power to please you. And you will also notice that the M3 has more power than you can handle.

Happy motoring and let us know your decision!!!

Q: Which to get, used 2008 BMW M3, or new 2009 Audi S5?
I know one is faster than the other of course, but is getting a used M3 especially, might not have warranty, and so on, but prices should be almost identical. OR would you get a New BMW 335i???

A: I would get the 2008 BMW M3, maybe just because I’m a BMW fan, but another reason why I would pick this car is because of the new V8 motor in it which produces a 414 hP with 425 pounds of torque. The handling is just beautiful, the suspension is the best, and style is just breathtaking.

So please do you and me a favor and buy the BMW M3. :]

Thanks

Q: should i buy a used 2003 BMW M3, used 2007 Lexus IS 350 or a new Infiniti G37?
I’m currently looking for a car that is sporty, has 6 cylinder s(gives around 20 highway mileage), is luxurios, and also has good safety rating. My plan is to hand it down to my son next year when he turns 17. What’s a good choice out of these three or is there any other luxury sports car that meets this criteria.

A: Well since you plan to hand it down i think u should go with the M3 I think its the Best of all these choices and u should enjoy it and your son definitely will.

Q: Tips and advice on buying a used Bmw M3. help plz?
i want a used m3 PREFERABLY certified pre owned. something under 35,000. Ive heard that the repairs can cost alot thats why im wanting a CPO. If you think i shouldent get this car then what would be a good alternative?

A: - 2001- (first quarter) 2003 S54 rod bearing engine recalls
- 50-60K miles Inspection 2 should done including valve adjustments
*higher milage is fine long as its been taken care of.
-have a trust worthy mechanic to spec it before hand.
- make sure the SMG software has been updated by dealer.

Honestly, M3 is good in reliability overall except the electronic gadgets inside the car. Only problem I had is my blower fuse keeps blowing every 2-3 months which is an easy fix..other then that its an excellent car as long as you take good care of it. *change oil between 4K-7K rather then 15K.* Also M3 requires rear michelin tires every 10-12k miles and 15k for the front @ $350-400 EACH. I get around 13.5 mpg city/highway together. For SMG equipped car, ask the dealer about how many times previous owner used “launch control” so you get the feel on how much its been abused. SMG failure does cost an arm and a leg. Clutch usually last around 80K-100K for SMG and it does take more effort replacing it then a 6 Speed.
hope this help

Q: anyone know how much a used BMW m3 is worth?
I heard the automatic is “rare” so that might up the price a bit but just want a idea thanks :)

A: “Rare”, yes. Rare enough to make a big difference in resale value, no.

Before anyone can give you an “idea” on value, we’d need the year, miles, etc.

Q: Help needed in Buying Used BMW M3?
Hello All, I am planning on buying a used BMW M3 and I have a couple deals right now and would like to ask you people which one is better and what are the pros and cons.
1. 2005 M3, SMG, coupe, 20K miles – $38000
2. 2003 M3, Manual, Hardtop convertible, 55k miles – $28000
3. 2004 M3, Manual, coupe, 24K miles – $35000
I always wanted to buy a hardtop convertible but then the miles scare me on that car. How much would an extended maintenence warranty cost me for upto 100K?
And also the third car owner states she has maintenence warranty untill Nov 2008 & full service warranty untill 2010. What is this service warranty???

Someone please help me here.. Also note.. I live in a place where it snows for 4 mons in an yr & I have a luxury sedan to drive in that period. and this will be my second car for fun.

