Need opinions on buying an '05 M3

Hi all. I've previously owned an E46 and a e39 M5. My mechanic friend has come across an interesting possible purchase. It's a jet black '05 M3 coupe, black leather interior, 6 speed manual and 60k miles. Its got clean title, its a 2 owner car and has most (if not all) the service records, and has never been in an accident and has all the original paint. I will be looking at it tomorrow and need some advice from people experienced w E46 M3's. Why does it appear there are more verts for sale than coupes and are they worth more than a coupe? Lastly, what do you think this car may be worth? Not sure about options but I know it's been serviced on time and everything is working well. Thanks for your help and maybe tomorrow, I'll be an M owner again.

What's the interior color ?

Black leather. Sorry.

Well the most important thing when buying an m3 is maintenance so make sure you see the records. Should have had the oil changed every 7500mi at least, I would stay away from any car that followed the 15000 oil change schedule. It's pretty easy to tell a well taken care of m3 from one that's not. Leather should be in good shape if it's an 05. 60k is okay. Inspect the exterior for dents or paint imperfections as jet black is a touchy color. I'd pay around 25.5, 23k in good shape assuming its stock. Make sure any recall issues are checked (subframe)

i think the most common "chick" M3 was a vert/SMG. since most of those housewives have moved on to newer, warrantied cars, they are more available. the coupes w/ Manuals are rarer and thus more desirable. the verts are more expensive because dealers try to use the original MSRP (higher for verts) as a justification for charging more than what the cars are actually worth based on market demand.

I bought pretty well exactly what your looking at except for the color last year. I paid 25k in canada. Looking at interior usually tells abit about how car was looked after but subframe check is good idea. Rent a hoist. Coupe was cheaper but i didnt want the noise and structure twisting of a vert etc. i was looking in the states alot before i purchased. Lots from $17000 to $22000 but only the cars around the $23000 and up looked in good enough shape to think about. Of course the yellow cars and red interiors werent what i was looking for either. Hard to find a stick black leather with factory 19's but sounds like u got a line on good one. Just recommend thorough hoist checkover before purchase and scantool it or try get records of repairs

My mechanic says the current owner was pretty meticulous in maintaining the M. I dont think it's a problem to put it up in the air and check the sub frame or to check and see if the dealer took care of it. I think I can get it for under $20k.

Sounds like a good deal. Mine was mint. But not much in that price range in canada. I would have got in states but they charge fuel tax on sports cars to get across the line. So dumb that vans and trucks dont. Under 20k for good m3 is awesome. In states do you have to pay tax nomatter if purchased thru dealer or private? Or taxed when you plate? Or how does that work?

We pay sales tax when the car is registered. The description of condition and maintenance are making me drool. We will see tomorrow but I will definitely have the subframe checked.

Spend as much time looking at the maintenance records as the car. What was actual mileage when the 1,200 mile initial service was done? Know when the next major service is when and when the last was done. Verify spec oil use throughout its life.

Sounds like you found your m.. Coupes are better in my opinion( verts are for girls and guys who live in cali).. I would expect the car to be 23k and up, assuming that its a late build and is clean.. Good luck!

$24-25k is what its worth assuming its as good as you say.

Alll maintainance prior to 50k was done at the dealer. I'm not sure if he changed oil at shorter intervals but will check that along with the build date( which really isn't as important to me as overall condition).

Originally Posted by wilsel

$24-25k is what its worth assuming its as good as you say.

Thanks.

Just reference I bought an 01 imola red on black m3 for 19100. (this june, had 86000miles) It was modified but cleanly and the car was babied by a master tech. Honestly after buying two bmws it's waaaaaaay worth the money to buy a babied car instead of cheating out and getting something that needs work. You can enjoy the car much more knowing it was taken care of. Like I said it will be pretty clear whether it was or was not taken care if properly.

Agreed. A bagged or mistreated car will always have issues. I know cause i got a couple for that. Lol. But sounds like you are looking for a good one.

Well, have to wait till tomorrow morning. The M came in late today and won't be available. The up side? I get to keep her for 5 hours. Looking foward to driving it......

I just purchased my 05 m3 mystic blue 3 months ago 20,xxx miles 1 owner in very good condition i pay 23.5k

There are more 'verts for sale than coupes IMO because they are not as 'sporty' with the added weight and also the standard 'vert issues - rain is no bueno

There are more convertibles out there because more were sold. More were sold because many of us realize that there aren't any places on the public roads where we can fully exploit the modest performance advantage of the coupe without winding up in jail, and driving at a more modest pace in the open air is far more enjoyable than doing the same thing cloistered away in a coupe.