So... Went to look at new BMW M3's

L

LightngSVT

New member
And nearly fell over! My local dealer had a beautiful blue M3 parked out front. So I thought if its not to bad Id think about trading in the newer Lightning. I excpected the cars to be in the $45-47k range. Well this was a car with nav, Comp pkg, etc. Total = $66k!!!!!!! I talked to the sales man and they had another new M3 in stock, charcoal gray, sequential trans and a sticker of $55k (or the M3 convert in black for about $60k)!!! Well still a bit out of the ball park.



I know these are incredible cars, but with everything else I cant afford a $1200+ car payment. So my question is what would a low mile used M3 go for with 6 speed? Also any paritcular years better than others (I'd want the current body style)? Any other advice?
 
Look into a used one. It will definitly be better priced in your range and also Certified Pre-Owned.
 
I 2nd that. A used BMW can be a great purchase if it has been maintained properly and has low miles. There are some great deals out there but you just have to look around. The E46 M3's are beautiful cars and probably one of the best drivers cars out there. You can also check out www.dtmpower.net



-Ryan
 
You can have the dealer order you a car to your specification, or find one on the lot with fewer options. If you don't need a lot of options and gadgets, you can find one for around $50k. They might even be willing to negociate a bit if it's been sitting there for a while.



Or if you need a little more, find a nice used example.
 
there are used e46 m3's a plenty :) a lot of really good condition ones too. of course there are some really horrible ones. but anyways, depending on the year, options and miles ive seen them go for ~30 to 50. They also have a really nice cloth-type interior option, and it lowers the price decently. the competition package is sweet :up



but i'm not surprised at the 66k, price one online :eek: They are worth it though.
 
I think Audion19s just bought a pre-owned M3. Gorgeous car. You might PM him and ask him for the specifics about his purchase if he doesn't mind.
 
LightngSVT said:
And nearly fell over! My local dealer had a beautiful blue M3 parked out front. So I thought if its not to bad Id think about trading in the newer Lightning. I excpected the cars to be in the $45-47k range. Well this was a car with nav, Comp pkg, etc. Total = $66k!!!!!!! I talked to the sales man and they had another new M3 in stock, charcoal gray, sequential trans and a sticker of $55k (or the M3 convert in black for about $60k)!!! Well still a bit out of the ball park.



I know these are incredible cars, but with everything else I cant afford a $1200+ car payment. So my question is what would a low mile used M3 go for with 6 speed? Also any paritcular years better than others (I'd want the current body style)? Any other advice?
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I saw an ad in the local newspaper for a black and silver one. Both were for a "mere" $35,000 each. They were both 2001 models, but they didn't list mileage. I would seriously consider it if it weren't for my three kids and a dying need for a minivan!:o
 
Wow $35000 for a 2001? Man Im to used to buying American cars. I wonder what an 03 would go for? I dont need all that navigation and fancy crap. manual trans, power windows/locks/mirrors and a decent stereo are all I really need.
 
The dealership is a Courtesy dealership. I believe they're nationwide. I'm sure you could go to a Courtesy dealership and ask about it. BTW, the dealership with those cars is Mercedes Benz of Orlando, in case you're interested.:)
 
Good choice. I absolutely love the E46 M3! Here's another website I'm sure will provide you with some useful info on finding and purchasing a quality used M3. M3forum Best of luck to you on your purchase!!!:xyxthumbs
 
LightngSVT said:
Wow $35000 for a 2001? Man Im to used to buying American cars. I wonder what an 03 would go for? I dont need all that navigation and fancy crap. manual trans, power windows/locks/mirrors and a decent stereo are all I really need.
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I have a BMW, not an M3, 2001 325i. Great car, but I have spent more time at the dealer than all the other cars I have owned combined.



However the tradeoff is great, the card handles very well, the build quality and materials are top notch. Engine-wise the car is perfect, but just a lot of little problems.



The early M3's 2001-02 had at least one major engine recall for bad connecting rod bearings. They now carry a 7 year 100k warranty to cover any engine problems.



Steve
 
I don't know how flexable you are, or if you really want an M3, but how about an S2000 and save yourself some big time $$? They are fantastic sports cars, even though they can't measure up to an M3. Brand new in the low 30's I think.
 
The M3's depreciate rather quickly. Very good deals can be had in the used the market. Navigations and park assist are not the norm. You are more likely to find cars without these options than you are to find them with them. That said, I think the Comp. package is new for 2005. Drive a coupe of the SMG cars to see if you can live with the transmission on a daily basis. Some people find it cool and great initially but then grow tired of it quickly. The early versions of the SMG are not very good in the fully auto mode either.
 
bet993 said:
The M3's depreciate rather quickly. Very good deals can be had in the used the market. Navigations and park assist are not the norm. You are more likely to find cars without these options than you are to find them with them. That said, I think the Comp. package is new for 2005. Drive a coupe of the SMG cars to see if you can live with the transmission on a daily basis. Some people find it cool and great initially but then grow tired of it quickly. The early versions of the SMG are not very good in the fully auto mode either.
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Any reason for them depreciating quickly?
 
So driving home last night I noticed the local Checvy dealer has 2 Vettes out front. An 01 Z06 and an 03 Vert. The Z06 has 21000 miles and the vert has 330000 miles. Both are cheaper than what has been mentioned for prices for used M3's. Then theres the Ford dealer with the 04 Lightning for only $28k (I already know I like Lightnings). Thing Is I have always loved the M3's, but it seems like its going to be an extreme challenge to find one in the right condition for the right price. Im not sure I want to go through the "hassle"? Then ther is also the 06 SVT CObra Shelby with 450hp for under $40k new. Im confused now on what to do? Maybe its best that I take sometime to just think on it and look casually?
 
an m3 is a totally different car compared to the others you mentioned. if you are more interested in the other cars, go for it as they are cheaper. but the bmw is more expensive for a reason. finding a 01 in autopian standards for anywhere in the low 30's will be TOUGH to say the least. in not as good standards, it wouldn't be too hard at all.
 
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