Trade-In for a Lower Mileage E46 M3
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,112
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From: Houston, TX
Trade-In for a Lower Mileage E46 M3
What do y'all think?
If could find one for similar money to the trade in value on my car (plus I can probably get 1500-2000 selling the parts I have on the car). I've always LOVED that car and I just saw one on autotrader with half the mileage of my car for only 1,2 above the KBB value on mine. Also, I want a stick.... paddles are fun but I love driving a manual.
Opinions?
If could find one for similar money to the trade in value on my car (plus I can probably get 1500-2000 selling the parts I have on the car). I've always LOVED that car and I just saw one on autotrader with half the mileage of my car for only 1,2 above the KBB value on mine. Also, I want a stick.... paddles are fun but I love driving a manual.
Opinions?
Depends on how long you were planning on keeping the G. the M3 is going to have crazy amounts of maintenance costs! it would be cheaper in the long run to keep the G. But do what makes you happy!! M3 is a great car. you would also be losing out on 2 more doors and trunk space as well.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 219
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From: Dallas
Used to work at a BMW dealer. I know you said E46, but is the M3 from a BMW dealer and is it new enough to be certified? The E46 bimmers are pretty reliable when it comes to comparing it to other BMW models, but I have seen some pretty costly things go wrong. As others have said, maintenance is more expensive BUT I am sure you know that bc it is an M3 after all.
Make sure to get all the service history. If it is clean with no repeated occurrences, then go for it! This could also sway me from getting it certified because normally if something is going to go wrong it will during the original warranty and will be fixed. If something else goes wrong down the road, chances are it wont be under warranty anyway...
Hope this helps.
Make sure to get all the service history. If it is clean with no repeated occurrences, then go for it! This could also sway me from getting it certified because normally if something is going to go wrong it will during the original warranty and will be fixed. If something else goes wrong down the road, chances are it wont be under warranty anyway...
Hope this helps.
^+1. You told me that you were planning on keeping the G for awhile and as long as that sounds, an M3 would murder you with costs....
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,112
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
I need to go drive one...
It's a huge "if" for me, but I honestly think that's my favorite all time reasonable car. I would only get one with less mileage (I'm at 40K) but It'd be hard to find one with warranty considering one I looked at had 20K miles but was an '03. There's so many nuances and things I need to educate myself about, I'm joining the bimmerforums to get info on serious issues with the car.
I know BMWs are pricey, I ran a '00 528i up to about 150K and that thing got expensive. I don't know if it'd be prohibitively expensive though...
Anyone have any idea why my car's trade-in value on KBB was 25,000 last week but only 21,000 this week.... curious. But the expected price to privately buy an M3 with 20K miles is ~$20 grand... Did KBB dip ALL their prices in the last week?
Granted everything checked out - the KBB on this car private party value is $18,650 although they're asking $28,000
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
It's a huge "if" for me, but I honestly think that's my favorite all time reasonable car. I would only get one with less mileage (I'm at 40K) but It'd be hard to find one with warranty considering one I looked at had 20K miles but was an '03. There's so many nuances and things I need to educate myself about, I'm joining the bimmerforums to get info on serious issues with the car.
I know BMWs are pricey, I ran a '00 528i up to about 150K and that thing got expensive. I don't know if it'd be prohibitively expensive though...
Anyone have any idea why my car's trade-in value on KBB was 25,000 last week but only 21,000 this week.... curious. But the expected price to privately buy an M3 with 20K miles is ~$20 grand... Did KBB dip ALL their prices in the last week?
Granted everything checked out - the KBB on this car private party value is $18,650 although they're asking $28,000
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 788
Likes: 1
Poper I say don't get it. Why you might ask? I say this because since your going to sell a car you know so much about for something you don't know anything about is a bad deal. I say keep the G and save your money for something better in the future. Currently I drove the 2011 Mustang GT 5.0 and I'm in love with that car and it's feel, pull when you hit the gas, and that fact that it cost 37k with the things I want, and I got my G for the same price. I was looking to get an older Evo but now I'm going to save money for the mustang.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Dallas
I need to go drive one...
