Tips on buying a pre-owned M3.

Hello, I currently own a 2002 E46 325i sedan so I already know some of the ins and outs of this year model. I found a pre owned 2002 E46 M3 convertible 6 speed manual with 100,000 miles for $14,000. I have researched plenty of times before for my 325i issues with most of the items fixable via DYI. I am interested in getting this M3 but wanted to see what others thought about it if this is a decent deal or if there is something im missing here. I know there was something about getting a post 2003.5 model but don't recall why. I do plan to have a PPI done and check its history for damages and repairs. Mainly I want to know If there is something I need to look for in an M3 that is different than a non M BMW for E46 issues and problems that can happen down the road especially at this mileage. Thanks in advance for your help.

Know that maintenance is expensive as f*ck and gas mileage is worlds apart otherwise they are fun cars. All jokes aside though definitely bring it to get it checked over thoroughly because even if you have to pay extra money just to get the dealership to check it parts add up quick. I bought extended warranty through my bank when I purchased my car just as a backup

Yeah I plan to have it thoroughly checked for sure. It's a performance sports car so it definitely needs to be on point otherwise not worth buying an M3 that runs half ass. If I do buy it I'm going to get some type of warranty coverage on it from the dealership selling it or elsewhere. I have an american car with a Chevy 350 engine so MPG is probably better on this car.

Alright yeah definitely from just reading around here before I purchased mine the biggest thing is getting it checked because like you said it is a performance car so that moment you decide to push the car and everything isn't all there mechanically you could be in for some trouble. Its a fun car though for sure so if everything checks out after being looked over go for it. I would just search around on here possible problems when buying a used BMW because there are tons of threads about it already.

Edit: also being that it is an 02 I believe the subframe issue isn't addressed in this year so that would be something that you would really want checked over from someone.

Yeah I found a couple of threads I have saved up for general E46 cars that have recalls, issues, maintenance, parts that will go out, etc but not sure if its the same stuff for an M3 since I've never owned an M car or of there are specific M3 things that I should look for when inspecting the car.

Tip: Search. Search here and search m3forum.net. Especially m3forum. Search exhaust hub failure. Be prepared for significantly increased cost of ownership.

Thanks choxor. By significantly high what do you mean? Double the cost of a regular BMW (say my 325i)? Or triple?

Originally Posted by BeaMerWorld

Thanks choxor. By significantly high what do you mean? Double the cost of a regular BMW (say my 325i)? Or triple?

It's a used car. Depends on its previous maintenance and a little bit of luck. Most things cost more for the M3. If you want to get an idea check sites like ecstuning and compare prices between M3 parts and their non-M3 counterparts.