Bobby206

iTrader: (1)

Dream car of mine since I was 14 was the 2001 E46 M3 in Laguna Seca Blue. I remember seeing an ad for it in a TIME magazine. I thought to myself "Wow, this car looks amazing! Maybe one day I'll own it..."

Fast foward 8 years I wrecked my 2006 WRX and decided I will search for the perfect used E46 M3. For 3 months I could not find the right one. Either they are verts, SMG, high milage, or abused. Time was limited cause I needed a car for school so I opted for the IS350, made that decision in one week. Picked up my 2006 IS350 in black onyx. Car has been great, got the recalls done. Never gave me a problem but inside I was never satisfied with it. Honestly, its a great ride, smooth and silky with excellent power delivery but its too tame and too common.

So I put my car up on craigslist two weeks ago asking for $22k for it with 46xxx miles. I have one offer $21k with bank loan in hand.

I've been looking at two E46's a 2003 with 59k miles its grey, 6spd, full service history for $23.9k. located on dealer lot.



Second is 2002 topaz blue w/ 77k miles 6spd coupe, immaculant condition, again full BMW service history, owned by a german car enthusiast, recalls performed on this particular year, new clutch, new rotors/pads, new fluids, owner claims he's never had a problem. He is asking for $19.9k



What do yall think? Should keep the 350? I know with an M car maintenance is going to be much higher compared to the Lexus. They are not cars where you can simple change the oil once and a while and keep on driving. But I'm a diyer and love working on cars.

danthedj

iTrader: (1)

follow your heart. i think 59k miles is WAYYYYY too high for a BMW. By 60k MAJOR things start going. unlike lexus where you do your timing belt/wp and youre set for many many miles. With bmw the whole VANOS system is a major setback along with other systems and parts that dont last. By 100k you'll almost have an entirely new engine in the car as you replace wear parts on it.

Personally unless it came with a warranty id be skeptical.


... but then again follow your heart and you'll be happy.

Micaiah

If you have always wanted this car then make your dream come true.

I'd go for the 2003. It's newer and has less miles. The other one was owned by a BMW enthusiast...that makes me think he may have pushed the car to its limits....JUST to see what it can do firsthand.

How are the carfax reports on them? I know carfax isn't always thorough but they do tell SOME things. See if the any of the big services were done, so you know right off the bat if you have to fork out extra money to get it on a fresh start.

Initial G

iTrader: (38)

60K+ miles seems little much for a BMW but then again, they are around 8 years old.

If it's really your dream car, I'd say do it. Just make sure you get the cars checked out just to be sure everything is in proper working order. Good luck.

Bobby206

iTrader: (1)

I am aware of the VANOS issues with these cars. I spend as much time on m3forum.net as much as I do here. And from what I have noticed most of these VANOS issues have been affecting 04-06 models with lower milage compared to the older 01-03 models.

I have ran carfax's on both cars. the 2002 car has a more detailed service history opposed to the 2003.

Karlson

iTrader: (1)

Is that the one in Tacoma?

Karlson

iTrader: (1)

I say get the '03

CT9ARS

i would hold out for that Laguna Seca Blue. But if the color is not that important and you dont mind repairs than go for it. But it's up to you.

Bobby206

iTrader: (1)

Yup it was originally at an acura dealership but the wholesaler bought it and now its at sunset wholesale auto.

flektone

iTrader: (1)

One of my favs as well. It just goes to show how far behind japanese and american cars are with body styles. Thats a 2001 and still has an up to date body style. The first gen IS's were hot when they came out. But when you see them now they look outdated. Unless you do some modding to it. Thats definitely high milage for the price, but they hold there value. Just be prepared to drop dough on maintanance. That car is known for mechanical and electrical issues. But if you have the money to burn then go for it.

sw2oboi

iTrader: (12)

get the lower mileage one, a friend of mines that owned an M3 has said the car satisfies his performance needs in everyway. however stupid stuff breaks like sensors, window regulator easily $500 a piece. i ask him would he buy another one if he could afford to again? he said definitely.

Bobby206

iTrader: (1)

M3s are maintenance *****s but I know(applies to any car) that if you take preventative measures before things break then there should be no problem with the car running perfectly. I am amazed how a 10 year old car can still hold the same value of a 4 year old lexus.

SoDiezl350

iTrader: (2)

It cost a lot more to begin with.

Sffd103

iTrader: (16)

Get the 03'. You'll never be truly happy!

laobo979

iTrader: (5)

Go for it bro I myself had an 02 m3 and loved banging out the 6 speed manual gears. The car was a blast to drive. I have an is350 but I do miss the m3.