It's a huge "if" for me, but I honestly think that's my favorite all time reasonable car. I would only get one with less mileage (I'm at 40K) but It'd be hard to find one with warranty considering one I looked at had 20K miles but was an '03. There's so many nuances and things I need to educate myself about, I'm joining the bimmerforums to get info on serious issues with the car.
I know BMWs are pricey, I ran a '00 528i up to about 150K and that thing got expensive. I don't know if it'd be prohibitively expensive though...
Anyone have any idea why my car's trade-in value on KBB was 25,000 last week but only 21,000 this week.... curious. But the expected price to privately buy an M3 with 20K miles is ~$20 grand... Did KBB dip ALL their prices in the last week?
Granted everything checked out - the KBB on this car private party value is $18,650 although they're asking $28,000
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
It's a huge "if" for me, but I honestly think that's my favorite all time reasonable car. I would only get one with less mileage (I'm at 40K) but It'd be hard to find one with warranty considering one I looked at had 20K miles but was an '03. There's so many nuances and things I need to educate myself about, I'm joining the bimmerforums to get info on serious issues with the car.
I know BMWs are pricey, I ran a '00 528i up to about 150K and that thing got expensive. I don't know if it'd be prohibitively expensive though...
Anyone have any idea why my car's trade-in value on KBB was 25,000 last week but only 21,000 this week.... curious. But the expected price to privately buy an M3 with 20K miles is ~$20 grand... Did KBB dip ALL their prices in the last week?
Granted everything checked out - the KBB on this car private party value is $18,650 although they're asking $28,000
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
IMO those cars are timeless in style...
One thing about the asking price. KBB is low on all their values right now. The used car market is still very hot and there is much demand (although, now turning over the new car market). BMW M products in good condition will always bring more than the "value" stated in the publications due several different reasons...
I'll tell you my experience.
About 6 months ago I was looking for a new car. I narrowed it down to three options:
e46 M3
G35 Coupe
07+ G35 Sedan
Test drove pretty much all of them. I did extensive research especially on the e46 M3. BTW, the M3 has always been my dream car. I love the m3's interlagos blue.
After extensive research, thought, and autotrader I found a nice Fully Loaded 07 6mt G35 Sedan. It was too good of a deal and had a lot of advantages.
1. New Technology
2. Warranty / Well maintained
3. Cheaper parts/insurance/maintenance/costs (BMW vs Infiniti)
4. Higher comfort in the Sedan yet Very Sporty
5. Faster than the Coupes
That's all I can think of as of right now. There are some negatives such as less attractive, smaller wheels/brakes, quiet exhaust, etc. Sedans are actually slightly cheaper so this gives you enough money to modify and make your car unique.
Also, I am a full-time student currently enrolled in a masters program while maintaining a good part-time job. I didn't want to deal with unexpected costs of buying a used vehicle. The 07 Sedan with warranty and all its features was my best option.
Then again, if I weren't in school and had good income I would have definitely went with the e46 M3. I wouldn't really worry about the maintenance because you can have your own mechanic or even yourself perform some of the work. People would say it costs a lot because of normal wear and tear items such as tires, brakes, etc. If you think about it wear and tear items for the M3 and G35 are roughly the same price.
I spent hours on the Bimmer forums and find out a few informative things. One thing that struck me is the notorious subframe problems with the e46's. A quick Google search and you will find many issues.
Honestly, I don't understand why you bought an Automatic to begin with. You said you loved manual and that's what you want. You probably wouldn't be asking this particular question if your car was manual. It's a completely different car.
You could keep your car for a few more years and pick up a newer M3. Then again if you aren't happy then sell it.
Good luck and I hope I provided some useful information.
Let us know what you decide on doing.
Adam
About 6 months ago I was looking for a new car. I narrowed it down to three options:
e46 M3
G35 Coupe
07+ G35 Sedan
Test drove pretty much all of them. I did extensive research especially on the e46 M3. BTW, the M3 has always been my dream car. I love the m3's interlagos blue.
After extensive research, thought, and autotrader I found a nice Fully Loaded 07 6mt G35 Sedan. It was too good of a deal and had a lot of advantages.
1. New Technology
2. Warranty / Well maintained
3. Cheaper parts/insurance/maintenance/costs (BMW vs Infiniti)
4. Higher comfort in the Sedan yet Very Sporty
5. Faster than the Coupes
That's all I can think of as of right now. There are some negatives such as less attractive, smaller wheels/brakes, quiet exhaust, etc. Sedans are actually slightly cheaper so this gives you enough money to modify and make your car unique.
