E92 M3 buyer's guide
Discussion
I've had a 2008 e93 M3 for over a year now, first 6 months I had warranty now without. So far:
- squeaky interior fan (common 3-series problem), fixed under warranty
- throttle actuator failure (out the blue, no warning, common M3/5 issue), happened out of warranty ! originally presented with a $4,500 bill but BMW Canada good willed $3,700 (parts) of it
- after fixing actuator they put vanos back together wrong, fixed free of charge
Overall they are reliable cars, my friend has had way more issues with his e92 335i, but the M specific parts are eye wateringly expensive. Also BMW don't seem to have a lot of knowledge on how to fix issues when they arise so if you are looking outside warranty need to ensure you locate a good indie near you.
I'm waiting for Idle Control Actuator to fail next but that's 'only' around $1,200 i believe to resolve. I'm glad to have got the throttle actuator issue behind me as i've read that's pretty much a timebomb for all e9x M3's.
Don't mean to be scaring you off here, similar 996/997 911s have even more terrifying issues (IMS/RMS). Just remember that even though these cars are now cheap, they still come with an upkeep cost related to their original purchase price.
I love my car though, so do-it !
- squeaky interior fan (common 3-series problem), fixed under warranty
- throttle actuator failure (out the blue, no warning, common M3/5 issue), happened out of warranty ! originally presented with a $4,500 bill but BMW Canada good willed $3,700 (parts) of it
- after fixing actuator they put vanos back together wrong, fixed free of charge
Overall they are reliable cars, my friend has had way more issues with his e92 335i, but the M specific parts are eye wateringly expensive. Also BMW don't seem to have a lot of knowledge on how to fix issues when they arise so if you are looking outside warranty need to ensure you locate a good indie near you.
I'm waiting for Idle Control Actuator to fail next but that's 'only' around $1,200 i believe to resolve. I'm glad to have got the throttle actuator issue behind me as i've read that's pretty much a timebomb for all e9x M3's.
Don't mean to be scaring you off here, similar 996/997 911s have even more terrifying issues (IMS/RMS). Just remember that even though these cars are now cheap, they still come with an upkeep cost related to their original purchase price.
I love my car though, so do-it !
Ran a 2008 M3 for 2 years only faults were ignition coils on 3 separate occasions, other than that seemed pretty bullet proof over the 2 years and 30,000 miles. Didn't bother with warranty just self insured by saving in bank which covered the 3 coil failures with some left over.
Servicing costs are an arse and I didn't think justified for a (£60k as was when new) car.
Nice and reliable beast though, don't know of any horror stories....although no doubt someone will correct me!
Servicing costs are an arse and I didn't think justified for a (£60k as was when new) car.
Nice and reliable beast though, don't know of any horror stories....although no doubt someone will correct me!
Thanks
No space/crevice for a spare wheel either?
Does anyone run their only car without a spare wheel
If you have only one car per household could you comfortably choose a car that runs on NRFs and does not have a spare wheel compartment?
BMW went their own way with the RF thing..as a result I'm struggling to buy one despite owning 3 in a row I had to go over to VW for my current car
No space/crevice for a spare wheel either?
Does anyone run their only car without a spare wheel
If you have only one car per household could you comfortably choose a car that runs on NRFs and does not have a spare wheel compartment?
BMW went their own way with the RF thing..as a result I'm struggling to buy one despite owning 3 in a row I had to go over to VW for my current car
It has tyre glue and a compressor. I've never had a puncture in the 13 years I've been driving.
I don't think a space saver would fit over the brakes and I wouldn't want to be carrying a 25kg+ wheel and tyre in the boot.
Just make sure you have roadside to cover for a worst eventuality.
I don't think a space saver would fit over the brakes and I wouldn't want to be carrying a 25kg+ wheel and tyre in the boot.
Just make sure you have roadside to cover for a worst eventuality.
Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff