E92 M3, decent buy in Jan/Feb?
Discussion
I am about to advertise my S3 as I need something a bit bigger. Before the Audi I had an E46 M3 for 3 years. I am (probably) going to buy an E92 M3 c2008, possibly 09 - the other option is a 997 but this goes against need more space!. Apart from the usual things, is there much to look out for on these? I gather EDC is important, is this a must have in terms of resell/desirability? Was DAB radio standard, I couldn't find an awful lot online and have since lost my BMW brochure 
Thanks for any help.
Thanks for any help.I was in the same boat this time last year, I ended up buying a Z4 35iS because I just couldn't find an M3 that I considered to be "perfect".
If you look on eBay you can pick up a brochure for pretty much any model year for the M3 for only a few pounds, I found that a fantastic little purchase. At least that way you can find out exactly what was standard, and what was optional for the model year you're looking for.
If you look on eBay you can pick up a brochure for pretty much any model year for the M3 for only a few pounds, I found that a fantastic little purchase. At least that way you can find out exactly what was standard, and what was optional for the model year you're looking for.
DAB is an upgrade.
The idrive was upgraded in 2010 from disc to hard drive system which most people rave about as an improvement.
Most options are person choice. Personally I went for DAB, Bluetooth (yes its an option), folding mirrors, Competition pack (which includes EDC).
Didn't go for heated seats (not bothered), full internet (not bothered), TV (not bothered) darker tints (possibly wish I had), extended leather (not bothered), but as I said above most options are personal choice/cost considerations.
The idrive was upgraded in 2010 from disc to hard drive system which most people rave about as an improvement.
Most options are person choice. Personally I went for DAB, Bluetooth (yes its an option), folding mirrors, Competition pack (which includes EDC).
Didn't go for heated seats (not bothered), full internet (not bothered), TV (not bothered) darker tints (possibly wish I had), extended leather (not bothered), but as I said above most options are personal choice/cost considerations.
Up to next year DAB is still not standard.
The Idrive was upgraded sept 2009
EDC is generally included in Values for Glass Guide, without it hits it for £1000, but it was a couple of thousand option so figure that one out. I sell about 50% of my cars with EDC so not everyones bag, great car either way to be honest.
Bluetooth is not standard part of a media pack
DCT are fairly scarce 2008 as that was the first year of them, E92 M3 hit end 2007
Spend time searching for the right car, don't buy something your not 100% happy with, don't buy one without the 1200 run in service, insist on a full service history, get your Paint depth gauge out and it should read 15-200 microns approximately if theres a massive difference chances are its been painted, however don't rule it out as it could be a cosmetic repair not necessarily accident damaged.
If you need any help or advice PM me
Greg
The Idrive was upgraded sept 2009
EDC is generally included in Values for Glass Guide, without it hits it for £1000, but it was a couple of thousand option so figure that one out. I sell about 50% of my cars with EDC so not everyones bag, great car either way to be honest.
Bluetooth is not standard part of a media pack
DCT are fairly scarce 2008 as that was the first year of them, E92 M3 hit end 2007
Spend time searching for the right car, don't buy something your not 100% happy with, don't buy one without the 1200 run in service, insist on a full service history, get your Paint depth gauge out and it should read 15-200 microns approximately if theres a massive difference chances are its been painted, however don't rule it out as it could be a cosmetic repair not necessarily accident damaged.
If you need any help or advice PM me
Greg
Comp pack is a great option but costly so often not spec'd
I think if i was spending my own money id go for Comp pack if i could get one, if not then EDC and 19's, Media pack, heated front seats, sun protection glass, DCT, Carbon fibre effect leather on the dash. if budget dictates, go for Harman Kardon surround sound too.
G
I think if i was spending my own money id go for Comp pack if i could get one, if not then EDC and 19's, Media pack, heated front seats, sun protection glass, DCT, Carbon fibre effect leather on the dash. if budget dictates, go for Harman Kardon surround sound too.
G
Eastern boy said:
Comp pack is a great option but costly so often not spec'd
I think if i was spending my own money id go for Comp pack if i could get one, if not then EDC and 19's, Media pack, heated front seats, sun protection glass, DCT, Carbon fibre effect leather on the dash. if budget dictates, go for Harman Kardon surround sound too.
G
hmm, correct me if I am wrong but all the options you want should be covered by a Comp Pack car? Might as well go for Comp Pack then I think if i was spending my own money id go for Comp pack if i could get one, if not then EDC and 19's, Media pack, heated front seats, sun protection glass, DCT, Carbon fibre effect leather on the dash. if budget dictates, go for Harman Kardon surround sound too.
G
I do agree they are rare and also pretty pricey at the moment...I had the same challenges. I had a 996 before and fancied a 997 C4s. However the difference in price between a 997 and a similar age and miles M3 is a big gap, about ten grand roughly I found. I wanted a cabriolet so the M3 hard top convertible is even more practical than the 997. The proper rear seats are a bonus if I need to take other folk with me. My M3 does not have EDC and the ride is fine. I chose a car without upgrade wheels and am pleased it has 18" I had an XKR with 20" wheels and it white lined and tram lined a lot. The M3 drive is great. I like the dual clutch, when in manual the change down note is very good indeed. Plenty of usable power. Comfortable seats and good gadgets. Do it!
I had the same challenges. I had a 996 before and fancied a 997 C4s. However the difference in price between a 997 and a similar age and miles M3 is a big gap, about ten grand roughly I found. I wanted a cabriolet so the M3 hard top convertible is even more practical than the 997. The proper rear seats are a bonus if I need to take other folk with me. My M3 does not have EDC and the ride is fine. I chose a car without upgrade wheels and am pleased it has 18" I had an XKR with 20" wheels and it white lined and tram lined a lot. The M3 drive is great. I like the dual clutch, when in manual the change down note is very good indeed. Plenty of usable power. Comfortable seats and good gadgets. Do it!
Telling you what my car has fitted isn't going to help you so here are my general thoughts:
EDC isn't a must have. The ride quality of the car without EDC is very similar to an E39 M5 which was always considered pretty much perfect. EDC dampers are also very expensive to replace in the event of failure. No probs if under warranty but painful if not.
19" wheels don't kill ride quality and most cars seem to have them fitted.
DCT is excellent. I suspect a majority of buyers will look for this option as time goes on.
The high-end audio is excellent but I never struggled with the Business speaker upgrade. Depends how much of an Audiophile you are.
Post 2009 LCI cars have the newer I-drive, USB interface etc. Worth it IMO as upgrading the earlier system costs.
For me heated seats are a must, but were not standard fit.
Anything else would be on my "nice to have" list. Buy on condition, history, etc.
EDC isn't a must have. The ride quality of the car without EDC is very similar to an E39 M5 which was always considered pretty much perfect. EDC dampers are also very expensive to replace in the event of failure. No probs if under warranty but painful if not.
19" wheels don't kill ride quality and most cars seem to have them fitted.
DCT is excellent. I suspect a majority of buyers will look for this option as time goes on.
The high-end audio is excellent but I never struggled with the Business speaker upgrade. Depends how much of an Audiophile you are.
Post 2009 LCI cars have the newer I-drive, USB interface etc. Worth it IMO as upgrading the earlier system costs.
For me heated seats are a must, but were not standard fit.
Anything else would be on my "nice to have" list. Buy on condition, history, etc.
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