Thinking of buying an E92 M3

[Fury RS]

Hi all. I have been running a manual E92 335i se with a small remap (355-365bhp) for over a year now and must say the car hasn't missed a beat, very nice to drive, M Sport suspension as standard and goes very well too. I have been mulling over maybe changing for something different, always fancied an E46 M3 but couldn't find a nice example whilst looking last year so the M3 E92 or E90 is one of the cars top of my list presently. Have been looking at MY 2007-2010 with under 65k miles possibly. Prices for these cars seem to me to be all over the place at present. How much better are these cars than my 335i? I know the handling will be superior with the diff and suspension etc. What's your opinions on the prices out there?, do you guys think they are going to depreciate much more? I'm just looking for the plus and minus points in general.
Thanks...

Edited by Fury RS on Friday 17th July 15:59

[bigtime]

I made the exact move in 2012 - both dct's. Best decision I've ever made as the M3 feels much more special than the 335. I love ringing the neck of the M3 to 8400rpm as the engine is much more exciting than the 335i. Some people whinge about the lack of torque but with the dct this isn't an issue. Just make sure when your 'on it' to be one gear lower than you would in the 335i. I also find the ride much more compliant but I had awful runflats on my 335.

[39sl]

Would entirely agree...had a 335i then bought E92 M3 and loved it. Totally difference sensation when driving it compared to the 335...felt so much more of a driving car.
Got an M6 now but actually thinking about buying back into an E92 M3 as it was the best car I ever owned

[olivebrown]

The prices just seem to high. A 08-09 car with below 60k is 21k plus seems ridiculous and feel a big drop in prices will happen soon.

Reliability wise they seem to be good, with only the actuators being a weak spot.

[bigtime]

How much do you think they should be? These were around £55k when new so have already lost over £30k. If your worried about loosing a few grand a year in depreciation I don't think a thirsty V8 is for you.

[Ranman]

I bought my 2008 manual non edc car back at the start of 2013 thinking it wouldn't stay too long with me, but needed to scratch the M3 V8 itch. Well I had to go back to the insurance broker to up the limited mileage...I absolutely love it and it's staying with me...total Jekyl and Hyde car...you can tootle about with a lovely low down burble from that V8 comfortable 4 seater, satnav, digital radio, blah blah, and fairly discreet in Sparkling grey metallic....but when you want to push on boy does it go...and the howl from the V8 at 8k revs.totally addictive..these cars are seriously underrated...a friend has the 4 door and it's lovely to drive too...I've always felt the handling very communicative and even in the wet it feels planted, stick to quality Michelins and make sure they are nicely warmed up and you won't go wrong...buy now on condition and service history...they're the last of a breed.

[bigtime]

Looks lovely that Ranman. It's making me want start up the V8 as I haven't had it out the garage for 3 days

[nickfrog]

After a few years depreciation curves are very smooth. Why on earth would there be a sudden drop ? They don't make then anymore and new ones cost a little more than £20k despite the absence of NA V8. Demand seems strong. I predict price stability or very slow depreciation. Warren B.

[Jazzer]

I have been an M5 man for years, but so admire these V8 M3s....so much more special than the current offering.....they are so alive and responsive, sound great too!

[Fury RS]

Thanks for the informative replies, some interesting thoughts there. Hopefully viewing a Silverstone 11 and a Jerez Black E92 early next week...

[ndj]

Bought my car AUC three and a half years ago. Only warranty claim in the car's life was a faulty screen wash pump. Based on a recent trade in valuation at my local BMW dealer I've lost £8K in the time I've owner it (pity the first owner). That puts my 30K mile 59 plate LCI E90 DCT at circa £25K retail. E90's represent less than 20% of E9x M3's sold so perhaps will be a better depreciation proposition longer term? Who knows?

Buy under 60K miles and put a pay monthly BMW insured warranty on it then go enjoy. As already said, last of a breed.

[joscal]

I have an M5 now which is awesome but I do miss my M3. Would get another one in a heartbeat if funds permitted.

Fantastic cars, especially with a decent exhaust.

[RossP]

I went from a 335i auto to a manual E92 M3. Epic car and the engine is to die for. The chassis is so much better sorted in the M3 too. It really doesn't even feel related to drive. I made the mistake of swapping the M3 for an M135i which isn't in the same league.

[nickfrog]

Correct but new vs new it's half the price. Didn't you test drive the M135i prior to realising it wasn't for you ?

[RossP]

I had several including an extended one. I convinced myself that the newer tech etc would make everthing ok.

Everyone makes mistakes!

Advice to OP is get the M3!

[nickfrog]

We've all been there Ross. I tried to convince myself I could live with the GT86 engine as the chassis is so good and could only last 6 months. Now I have a very average chassis with a great engine (in comparison).

[Wills2]

olivebrown said:

The prices just seem to high. A 08-09 car with below 60k is 21k plus seems ridiculous and feel a big drop in prices will happen soon.

Why? What price do you think they should be? The big drop has already happened from 55-65k list.

[RossP]

I've managed just over a year Nickfrog. Succumbed and ordered an M4 which arrives in Sept

[PJS917]

I have had my E92 M3 just under 12 months and have done 17k miles in it, it took 6 months for me to start
to warm to the car, but I am now beging to think it is a keeper as nothing I look at comes close to what it
can do. A comfortable cruiser when required, happy around town (Mine is a manual) and then great fun when the road allows it. The only downside is the fuel consumption, but it really is not that bad for such a fun V8. I can only recomend them, top cars.

[joscal]

PJS917 said:

I have had my E92 M3 just under 12 months and have done 17k miles in it, it took 6 months for me to start
to warm to the car, but I am now beging to think it is a keeper as nothing I look at comes close to what it
can do. A comfortable cruiser when required, happy around town (Mine is a manual) and then great fun when the road allows it. The only downside is the fuel consumption, but it really is not that bad for such a fun V8. I can only recomend them, top cars.

Funny it took me a while to warm to mine too. Same as all M cars I think to be honest, a quick test drive and not knowing what settings you prefer (usually balls out in my case)can make you wonder what all the fuss is about.