E90 M3 - buying/options
Discussion
I'm looking for a nice, but sensibly priced E92 M3 Coupe, and am struggling with the options I should be looking for - both to use it for a couple of years and also for value when I sell.
I think I'd prefer a 2009 onwards model with the newer i-drive/nav (but Id take an earlier car if the right one came along) and the standard spec looks excellent, but could anybody clarify:
Does M-Driving Mode (MDM) come as standard? There is talk on various forums of needing a tech pack or performance pack? Do all EDC cars have MDM?
Is bluetooth standard, or does this require the professional hi-fi option (both for phone and music streaming)?
There seem to be quite a few around at 30-40,000 miles on various forecourts. Do these get 'clocked' regularly, or are people genuinely doing 5,000 miles a year?
I'm leaving towards a manual, but would look at DCT as well (and most cars seem to have this) - no concerns about DCT gearboxes longevity as far as I can see - is this correct?
Finally, the Mondial Warranty - quote prices seem to vary massively (£3600 a year for a 2007 on 70k miles). Do they price based on age/mileage or some other factor - I'm wondering if paying a little more and going through the 'approved' network might make the Mondial warranty cheaper after the BMW Approved one expires.
Thanks all
I think I'd prefer a 2009 onwards model with the newer i-drive/nav (but Id take an earlier car if the right one came along) and the standard spec looks excellent, but could anybody clarify:
Does M-Driving Mode (MDM) come as standard? There is talk on various forums of needing a tech pack or performance pack? Do all EDC cars have MDM?
Is bluetooth standard, or does this require the professional hi-fi option (both for phone and music streaming)?
There seem to be quite a few around at 30-40,000 miles on various forecourts. Do these get 'clocked' regularly, or are people genuinely doing 5,000 miles a year?
I'm leaving towards a manual, but would look at DCT as well (and most cars seem to have this) - no concerns about DCT gearboxes longevity as far as I can see - is this correct?
Finally, the Mondial Warranty - quote prices seem to vary massively (£3600 a year for a 2007 on 70k miles). Do they price based on age/mileage or some other factor - I'm wondering if paying a little more and going through the 'approved' network might make the Mondial warranty cheaper after the BMW Approved one expires.
Thanks all
Edited by Maxf on Thursday 2nd June 14:58
Maxf said:
I'm looking for a nice, but sensibly priced E92 M3 Coupe, and am struggling with the options I should be looking for - both to use it for a couple of years and also for value when I sell.
I think I'd prefer a 2009 onwards model with the newer i-drive/nav (but Id take an earlier car if the right one came along) and the standard spec looks excellent, but could anybody clarify:
Does M-Driving Mode (MDM) come as standard? There is talk on various forums of needing a tech pack or performance pack? Do all EDC cars have MDM?
Is bluetooth standard, or does this require the professional hi-fi option (both for phone and music streaming)?
There seem to be quite a few around at 30-40,000 miles on various forecourts. Do these get 'clocked' regularly, or are people genuinely doing 5,000 miles a year?
I'm leaving towards a manual, but would look at DCT as well (and most cars seem to have this) - no concerns about DCT gearboxes longevity as far as I can see - is this correct?
Finally, the Mondial Warranty - quote prices seem to vary massively (£3600 a year for a 2007 on 70k miles). Do they price based on age/mileage or some other factor - I'm wondering if paying a little more and going through the 'approved' network might make the Mondial warranty cheaper after the BMW Approved one expires.
Thanks all
I too am looking for a manual E92 - from all the original tests it seemed EDC was essential, but many don't have it. Other than lights/i drive there doesn't seem to be many differences to the LCI model, as far as I can tell.I think I'd prefer a 2009 onwards model with the newer i-drive/nav (but Id take an earlier car if the right one came along) and the standard spec looks excellent, but could anybody clarify:
Does M-Driving Mode (MDM) come as standard? There is talk on various forums of needing a tech pack or performance pack? Do all EDC cars have MDM?
Is bluetooth standard, or does this require the professional hi-fi option (both for phone and music streaming)?
There seem to be quite a few around at 30-40,000 miles on various forecourts. Do these get 'clocked' regularly, or are people genuinely doing 5,000 miles a year?
I'm leaving towards a manual, but would look at DCT as well (and most cars seem to have this) - no concerns about DCT gearboxes longevity as far as I can see - is this correct?
Finally, the Mondial Warranty - quote prices seem to vary massively (£3600 a year for a 2007 on 70k miles). Do they price based on age/mileage or some other factor - I'm wondering if paying a little more and going through the 'approved' network might make the Mondial warranty cheaper after the BMW Approved one expires.
Thanks all
Edited by Maxf on Thursday 2nd June 14:58
All have bluetooth, but some ads refer to it being enhanced, not sure what to!
I definitely want a manual, however I did test drive a DCT and have to say it really suits the engine, the box is also much better than the DSG in my daily.