Also, I am a full-time student currently enrolled in a masters program while maintaining a good part-time job. I didn't want to deal with unexpected costs of buying a used vehicle. The 07 Sedan with warranty and all its features was my best option.
Then again, if I weren't in school and had good income I would have definitely went with the e46 M3. I wouldn't really worry about the maintenance because you can have your own mechanic or even yourself perform some of the work. People would say it costs a lot because of normal wear and tear items such as tires, brakes, etc. If you think about it wear and tear items for the M3 and G35 are roughly the same price.
I spent hours on the Bimmer forums and find out a few informative things. One thing that struck me is the notorious subframe problems with the e46's. A quick Google search and you will find many issues.
Honestly, I don't understand why you bought an Automatic to begin with. You said you loved manual and that's what you want. You probably wouldn't be asking this particular question if your car was manual. It's a completely different car.
You could keep your car for a few more years and pick up a newer M3. Then again if you aren't happy then sell it.
Good luck and I hope I provided some useful information.
Let us know what you decide on doing.
Adam
Last edited by OMG35S; May 3, 2010 at 09:04 PM.
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,112
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
I'll tell you my experience.
About 6 months ago I was looking for a new car. I narrowed it down to three options:
e46 M3
G35 Coupe
07+ G35 Sedan
Test drove pretty much all of them. I did extensive research especially on the e46 M3. BTW, the M3 has always been my dream car. I love the m3's interlagos blue.
After extensive research, thought, and autotrader I found a nice Fully Loaded 07 6mt G35 Sedan. It was too good of a deal and had a lot of advantages.
1. New Technology
2. Warranty / Well maintained
3. Cheaper parts/insurance/maintenance/costs (BMW vs Infiniti)
4. Higher comfort in the Sedan yet Very Sporty
5. Faster than the Coupes
That's all I can think of as of right now. There are some negatives such as less attractive, smaller wheels/brakes, quiet exhaust, etc. Sedans are actually slightly cheaper so this gives you enough money to modify and make your car unique.
Also, I am a full-time student currently enrolled in a masters program while maintaining a good part-time job. I didn't want to deal with unexpected costs of buying a used vehicle. The 07 Sedan with warranty and all its features was my best option.
Then again, if I weren't in school and had good income I would have definitely went with the e46 M3. I wouldn't really worry about the maintenance because you can have your own mechanic or even yourself perform some of the work. People would say it costs a lot because of normal wear and tear items such as tires, brakes, etc. If you think about it wear and tear items for the M3 and G35 are roughly the same price.
I spent hours on the Bimmer forums and find out a few informative things. One thing that struck me is the notorious subframe problems with the e46's. A quick Google search and you will find many issues.
Honestly, I don't understand why you bought an Automatic to begin with. You said you loved manual and that's what you want. You probably wouldn't be asking this particular question if your car was manual. It's a completely different car.
You could keep your car for a few more years and pick up a newer M3. Then again if you aren't happy then sell it.
Good luck and I hope I provided some useful information.
Let us know what you decide on doing.
Adam
About 6 months ago I was looking for a new car. I narrowed it down to three options:
e46 M3
G35 Coupe
07+ G35 Sedan
Test drove pretty much all of them. I did extensive research especially on the e46 M3. BTW, the M3 has always been my dream car. I love the m3's interlagos blue.
After extensive research, thought, and autotrader I found a nice Fully Loaded 07 6mt G35 Sedan. It was too good of a deal and had a lot of advantages.
1. New Technology
2. Warranty / Well maintained
3. Cheaper parts/insurance/maintenance/costs (BMW vs Infiniti)
4. Higher comfort in the Sedan yet Very Sporty
5. Faster than the Coupes
That's all I can think of as of right now. There are some negatives such as less attractive, smaller wheels/brakes, quiet exhaust, etc. Sedans are actually slightly cheaper so this gives you enough money to modify and make your car unique.
Also, I am a full-time student currently enrolled in a masters program while maintaining a good part-time job. I didn't want to deal with unexpected costs of buying a used vehicle. The 07 Sedan with warranty and all its features was my best option.