And also what are the main things I need to be looking / checking for before buying such a costly sports car. how abt the tires ??? please help.& also my budget is around 35K

A: I have an 02 with 63K on it. Still feels, looks, and drives like new. It’s all in how well it’s taken care of. Oil changes are every 15,000 miles, or annually, whichever is first. For me it’s annually. Oil is about $9 a quart, 7 quarts, plus filter cartridge. There is only one kind of oil it can take. Castrol TWS motorsport 10W-60.
Rear tires are every 15000 miles also. Fronts maybe 25000 if you’re lucky.
If it were me, I’d go for the 2004. Not a convertible, and not SMG are my reasons. Mileage is not a consideration unless it’s really high. Do not drive in snow. You already have that covered. Good. I’m sure the car would do just fine if it sat higher, and didn’t have 40 series tires on it. I put wider tires on mine, so they’re 35s in the back now, even worse.
SMG is great for a track, but regular driving I prefer the manual. Not sure what shift by wire means, unless he was referring to the SMG, because the manual stick goes straight into the gearbox, no wires, no linkage really other than the stick.
Don’t worry about repair costs, mine has cost very little, if at all. Inspection 2 is every 30000 miles which means all three are about due, at a cost of ~ $1500. Only #3 might be free because of the maintenance warranty. Mine has had two of them already, both covered by the maintenance warranty, which is now expired. Oh and gas mileage, officially it was listed as 16/24. I have never seen 16, and get more than 24 on every fill up. I average 25 all the time, don’t know how high it would be highway only, I’m thinking over 30, as I’ve gotten 28-29 on long highway trips myself, but I wasn’t going 55 which is how the EPA tests I think. 25 is really good for 333 HP in my opinion. I don’t drive with a light foot either.

Mine is for sale, $26000 if you’re near Denver, with lots of later model retrofits like Sirius, MP3, LEDs, front strut brace, etc. It’s a wonderful car and I’m having a hard time deciding to sell it. I love BMW 6 cylinders, but I also test drove a new one and love it too. So if someone says they’ll buy it, I guess I’ll let it go.

edit:
Mr. Fred, I don’t know why you are calling me out on my answers, but allow me to explain so that the original question asker isn’t confused by your remarks. Not trying to continue a “pissing match”, but I feel since I am right, I must explain. I am providing examples of what I have seen and what I do to my E46 M3, to provide information related to the question.

As I said, I OWN an E46 M3, I drove it off the lot with 3 miles on it. I know what BMW insists is the right oil, and it is not 15W-50, I have the service bulletins, and the sticker under the hood specifying use only the oil I stated. You can go to Walmart if you like. Inspection 2 is more than a simple fluid check. It includes a valve adjustment, which is why it is so expensive. As I stated, I have not paid for one yet, but I know what the dealer would have charged. I changed my tire widths because I was doing track days. See my avatar? That’s me. That has nothing to do with anything though, I was simply stating that it is no good in the snow, even worse with wider tires. And there is no wire or cable for the transmission, it’s not a transaxle. I’ve been under the car and changed the oil on the transmission with- well I’ll just say it wasn’t from Walmart. I would think that an owner of an E46 M3 can speak the truth about what oil to use and what maintenance costs better than an E36 owner. I wouldn’t tell an E92 owner that they don’t know what they are talking about after owning if for 6 years. When I turn my key on, the service indicator says 15525 miles to next oil change after I just did it. Explain that. It counts down mile for mile unless the engine is cold or being driven hard, at which point it counts down faster. BMW wants it in for an oil change every year if you don’t get to the 15000 miles. I’ve had this car for 6 years, I think I know how to change the oil and what the service guys at the dealer have told me. And since I own this car and fill it up on a regular basis (with premium) I know what kind of mileage it gets, you are guessing.

Q: a used 2007 BMW M3 or a new 2008 BMW 335 or wait for next year for a new 2009 Cadillac CTS-V???
I just inherited some money which becomes available next year after all the red tape and I want to buy a new car. I drove the BMW 335 and M3 already and like the way they drive but for the same price I can get a Caddy CTS-V with a 505hp V8 engine and it looks wayyyyyyy cooler. Which one should I get?????

