Advice On Buying A 2002 M3 - BMW Forum

OH Nasty · 07-06-2009, 09:03 PM

Alright. First off great forum, I have been lurking for a while now and have learned a lot already.
I am looking to purchase an E46 M3. Currently I drive a 03 C230 Kompressor, and I think I found the one for me. I am a student so my budget is pretty tight but here's what I found.
Well I can't post a link because I'm a new member, but it has 124K miles, no accidents, Black on Red Napa, and an SMG. "all scheduled maintenance plus oil change every 3000 miles, always garaged, maintenance records available, no accidents, One owner (originally purchased Jan. 5, 2002)"

I went and took a look at it today and drove it. It drove extremely well and the owner said he always drove it 55mph (his bro vouged for him) and garaged it every night. All the maintenance was done on time and the BMW dealership even told him he over-maintained it. He has all the maintenance records and he's the only owner. He said all the miles are from his trips from Cincinnati to Columbus several times a week. It has never had any issues and the leather is in perfect condition.
My questions are:
-How much life do you think it has left?
-Are the issues going to pile on because it hasn't had any yet or do you think it will stay issue free?
-And finally what do you think a fair price is to offer?
It has a few dents on the door and scratches that need to be repainted, and the door sills on the inside need to be replaced badly. And some of the dash door covers need to be replaced.
Blue Book for excellent is $13.5, Good is $12,450, and Fair is $11,050.

I'm sure there are a ton of these threads and sorry for the huge paragraph, but any help is appreciated and I hope to contribute to this forum in the future. Thanks

oldnslo · 08-09-2009, 08:32 AM

I don't believe those numbers are correct, try to find a 02 M3 for $13.5k, ain't gonna happen. Just my $.02

k.sidlosky · 08-09-2009, 02:21 PM

How many miles are on the car now, usually braks need to be replaced around 50k miles and rotors around 80k, depending on the driver. It may be sooner to to the car being auto. My 325 is old and has about 250k on it, depending on your driving and how you maintain it, it can last just as long if not longer.

I've been looking at e46 M3's for a month or so and they all seem to sell between $15-20k. Depending on the owner, he may want your mercedes.

coolvegase34 · 08-10-2009, 08:33 AM

I would stay away from any m3 or bmw that is 7 yrs old w/ 124,000 on it. Book value is 11,700. Here is the link:

Kelley Blue Book - Select Condition - BMW, M3 - Kelley Blue Book