I've not heard of the mondial warranty, but as far as I can tell the main issues with these cars are the throttle actuators, one per bank and £1k per side to fix. Other than that the alloys are quite soft and can only be refurbed twice, plus interiors aren't of great quality, the nappa leather in particular is very soft and inevitably bolsters suffer wear.
Cheers
My old one was a sept 2009 with the manual gearbox and EDC and I remember at the time there wasn't many about with this spec because most went for the DCT and I did think that EDC was a must have but many don't.
Agree with the previous poster that the engine does suit the DCT better because of the manuals gearing, I really wanted the manual though because not many V8`s are mated to one nowadays.
Agree with the previous poster that the engine does suit the DCT better because of the manuals gearing, I really wanted the manual though because not many V8`s are mated to one nowadays.
I would look at a facelift 2010 onwards competition pack car (10mm lower/EDC/CSL style wheels etc..) look for one with HK sound system and the adaptive lights are good.
There wasn't a tech pack or performance pack, MDM is standard on all as is nav and electric memory seats, but you'll need the apps and media package option for full connectivity.
click on this link to download the 2012 brochure:
http://www.bmwbrochures.co.uk/plg/m3/files/inc/172...
There wasn't a tech pack or performance pack, MDM is standard on all as is nav and electric memory seats, but you'll need the apps and media package option for full connectivity.
click on this link to download the 2012 brochure:
http://www.bmwbrochures.co.uk/plg/m3/files/inc/172...
Edited by Wills2 on Thursday 2nd June 22:01
Edited by Wills2 on Thursday 2nd June 22:02
Warranty threshold is 60,000 miles for price hike, irrespective of age although that said I don't know if say a 2009 car with 40k would be exactly same price as 2012 car with 40k.
AUC gets you 12 months warranty no excess.
Not sure that you can always take out the BMW Insured Warranty with no excess, from scratch.
Competition pack, wheels are just brilliant !
AUC gets you 12 months warranty no excess.
Not sure that you can always take out the BMW Insured Warranty with no excess, from scratch.
Competition pack, wheels are just brilliant !
Prices have been firming up a little over the last 6 months or so.
I paid £32K for my AUC 2013 e92 M3 decent spec with EDC and 3000 miles last November - it would trade for nearly that now.
Comp pack cars do fetch quite a premium for not that much benefit.
Having owned both a non EDC car (>6 years) and now an EDC car I would say the EDC is worth the premium it commands but only if you like to push your car quite hard.
Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres are a must for the rear wheels...transforms the way the car handles.
I paid £32K for my AUC 2013 e92 M3 decent spec with EDC and 3000 miles last November - it would trade for nearly that now.
Comp pack cars do fetch quite a premium for not that much benefit.
Having owned both a non EDC car (>6 years) and now an EDC car I would say the EDC is worth the premium it commands but only if you like to push your car quite hard.
Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres are a must for the rear wheels...transforms the way the car handles.
£30k would be my limit, and I'd prefer to spend £27k or so, unless the spec was as I would order new.
I will probably end up with a newer car, 2010MY onwards - and really want less than 40,000miles.
I really don't like the 'frozen' finishes (actually I really like them, but know it would be a pain to maintain as the car wont be garage), and would prefer a non-white car. I also prefer black leather. Silverstone II or the metallic red would be my preferred choice I think, but I could be persuaded by grey or black if the spec was right.
I like the competition pack, but don't especially want to pay a huge premium for it (I gather it was often given free with new orders). The wheels look great though.
EDC is a must, as is phone prep (which I think is standard) - but otherwise I'm fairly flexible. HK sound would be nice.
Not wanting white really puts me at a bit of a disadvantage!
I will probably end up with a newer car, 2010MY onwards - and really want less than 40,000miles.
I really don't like the 'frozen' finishes (actually I really like them, but know it would be a pain to maintain as the car wont be garage), and would prefer a non-white car. I also prefer black leather. Silverstone II or the metallic red would be my preferred choice I think, but I could be persuaded by grey or black if the spec was right.
I like the competition pack, but don't especially want to pay a huge premium for it (I gather it was often given free with new orders). The wheels look great though.
EDC is a must, as is phone prep (which I think is standard) - but otherwise I'm fairly flexible. HK sound would be nice.
Not wanting white really puts me at a bit of a disadvantage!
Maxf said:
£30k would be my limit, and I'd prefer to spend £27k or so, unless the spec was as I would order new.
I will probably end up with a newer car, 2010MY onwards - and really want less than 40,000miles.
I really don't like the 'frozen' finishes (actually I really like them, but know it would be a pain to maintain as the car wont be garage), and would prefer a non-white car. I also prefer black leather. Silverstone II or the metallic red would be my preferred choice I think, but I could be persuaded by grey or black if the spec was right.
I like the competition pack, but don't especially want to pay a huge premium for it (I gather it was often given free with new orders). The wheels look great though.
EDC is a must, as is phone prep (which I think is standard) - but otherwise I'm fairly flexible. HK sound would be nice.
