Hey, I'm helping a friend look for a 2002-2003 M3. What sorts of things should we be looking for when we look at the cars? I know most of the general used car type stuff. Is there anything M3 specific though? How many miles would be reasonable for this car?

Does the M3 require a lot more maintence than a regular 3 series? How reliable are they? Do you expect them to last 100k miles or more?

Is there a good forum for the M3 we can look at?

 

www.bimmerforums.com

 

I know very little about BMWs, but I remember something about a recall because the bottom end was coming apart on M3s and many were affected. I think the dealers were replacing rod bolts and/ or rod bearings. I'd check on that and see if the car he finds has had that done or needs to.

 

i had an m3, loved it....... try e46fanatics.com i liked that forum more than the other bmw ones.... i say go for it, great car, you get the 100k warranty,,,, also if you buy the car before the maintance is up,,,, you can go to any bmw dealer and buy an extended maintance to 100k for a little over a grand,,,,, this covers brakes, oil,,,,,,, bulbs everything,,,, very worth it......

 

all owners should have the 100k warrenty b/c of the engine failures happening. I would have to scan the M3 owners report I have from EVO mag, where they basiclally say its one of the best used cars anyone can buy ever.

 

M3forum.com is very helpful. But make sure if you decide to get a 02-03.5 it had the rod bearing recall. Good luck on your search!

 

Obviously those people runnin EVO mag forgotten about the NSX. I'll take a used stock NSX over any used or new stock M3 anyday.

 

+1

 

Actually, before you jump to conclusions, they have not. They picked the NSX-R as Car of the Year 3 years ago, one of only 2 cars to break the Porsches from seemingly winning it every year. They LOVE the NSX, but in Europe, badged as a Honda, it sells even worse.

EVO loves the NSX. I didn't say they said the M3 was the only good used car buy. But OVERALL, what can touch a M3 for the price?
Speed
Handling
Looks
Prestige
Trunk Space
Space for 4 adults
Newer technology
Modability
A good price (considering what it can hang with)
Braking (not its strong point though)

The car is as complete as they come.