M3 SMG

[Smirnoffmark]

Hi,

I'm thinking about buying a high mileage (about 70\80000 miles) 2003\4 M3 for a run around however one of the garages I've visited has said that the SMG box always develops problems when they get to about 80,000 miles.

Does anyone know if this is true?

Thanks,

Mark.

[NickXX]

I was told it was around 60,000 miles when I bought my 56,000 M3. I've done just over 6,000 miles in it over 7 months with no issues. If the box is ok when you buy it, I wouldn't worry. If it's not got a warranty though make sure you/the owner pushes the box quite hard to check it's working ok.

[mat205125]

I looked at a number of cars before I bought mine. I ended up with a car with more miles than I'd intended, but one that had just had £3000 spent on the SMG pumps and related gubbins. If it's not had these parts renewed I'd look for one that has. Mines over 95k now and tight as a drum ..... Touch wood!

[okgo]

Alright Matt, calm down, chap.

[Smirnoffmark]

Thanks guys, appreciate the feedback. Is the HK upgrade and satnav a worthwhile option?

Will let you know how I get on.

M.

[rupchip]

If you can get the right car with the HK upgrade, I would recommend it. However if the car you spot is perfect otherwise, go for it. You can always improve the audio system if the standard set up falls flat for you.

[darreni]

Or Find one with BMW warranty remaining.
There are some out there....

[mat205125]

okgo said:

Alright Matt, calm down, chap.

iPhone .... in the pub .... after being there since before the Ireland game .... and reduced button control

[mat205125]

rupchip said:

If you can get the right car with the HK upgrade, I would recommend it. However if the car you spot is perfect otherwise, go for it. You can always improve the audio system if the standard set up falls flat for you.

A real bonus if it has got it, however wouldn't be a deal breaker without it ..... a good haggling point, maybe?

[Koing]

The Sat Nav, well my MK3 cd based one is PRETTY TRAGIC man...I think I've gotten lost on EVERY single journey it has been used so far, so thats about 8 journeys in 4 weeks of ownership.

The HK is nice. I'm no audiophile but it sounds good to me. The rear HK sub does make the interior bounce a bit if you listen to music with bass. But what do you expect? It's a car setup that doesn't take a chunk of space in your boot. But it does lower the height of which suit boxes you ca put in your boot by the way. I couldn't fit my B&W sub in there. I had to put it on the rear passenger seats.

The TV is fairly rubbish. The digital one may be better but it's fairly uncommon and a £400 upgrade or even more, pretty disgusting...

The Sat Nav makes the centre console look a lot nicer though and helps keep the value up.

Koing