Question on possible purchase: 2003 M3 SMG

[CityS]

Hi,

I just looked at a 53 plate M3 with 30000 miles. Specs:

SMG
Harman Kardon
Power/leather seats
Blue mettalic color
19 inch rims
good condition (no accidents, a couple of paint blemishes, rims require refurbishment).

Asking price is 20,500 GBP. Is it a good price?

As per service history other that oil changes and front rotors nothing else has been done to the car (only regular inspections but nothing has been replaced). There is a service book with stamps but I should have the check again for the 1200 service.

Given it is a 5 year old car (built Jan 03) that is barely driven (3000 miles last year) what problems should I expect to face, if I buy, it in the next 2 years?

What could be wrong on this car in the near future?

Many thanks,

A

Edited by CityS on Saturday 23 February 14:40

[alanm_3]

Couple of things to keep in mind.

1. The 1200 mile service is essential. If the car doesn't have the stamp for it in the service book, walk away from the car. There are a LOT of cars on the market now, so you can afford to be patient. I've seen a lot of cars below £20k.

2. From your decsription,the car doesn't have sat nav/TV. Whilst this isn't essential, it knocks about £1,000 off the price.

The price on M3s seems to be dropping on a daily basis, although I can't imagine this car still being avaulable in 2 years time!

Good luck! You won't regret it!

[Vee]

Ring BMW to confirm the service history and aso ask the seller for the invoices.
Don't just accept stamps in the book.

[getitupya]

Prices seem to vary wildly.........I got my 05 manual M3 with all options apart from heated seats and rear blind on 19"s (CB with black leather) for 21.5K from an indy dealer, but I have seen 02 plates being marketed at similar prices. Downside for mine was it had 60K but with fullbm history and hpi clear is this an issue? I sometimes think that us E46 M3 owners cannot accept that the arrival of the E92 has kicked the price into touch.

On a side note, is the 1200 mile service such an issue on newer (pre recall) models. The mods were made to get away from the botton end probs on the earlier ones were they not?

[Noel]

Isn't Jan 03 a 52 plate?

It seems on the high side especially if it doesn't have satnav. I've seen some good cars for circa
19K and have shaken hands on a purchase (of what I think is a peach) today at £17K. 52 plate SMG with everything.

BMW AUC cars can be had for £21K so I'd want to see a very clean car for that money privately or from an indy.

[CityS]

It was built in Jan 03 but sold in the UK in Mar 03.

Reading your comments I think that it is not well equiped (I was looking for sunroof and sat nav is a desired option as well). I think the interior didn't have aluminum trim that I would like to get (perhaps it was an option).

The seller bought the car one year ago and doesn't have any receipts from the past. Just one from his last service.

What should I check if it goes to the mechanic?

Also, is 19k a fair price to offer or I should go lower?

It will also need tires in the next 6 months I think.

[Noel]

I'd keep looking, loads have satnav and will have been owned by guys who'll hand you a tonne of bills for work they've had done. No need to accpet anything less than your ideal (as long as you're realistic on the wear and tear 4+ year old cars will have).

[petrolhead76]

£19k tops.

[markymark34]

prices of m3s are all over the place. Ive driven an 01 M3 up for 19k and an 03 m3 for the same money. both in good condition.

BM have a few m3s on their web site at 19k but with 18" wheels and limited extras.

Mark

[CityS]

I just looked at a 02 M3 with nice specs. Build date is Apr 02, milage 43k. Is this car affected by the engine problems early cars used to have?

It's a fully loaded car with SMG, Sat Nav, Black/black leather etc. What the fair price would be? This is a 6 yr old car mind you.

Also can you recommned a specialist in London where I can take the car for inspection?

thanks

[dan101smith]

SMG and sat nav don't make it fully loaded. I'd say £17k-ish for that.

Not sure on engine issue dates.

Where in London are you? Bexley Motor Works are experts with all things //M, over in Bexleyheath.

[paoloh]

Coupe £16k
Cab £17.5k
IMO

[CityS]

How do I run an HPI check on this car?

Can you post the postal code and the telephone number of this specialist?

[bardoose]

too much amigo...i just sold my convertable 32000 miles for 19000 pounds mate

[CityS]

I will ask him if he can take <16k. Anybody can help how can I check if the engine could be affected by the problems in early E46 M3 engines?

Edited by CityS on Sunday 11th May 21:48

[CityS]

bardoose said:

too much amigo...i just sold my convertable 32000 miles for 19000 pounds mate

was this your car?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/442079.htm

it looks pretty nice...

[petrolhead76]

CityS said:

bardoose said:

too much amigo...i just sold my convertable 32000 miles for 19000 pounds mate

was this your car?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/442079.htm

it looks pretty nice...

That is very cheap IMHO.

[LittleBro]

bardoose said:

too much amigo...i just sold my convertable 32000 miles for 19000 pounds mate

Didn't you only just buy it?

[bardoose]

LittleBro said:

bardoose said:

too much amigo...i just sold my convertable 32000 miles for 19000 pounds mate

Didn't you only just buy it?

yes i bought it 3 month ago..tiredof things going wrong with it so sold it and mine was grey by the way

[bardoose]

if it is a coupe pay 17000 max if i were you dont buy it lots of hassel,mine was the same sat for last 2 years only done 3000 miles and maybe that was the problem....keep braeking with crank shaft sensor and handbraek noise and ......