Newbee Owner E46 M3 Convertible advice
Discussion
Hi,
I'm About to take the plunge and get an 54 Black E46 M3 Convertible http://www.thecarspy.net/mesam.html
Doing a part-ex deal for my TVR Griff. I was wondering if anyone can offer some advice about checking this car over. I'm presuming a siple AA check is not going to give me much info, so interested in other options on inspection service, can this be done by a BMW Deailer etc.. , or any other things to look out for
Also any other advice on up's and downs of owning such a great machine, I'm currently running a TVR griff as my 3rd car so no all about expensive servicing & maintenance !! , but wondered what costs I can expect. I'm happy to pay a premium as you get what you pay for with cars and the enjoyment of driving them soon elps forget the hit in the wallet.
I'm looking forward to becoming an M-car owner for the 1st time so please any advice would be welcomed, no matter how trivial. Thanks in advance.
Cheers
I'm About to take the plunge and get an 54 Black E46 M3 Convertible http://www.thecarspy.net/mesam.html
Doing a part-ex deal for my TVR Griff. I was wondering if anyone can offer some advice about checking this car over. I'm presuming a siple AA check is not going to give me much info, so interested in other options on inspection service, can this be done by a BMW Deailer etc.. , or any other things to look out for
Also any other advice on up's and downs of owning such a great machine, I'm currently running a TVR griff as my 3rd car so no all about expensive servicing & maintenance !! , but wondered what costs I can expect. I'm happy to pay a premium as you get what you pay for with cars and the enjoyment of driving them soon elps forget the hit in the wallet.
I'm looking forward to becoming an M-car owner for the 1st time so please any advice would be welcomed, no matter how trivial. Thanks in advance.
Cheers
Hi,
Some BMW dealers can provide a inspection service but ultimately they are franchises so shop around for a better price and play one off against the other (same with servicing). I doubt (though am happy to be corrected) that they'll do a whole lot more than the AA though.
One thought on your prospective purchase though may be the price. There are some good deals about in the current climate and I wonder if £19,995 is a tad expensive (unless you've worked out a good deal subsequently). I purchased what is effectively the same car as you only 6 weeks ago - an '03 plate admittedly, same colour, came with hard top and is absolutely fully loaded, only 43k on the clock, full BMW service history, fantastic condition and £4k cheaper at £15,995. This was from a garage so came with warranty and I also subsequently arranged a part exchange for my old 3 series convertible.
My car is currently top of page 2 on the site below for comparison:
http://www.jmcstratford.co.uk/26720/stocklist.htm
You won't be disappointed with your purchase though, these cars are absolutely fantastic. I own a TVR Chimaera as well and the M3 is quicker and the handling is better.
Just one thing though, as awesome a car as the M3 is, I couldn't part with the TVR. As I said, the M3 is powerful, precise, reliable and feels like a car half its weight; in short a great example of German efficiency.
The TVR, whilst powerful, is unrefined, has that unbelievably loud V8 and when you go out in it pack some sandwiches because you never quite know if its going to get you home again - it's a very different driving experience but one that puts a smile on my face time and time again.
IMHO the M3 is awesome and the TVR is awesome fun.
Any chance you could keep them both?
Some BMW dealers can provide a inspection service but ultimately they are franchises so shop around for a better price and play one off against the other (same with servicing). I doubt (though am happy to be corrected) that they'll do a whole lot more than the AA though.
One thought on your prospective purchase though may be the price. There are some good deals about in the current climate and I wonder if £19,995 is a tad expensive (unless you've worked out a good deal subsequently). I purchased what is effectively the same car as you only 6 weeks ago - an '03 plate admittedly, same colour, came with hard top and is absolutely fully loaded, only 43k on the clock, full BMW service history, fantastic condition and £4k cheaper at £15,995. This was from a garage so came with warranty and I also subsequently arranged a part exchange for my old 3 series convertible.
My car is currently top of page 2 on the site below for comparison:
http://www.jmcstratford.co.uk/26720/stocklist.htm
You won't be disappointed with your purchase though, these cars are absolutely fantastic. I own a TVR Chimaera as well and the M3 is quicker and the handling is better.
Just one thing though, as awesome a car as the M3 is, I couldn't part with the TVR. As I said, the M3 is powerful, precise, reliable and feels like a car half its weight; in short a great example of German efficiency.
The TVR, whilst powerful, is unrefined, has that unbelievably loud V8 and when you go out in it pack some sandwiches because you never quite know if its going to get you home again - it's a very different driving experience but one that puts a smile on my face time and time again.
IMHO the M3 is awesome and the TVR is awesome fun.
Any chance you could keep them both?
Edited by Martin W on Monday 5th January 12:50
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