Going to look at a M3 tomorrow...

[mcelliott]

Hello everyone. After a few weeks of trolling on the M Power thread, it's an itch that's become increasingly difficult to ignore. Tomorrow I am going to have a look at a M3 E46 2005. I saw the car advertised in the classifieds in my local newspaper. The ad reads as follows:

"2005 M3 silver, manual, full BMW service history, black leather, heated seats, Xenons, air con, bluetooth, 27,000 miles. Asking price £16,995."

Now looking at the cars advertised elsewhere, this seems like a very reasonable asking price. I would really appreciate advice on the above, i.e. questions I should ask and what to look for.

Thanks

[Mr E Driver]

27k seems very low mileage for a car like that @ 5 years old, needs looking at very carefully.

[darreni]

Marcus, is that the one in todays Guernsey Press?

[mcelliott]

I should add that the car is in the channel islands therefore the mileage is substantially lower than a UK equivalent. However I shall proceed with caution.

Also maybe someone could correct me on this, but I've heard that the car must have had its 1200 mile service stamped. If it hasn't, should I just walk away?

[mcelliott]

@ Darren - yes it is! Is there anything I should know?!....

[darreni]

mcelliott said:

@ Darren - yes it is! Is there anything I should know?!....

No, not at all. I noticed it in the press today, or rather my wife did.

Running in service is vital, as is warranty.

Spec (IMHO), should be Sat nav, SMG, 19" wheels. Harmon Kardon upgrade worth having.

Service history should be spot on.

My cab is for sale too if you are interested;

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1686131.htm

[mcelliott]

darreni said:

mcelliott said:

@ Darren - yes it is! Is there anything I should know?!....

No, not at all. I noticed it in the press today, or rather my wife did.

Running in service is vital, as is warranty.

Spec (IMHO), should be Sat nav, SMG, 19" wheels. Harmon Kardon upgrade worth having.

Service history should be spot on.

My cab is for sale too if you are interested;

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1686131.htm

Thanks Darren, will take all that into consideration. Must admit I'm very tempted - will report back tomorrow with an update. Oh, tidy cab by the way.

[darreni]

It might well be a nice car, though be careful if you have not driven one before, even crap ones drive well.

[mcelliott]

darreni said:

It might well be a nice car, though be careful if you have not driven one before, even crap ones drive well.

Hmmm that's what I feared. Are there any little clues/give aways that I should look for that separates a crappy car that drives well, and a genuine motor.

[darreni]

http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showthread.php?t=893

[mcelliott]

darreni said:

http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showthread.php?t=893

Cheers, much appreciated.

[AngryApples]

mcelliott said:

Hello everyone. After a few weeks of trolling on the M Power thread, it's an itch that's become increasingly difficult to ignore. Tomorrow I am going to have a look at a M3 E46 2005. I saw the car advertised in the classifieds in my local newspaper. The ad reads as follows:

"2005 M3 silver, manual, full BMW service history, black leather, heated seats, Xenons, air con, bluetooth, 27,000 miles. Asking price £16,995."

Now looking at the cars advertised elsewhere, this seems like a very reasonable asking price. I would really appreciate advice on the above, i.e. questions I should ask and what to look for.

Thanks

Hmmm

Considering the spec (no HK or Sat Nav mentioned) I dont think it's worth that price tag

27k miles is seriously low mileage and as others have said I'd check that with a fine tooth comb

Even if genuine, the low mileage doesnt add more than around £500 to the value

Be careful about the service history - paying that money I'd expect invoices for every pice of work acrried out, no matter how small

I would also give priority to cars serviced by quality independent BMW specialists over that of BMW dealer history (most here agree with this, as it seems like main dealer service departments are staffed by trainees that know sod all about BMW's and in particular, M cars!)

Good luck with the search

[Alpinestars]

Sat nav is almost a must for resale, and make sure it has had the running in service done somewhere between 1000 and 1750 miles.

[mcelliott]

Hi guys, well I've finally joined the M Club. As stated in my earlier posts, was looking at a low mileage E46. Went the next morning, met up with the seller who was a really nice guy, and a real M car enthusiast. He was reluctantly selling the car to finance a deposit for a house. Must admit within minutes of seeing the car I had completely fallen in love with it. It's absolutely immaculate, with not a single mark on it. It's condition was far and way better than my expectations. Really is showroom condition, with a full service history and everything stamped where it should be, plus the all important 1200 mile service. Only driven the car a couple of times since purchase, but it's absolutely awesome! Although I've worked hard and saved hard, I feel really priveleged to own such a special car. Anyway enough bluster, here's a pic. I will work on some more 'arty' ones tomorrow.

[996 sps]

Lovely enjoy it mate.

[Toilet Duck]

What are those purple flowers?

[M5Tom]

The wheels of a real driver (much better handling with the smaller size)........looks great.

[mcelliott]

Toilet Duck said:

What are those purple flowers?

Verbena bonariensis, flowers from May to end of October. Hope you find this information helpful!

[Toilet Duck]

mcelliott said:

Toilet Duck said:

What are those purple flowers?

Verbena bonariensis, flowers from May to end of October. Hope you find this information helpful!

Cheers.

What about the orange ones?

[krisdelta]

Enjoy it - I hankered after an E46 for 7 years, and 16 months on after taking the plunge I still get a buzz just being in the car.