Found a nice clean Silver 02 M3 6speed with 77k on it for 20k but i'm confident that i can talk them down to 17k. I went through e46fanatics.com, I didn't want biased opinions. I'd have to get rid of my SC3 but i won't mind since the value of SC is still high in this area.

Sounds like a great deal.

Thanks

 

i would stay away from high mileage M3's most m3 owners get ride of their car before warrenty is up. which is way i got ride of mine. I only know one person who have kept their bmw 2000 (740) over 100k and its my sister. in the past yr she have spent over $6000 in that pos. radiator= $800, window regulator=$450, some belt = $1200, AND NOW the traction control sensor or something.=$2000 and thats a hookup from the mechanic she knows. i have would have to buy a used m3 it would probably a certified one with up to 100k, trust me you'll save in the long run. i was about to buy a used m3, 2004 with only 20k miles on it for $35,000 had my mechanic look at it and it had a bad rear diff, dealer replacement $3000. i pass!

 

Check to make sure the car has all the records and find out if it has had the engine bearings replaced, My BMW buddies say it sounds like a pretty good deal if those are clean / done.

 

I've been looking at these too as I may purchase one in the spring and it seems everyone says to make sure Inspections I and II (with valve adjustment) are done, rod bearing recall (as mentioned, if applicable), and also to make sure there is no rear subframe damage.

Price for mileage looks decent too from what I have been seeing. As usual, run a carfax to make sure the title is clean and what not.

 

I've been on e46fanatics for 8+ yrs and honestly, don't even bother with that car, mile is way too high.

OCT 2001 ~ FEB 2002 production m3 had the infamous ball bearing engine recall problem that caused the engine to blow up left and right..

remember, BMW's philosophy is much different than Lexus, they don't build any car that can run 200k miles with no major issues. Their target audience is people who don't plan to keep their cars forever.

 

Stay away from 02 M3. They are plugged with problems.

 

Ex E46 M3 owner here. Stay away.... What you will save on this car, you will certainly spend in replacing parts / time in the shop.

You would be better off buying an 04 with half the miles for low 30's... either way, expect to pay around there.... either up front or along the way in a short time.

 

I am curious what they have to say about this car that you seek. Give e46fan a try too. 04 and up M3's is indeed the way to go. You will be hard pressed to find one in the 17-20k range. Good luck.