buying an e46 M3 **got an 08 350z instead**

lavaheadache

Diamond Member
Jan 28, 2005
6,893
14
81
**EDIT** Ended up pulling the trigger on a 2008 350z instead. Deal was too good to pass up. Enthusiast, 6100 miles, 6 speed sexxxxxxy... Got it for 19,800. They bought my plane ticket too. Driving from southern Florida to Cape Cod in it. Think I'm gonna need a back rub when I get back =)



http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...532&max_price=22000&seller_type=d&make=NISSAN


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is there anything that I should be on the look out for as far as signs of trouble


Car in question


http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/i...ssStyle=null&max_price=&make=BMW&cardist=5229

If I don't pull the trigger on that one I will still most likely buy from that dealer as they seem to have their shit together.

Checked them out on bbb and they are rated A-
 
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punjabiplaya

Diamond Member
Nov 12, 2006
3,495
1
71
liking the silver. check the wear components (clutch, brakes, etc...). pretty decent mileage
 

Demo24

Diamond Member
Aug 5, 2004
8,356
9
81
Looks good, but get it checked out. Not sure if rear subframe issues were a huge concern for 04 or not.
 

Sunny129

Diamond Member
Nov 14, 2000
4,823
6
81
there was a factory rod bearing recall at one point, but i believe it only affected 02-03 M3's (not sure on the exact build date range)...i think you're ok b/c you're looking at an 04, but i would double check it on google or a BMW forum. if you really want to know what to look out for, search for 04 e46 M3's here on the e46fanatics.com forums. you'll find everything you'll need to know and more there as its an excellent resource.
 

Sunny129

Diamond Member
Nov 14, 2000
4,823
6
81
The one you are looking at is manual but I heard the SMGs had a lot of problems.
depends on what you mean by "alot of problems." the SMG II transmissions were relatively problem free. whan most people don't realize about the SMG tranny is that it is identical to the 6-speed manual tranny, except it has its own ECU that allows for much quicker shifting than is humanly possible. i've heard of the occasional software related issues, but never a common mechanical one.
 

AgentUnknown

Golden Member
Apr 10, 2003
1,527
5
81
I drive a 04 SMG M3. It's fun. But it doesn't work as a daily driver. I guess I am getting old. But it's a great weekend car. check out m3forum.net
 

halik

Lifer
Oct 10, 2000
25,696
1
0
is there anything that I should be on the look out for as far as signs of trouble


Car in question


http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/i...ssStyle=null&max_price=&make=BMW&cardist=5229

If I don't pull the trigger on that one I will still most likely buy from that dealer as they seem to have their shit together.

Checked them out on bbb and they are rated A-

I paid 19.8 for a 56K mile '01 6 speed about month back. Seems like a solid deal if you can get all the maintenance history.

mine

sales tracker thread
 
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exdeath

Lifer
Jan 29, 2004
13,679
10
81
I want this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/06-6...2817254?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item19c36bff66

Doesn't have to be '06, that's just the only Interlagos Blue coupe + Grey interior one I could find on Ebay.

Seems to be alot of convertables for sale vs. coupes, I guess we know who are the enthusiasts who buy the cars to keep for themselves to drive and who buys trendy flashy things to impress and then sells them in a year when they are out of style or impractical :awe:

Are they really that bad for a DD? My justification for getting one would be to have something tamer and more comfortable than the Cobra, but more sporty, stylish, and faster than a Camry for hauling a gallon of milk on a rainy day. Hmm rear seats look about as useless as the ones in my Cobra for family outings as well, maybe I should steer more towards CTS-V Sedan/Wagon hmmm...

Too many sweet cars and sweet deals, not enough garage space, money, etc, to have them all at the same time :(
 
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satyajitmenon

Golden Member
Apr 3, 2008
1,911
9
81
The rear seats in a coupe are useless. Besides the head/leg room, getting in and out is pain in the neck.

The convertible, on the other hand, isn't half bad. Getting in the back with the top down is a heck of a lot easier.
 

lavaheadache

Diamond Member
Jan 28, 2005
6,893
14
81
The rear seats in a coupe are useless. Besides the head/leg room, getting in and out is pain in the neck.

The convertible, on the other hand, isn't half bad. Getting in the back with the top down is a heck of a lot easier.

can I fit a car seat back there?
 

PricklyPete

Lifer
Sep 17, 2002
14,582
162
106
I want this:

Are they really that bad for a DD? My justification for getting one would be to have something tamer and more comfortable than the Cobra, but more sporty, stylish, and faster than a Camry for hauling a gallon of milk on a rainy day. Hmm rear seats look about as useless as the ones in my Cobra for family outings as well, maybe I should steer more towards CTS-V Sedan/Wagon hmmm...

Too many sweet cars and sweet deals, not enough garage space, money, etc, to have them all at the same time :(

I DD it every day. Granted my daily commute is only a few miles each way, but I use this car for everything. The rear seats do fold down, and as I've already mentioned, you can fit 4 adults in the car if needed. Just through a rack on the top and you're good to go...haul my bikes, surfboards, etc.
 

zerocool84

Lifer
Nov 11, 2004
36,041
472
126
Alot of people like to DD race cars too with no issues, doesn't mean it's comfortable or practical :awe:

Yea seriously. After over five years, I'm wanting something more comfortable to drive and better gas mileage than my SRT-4. I guess getting older and driving one hour each way to work has changed my views.