Then again, if I weren't in school and had good income I would have definitely went with the e46 M3. I wouldn't really worry about the maintenance because you can have your own mechanic or even yourself perform some of the work. People would say it costs a lot because of normal wear and tear items such as tires, brakes, etc. If you think about it wear and tear items for the M3 and G35 are roughly the same price.
I spent hours on the Bimmer forums and find out a few informative things. One thing that struck me is the notorious subframe problems with the e46's. A quick Google search and you will find many issues.
Honestly, I don't understand why you bought an Automatic to begin with. You said you loved manual and that's what you want. You probably wouldn't be asking this particular question if your car was manual. It's a completely different car.
You could keep your car for a few more years and pick up a newer M3. Then again if you aren't happy then sell it.
Good luck and I hope I provided some useful information.
Let us know what you decide on doing.
Adam
The E46 really is a dream car for me and as far as warranty/wear and tear issues go - I would be picking up a car that yes is a few years older but has less mileage and I would only go for a car with all maintenance papers on file.
As far as the subframe - that's a big issue I've seen. Although it seems like you can get it fixed, possibly under a TSB type thing?
As I said, I would need to do a considerable amount more research before making any decisions. I do love my G, there's no doubt. And to be honest, the E46 M3 is the only other car I could see myself in (within reason).
Time to swing by the gas station and pick up some lotto tickets.
Last edited by popcornten; May 3, 2010 at 09:25 PM.
Do some more research on the subframe. I don't think they cover it if you're not under warranty.
If money isn't really an issue then by all means go for it. Just research and make sure you're getting a good car. It's going to be rough finding a e46 in pristine condition. Especially when it comes to manual. You have to assume that it has been driven hard. Have a BMW dealership to a full point inspection on it ($100). It's a cheap investment for the long run and they'll tell you everything about the car.
If money isn't really an issue then by all means go for it. Just research and make sure you're getting a good car. It's going to be rough finding a e46 in pristine condition. Especially when it comes to manual. You have to assume that it has been driven hard. Have a BMW dealership to a full point inspection on it ($100). It's a cheap investment for the long run and they'll tell you everything about the car.
We sold our 07 G35 and picked up an 02 745Li, it was the biggest mistake I've ever made regarding a car deal. The BMW had a clean Carfax, well detailed service records, but of course it was out of warranty. Here's a list of what expenses we covered and what would have been down the road if we didn't unload it for our 09 G37:
Water Pump ($800)
F&R Brakes ($900)
Seat-Belt sensor/tensioner ($1500)
Things starting to go wrong:
Transmission started to spool up when coming to a stop & clunking into low gear (minimum $1k, max~a new trans 8.5k)
Upper & Lower control arms & bushings ($1k)
intermittant headight flicker (price unknown)
I know the 7 series are plagued w/ technical problems (although the engines are bullet-proof), and the 3 series are much more reliable, but unless you get a CPO I wouldn't recommend a used BMW. Buying CPO BMWs then trading them in for another CPO BMW seems like the best way to own a BMW without going broke. I know several folks that do just that~they buy 2 yr old CPOs, drive them for 2 years, then repeat. They get a nice car for 15k less than new w/ warranty. The M3 is a blast, and if you can find a CPO in your budget I'd give it a shot, no warranty though and I'd definately say PASS!
Water Pump ($800)
F&R Brakes ($900)
Seat-Belt sensor/tensioner ($1500)
Things starting to go wrong:
Transmission started to spool up when coming to a stop & clunking into low gear (minimum $1k, max~a new trans 8.5k)
Upper & Lower control arms & bushings ($1k)
intermittant headight flicker (price unknown)
I know the 7 series are plagued w/ technical problems (although the engines are bullet-proof), and the 3 series are much more reliable, but unless you get a CPO I wouldn't recommend a used BMW. Buying CPO BMWs then trading them in for another CPO BMW seems like the best way to own a BMW without going broke. I know several folks that do just that~they buy 2 yr old CPOs, drive them for 2 years, then repeat. They get a nice car for 15k less than new w/ warranty. The M3 is a blast, and if you can find a CPO in your budget I'd give it a shot, no warranty though and I'd definately say PASS!