Not wanting white really puts me at a bit of a disadvantage!
I'm a white disliker, although do feel that metallic Mineral White is better than the solid Alpine. Probably not enough to be a persuader. I will probably end up with a newer car, 2010MY onwards - and really want less than 40,000miles.
I really don't like the 'frozen' finishes (actually I really like them, but know it would be a pain to maintain as the car wont be garage), and would prefer a non-white car. I also prefer black leather. Silverstone II or the metallic red would be my preferred choice I think, but I could be persuaded by grey or black if the spec was right.
I like the competition pack, but don't especially want to pay a huge premium for it (I gather it was often given free with new orders). The wheels look great though.
EDC is a must, as is phone prep (which I think is standard) - but otherwise I'm fairly flexible. HK sound would be nice.
Not wanting white really puts me at a bit of a disadvantage!
When I've looked, I've not considered EDC. At your budget (not mine) lovely low mileage black manual has appeared, but no EDC.
Go to Scotland, go Red ?
http://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/M/4.0-V8/Aberdeen/207428...
Mine has manual because it's a fun / weekend car and for me it adds to the fun factor a lot, but for more daily driving the DCT would be a good choice. Not heard of many big DCT failures however if it goes it's expensive to replace, then again so are all transmissions in modern sports cars.
Bluetooth comes with Professional Navi.
It had the KW package fitted upon purchase by the first owner so no EDC however I can say if you come across one with KW package: it is comfortable enough for regular use and sharp enough for intense use. A nice balance.
Every car I have seen has MDM but indeed I hear there's a few rare ones that don't have. Useful tool in this regard are the many BMW VIN decoders you can find online to find out exactly what the car you are looking at has fitted. The MDM you will recognize by the top left button on the right side of the steering wheel being an M of course but not all options have visual cues - like the M package. Which is fun to have if you plan to go to Germany (ups the limiter from 250 to 280 km/h.
Finally am going to be a bore and make the case for my colour but you wouldn't, wouldn't you: Melbourne Rot forever baby.
Bluetooth comes with Professional Navi.
It had the KW package fitted upon purchase by the first owner so no EDC however I can say if you come across one with KW package: it is comfortable enough for regular use and sharp enough for intense use. A nice balance.
Every car I have seen has MDM but indeed I hear there's a few rare ones that don't have. Useful tool in this regard are the many BMW VIN decoders you can find online to find out exactly what the car you are looking at has fitted. The MDM you will recognize by the top left button on the right side of the steering wheel being an M of course but not all options have visual cues - like the M package. Which is fun to have if you plan to go to Germany (ups the limiter from 250 to 280 km/h.
Finally am going to be a bore and make the case for my colour but you wouldn't, wouldn't you: Melbourne Rot forever baby.
Maxf said:
Great colour! A very special looking car!
The Aberdeen car looks great, although it would be a PITA to buy, as I'd ideally like to trade mine in. I'd have no problem with flying up there otherwise.
is the pain in the arse, worth 3k and a bit more mileage. Adds Competition pack tho The Aberdeen car looks great, although it would be a PITA to buy, as I'd ideally like to trade mine in. I'd have no problem with flying up there otherwise.
http://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/M/4.0-V8/Tamworth-/20742...
Maxf said:
I really don't like the 'frozen' finishes (actually I really like them, but know it would be a pain to maintain as the car wont be garage)
I ran a frozen silver edition (satin SSII) for 38,000 miles, frozen paint is easier to maintain than the standard paint, driven in all weathers and left on the drive not garaged. If you like the frozen paints then don't let the internet myth of upkeep put you off.
Wills2 said:
I ran a frozen silver edition (satin SSII) for 38,000 miles, frozen paint is easier to maintain than the standard paint, driven in all weathers and left on the drive not garaged.
If you like the frozen paints then don't let the internet myth of upkeep put you off.
So bird crap cleans off easily enough? And is it possible to match the paint finish for small repairs (as easily as any metallic paint anyway) - I'm thinking the annoying parking ding I'll get because it's a new car. If you like the frozen paints then don't let the internet myth of upkeep put you off.
Maxf said:
Wills2 said:
I ran a frozen silver edition (satin SSII) for 38,000 miles, frozen paint is easier to maintain than the standard paint, driven in all weathers and left on the drive not garaged.
If you like the frozen paints then don't let the internet myth of upkeep put you off.
So bird crap cleans off easily enough? And is it possible to match the paint finish for small repairs (as easily as any metallic paint anyway) - I'm thinking the annoying parking ding I'll get because it's a new car. If you like the frozen paints then don't let the internet myth of upkeep put you off.
As for repainting it you'll have to go to a good paint shop but don't you always have to, to get a good finish.
I had two panels repainted due to parking knock and car park ding (which was in the worst place right on the sharply creased swage line and very deep so the paint had discoloured when they got the ding out.
Would I get another frozen colour again? Hell yes.
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