A: Although at this time there is only speculation as to the specifics of the CTS-V, I would suggest waiting. My top pick between the BMW 5 series, 3 series and CTS is the 2008 Cadillac CTS hands down. Drive it for yourself. You may also want to consider the Chrysler 300 6.1L or Lexus GS450. Both ranked miles ahead of BMW in quality.

I would suggest staying away from the M3 for sure. That engine is a gem on paper but most blow up within 30k miles, some have even been reported to blow in just 5k miles and require complete rebuilds- cracked blocks is one example of a common problem. On top of that the engine is expensive to replace and requires many hours of expensive labor.
The 5 and 3 series engines are more reliable but have many electrical problems. My advice- go with the CTS-V. The wait will be well worth it. (Plus the CTS looks like a superstar compare to the 5 series with its spread eagle headlamps!)

Q: anyone selling a used bmw m3 for around 30k?

A: Check ebay and carmax.com there are TONS and TONS of them.

I bought a 92 M3 with a Dinan Kit for $30k with only 42k miles on it.

Q: Where can i find a used BMW M3 2002-2005 (30 grand or below)?

A: http://www.bmwcca.org/
They’ll know.
Also search for “bimmer” as the name….
there used to be a great nationwide
classified ads database but I couldn’t
find it for you just now.
Look at http://www.kbb.com under
Used Cars, too.

Q: Why does the 2008 BMW M3 use a sliding caliper for the brakes ?
Why does the 2008 BMW M3 use a sliding caliper for the brakes instead of a fixed caliper like most costly vehicles. IE Brembos. Is it for cost or utlilty?

A: I will make you answer your question yourself by describing to you how a “sliding” and a “fixed” caliper works.
Remember that the brake rotor which is connected to the wheel is acted upon by two brake pads, one on each side. In a BMW just like most cars, there is only one piston that pushes one brake pad. So the whole caliper moves/floats/self-adjusts so that both brake pads can act on the rotor and stop the car.
In cars with fixed calipers there are pistons on both sides of the calipers.Some even have 2 pistons on each side. So the calipers do not need to self-adjust.
Obviously, the ones with more pistons costs more and are very slightly better in braking power. But being more complex and with more components they are also more prone to break down and costlier to maintain.
So did BMW try to save some money? Answer it yourself.

Q: used e46 bmw m3 or new bmw 328i?
should i buy a used under 50,000 miles bmw e46 m3 that is in good condition or a new bmw 328i. they’re both around 30,000 something so I’m def having trouble deciding

A: I’m not sure what country you are from, but in canada the 328i starts at $41.5k, and a used e46 m3 in good condition with <50,000 miles will be about $30k give or take a couple Gs. It's a 3.2L l6 @330hp and 260 lbft of torque. The 328i is a 3.0L l6 @230hp and 200 lbft of torque. When it comes down to performance, clearly the m3 is better, but if you tune the 328i with a dinan kit, it could blow the e46 away.

All in all, the newer e90 328i looks better, has more features inside and out, and while it can’t compete with the m3 performance wise, it can be tuned to do so (if you can save up the cash for the future), so your better bet is probably the 328i, or at least that’s what I’d go for.

Q: Given the choice of a new BMW 135 or a used 2005 BMW M3, which would you choose?

A: I would be hard pressed not to name the M3 the best car in the whole BMW line-up, “dollar-for-dollar”. Therefore, I would go for the M3 over 1 Series, just a different class of car.

Q: Can the BMW M3 GTR can be used in career mode in nfs carbon?
If Yes please say me how to use.

A: no u can only use it on quick races, u use it ONCE when u first start the game but u crash it and have to get another car

Q: What is the expected used price of the 2008 BMW M3?
I saw one that had 8,000 miles and it was priced at $41,900. Is this something that I will be seeing more often, cuz Im lovin’ it

A: 8,000 miles is considered new, not used.
No New car has 0 miles.

A Used car would be over 10,000 miles.

$41,900 is pretty cheap anyway.
It should cost $57,000.

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