A possible stablemate for the M Funf

[Somesayhis]

I am very close to securing a deal on this wondrous looking machine.



It appears to have been looked after, I really like the colour combination and wood. What should I be looking out for on a 2002 SMG e46? Subframe? SMG Pump? Vanos??? Anything else?

Edited by Somesayhis on Saturday 10th March 12:26

[Pig Skill]

Re the subframe — make sure it gets a thorough inspection and by that I mean a proper inspection. A look underneath is not enough to spot minor cracks or telltale signs if imminent trouble. Ideally the rear of the frame needs dropping and checking properly.

I had mine checked at www.mprovesolutions.com who explained how many cars get passed off as OK with vital signs being overlooked! As it is an '02 it's obviously close to the 10 year goodwill repair cutoff.

Also, like any M make sure it doesn't need brakes or tyres as there is a few grand in both.

At 89k I would want to see the clutch having been changed. Dampers and RTAB's need checking and ideally a compression check as HGF can happen on older high milers. The HG fails between cylinders so no oil/water mixing — just a loss of compression. You may pick up on pinking or detonation as a sign of HGF.

With respect mate - I would not be buying an M3 off Ebay full stop. These cars at this age need such a thorough inspection as they can soon become a wallet opener. The fact that the current owner is offloading it on Ebay after 1k miles of driving would have my spidey sense twitching.

[Somesayhis]

Pig Skill said:

With respect mate - I would not be buying an M3 off Ebay full stop. These cars at this age need such a thorough inspection as they can soon become a wallet opener. The fact that the current owner is offloading it on Ebay after 1k miles of driving would have my spidey sense twitching.

Thanks for all the great advice mate.
I agree with you about buying off ebay. I would not have bought my M5 off ebay, this M3 is a bit of a knee jerk purchase. I have wanted one for long enough, now the prices are in the range of even the skinniest of piggy banks, I just need to scratch "that" itch.
I will not be taking this car to BMW for service and repairs. I am already in there enough with the M5. I have found a really good indy that I will potentially use for all the M3 needs, don't see the sense in plopping dealer money into a 8K car.
The cab's are always going to be a seasonal vehicle IMO, and with that in mind I would expect to see them changing hands more freely as the prices drop below 10K.
Still tempted. Going to buy a massive magnifying glass and give it a good once over.

[Somesayhis]

Pig Skill said:

Re the subframe — make sure it gets a thorough inspection and by that I mean a proper inspection. A look underneath is not enough to spot minor cracks or telltale signs if imminent trouble. Ideally the rear of the frame needs dropping and checking properly.

I had mine checked at www.mprovesolutions.com who explained how many cars get passed off as OK with vital signs being overlooked! As it is an '02 it's obviously close to the 10 year goodwill repair cutoff..

Are the 'verts already pre-strengthened in the rear sub frame area from the factory?

[Pig Skill]

Nope they are exactly the same in this respect - they crack also

[Somesayhis]

Thanks mate.

[Somesayhis]

Well its looking good on the deal. Next Friday will tell. Excited. First thing to do will be get the sub frame inspected and a HG check. Full service and geometry check, then I can sleep tight at night.

I love the colour combination.

Can't wait to get some pictures next to the M5 and the 330ci Sport. All I need now is a 1990 325i Sport in Dolphin, with mint cloth recaros and I will be a happy (greedy) chappy.

[Somesayhis]

Right, getting cold feet about this. What I didn't mention is that I am swapping my Range Rover for this as a straight swap. Still waiting on a recondition DSP amplifier for my range rover before the deal can commence. This was the hold up.

Please bare with me here. Right the M3 is up for 9250 ono. I had my Rangie up for 11k, which I thought was reasonable given age, mileage and extras.

Just paid for a Glasses guide valuation for the pair of them:

Land Rover Range Rover 3.0 Td6 auto 2003MY Vogue
Year & plate: 2002 52
Mileage: 118000
Registration: R****
Body type: Stationwagon
Drive: All Wheel Drive
Transmission: Automatic transmission
Fuel: Diesel
BHP: 174.00
Acceleration (0-62 mph): 12.0
Paint warranty (mths): 36
Doors: 5
Cylinders: 6
Gears: 5
Engine capacity (CC): 3000
Max speed (mph): 111
Warranty: 36
Breakdown cover (mths):
Trade in - excellent: 7,230.00
Trade in - average: 6,430.00
Trade in - below average: 5,591.00
Dealer retail price: 11,550.00
Private sale price: 9,205.00

2003 BMW M3 3.2 Convertible
Valuation date: 17/03/2012
Year & plate: 2002 02
Mileage: 89000
Registration: M3***
Body type: Convertible
Drive: Rear Wheel Drive
Transmission: Manual gearbox
Fuel: Petrol
BHP: 343.00
Acceleration (0-62 mph): 5.0
Paint warranty (mths): 36
Doors: 2
Cylinders: 6
Gears: 6
Engine capacity (CC): 3200
Max speed (mph): 155
Warranty: 36
Breakdown cover (mths):
Trade in - excellent: 5,631.00
Trade in - average: 5,020.00
Trade in - below average: 4,310.00
Dealer retail price: 8,100.00
Private sale price: 6,435.00
Valuation date: 17/03/2012

I suppose the figures I need to pay attention to are Private Sale so 9,205.00 for rangie and 6,435.00 for M3.

Now here is the crunch. I can't remember seeing a clean e46 convertible with hard top and wind deflector, FBMWSH and 89k for 6,435.00. Same goes for the Rangie's valuation i suppose, however a few cheap rough v8 L322 have not done the price image any good.

Are these Glasses guide prices way off or am I barking up the spastic tree?

If these are to be believed then I am short changing my self by approx 3k, which I don't like. That's a lot of pies.

[ecain63]

What do the 'Parkers' prices say? I know many dealers do tend to buy using Glasses and sell with Parkers as it wieghs in thier favour. Ask them, they'll never deny it. The best judge of value is Autotrader if im honest. You might want to advertise for a higher price on PH as its for car people and car people can appreciate ther importance of warranty, history and condition, but doing the same on Autotrader ends up pricing you out of the market. PH takes longer to find the right buyer, AT will get you 1000 numpties trying tobid you down because apparently 'your car is the same value as the poorest example available, and 'its a recession', but AT will get you a buyer quicker. lol

Bottom line, buisiness is business.

Eddie

[CecilEdUnicorn]

I kept the Rangie. Sub Frame very suspect....