Buying a Non-CPO '08 M3: What specifically would you have inspected?

I've done a ton of lurking on the E92 M3 forums for "what preventative maintenance should you do? What breaks often? What needs to be replaced?" Etc... and I haven't found much.

Thank sweet baby jesus there isn't anything like the old M5 Vanos Units, which are prone to failure (not if, but when) repair for about $4,000 per side (2x).

It's a 2008, non-button iDrive system (which doesn't bother me one bit... I actually prefer it!) fully loaded.

Picture of an '08 older iDrive, w/o the buttons. (This isn't a picture of the car, just one I googled).


Technology, premium, cold weather, etc packages. 6 speed. ~50K on the clock.

Any recommendation for what to have looked at before I buy her?
-Chris

You realize that this is an E46 board - right?

Have your head inspected. Wrong forum dude.

I know some of you mofos here on E46F own E9x M's, and I really don't want to join M3forums.c or E90post.c, but if this is the response I can look forward to... than I just might have to.

If you don't have any good links or info... Then ?
-Chris

Originally Posted by 2K5 325i

I know some of you mofos here on E46F own E9x M's, and I really don't want to join M3forums.c or E90post.c, but if this is the response I can look forward to... than I just might have to.

If you don't have any good links or info... Then ?
-Chris

Sooooo.... you want E46 M3 owners to search other boards for you - that you are too lazy to join.

Yeah. We'll get right on that.

Originally Posted by 2K5 325i

I know some of you mofos here on E46F own E9x M's, and I really don't want to join M3forums.c or E90post.c, but if this is the response I can look forward to... than I just might have to.

If you don't have any good links or info... Then ?
-Chris

I bought a non CPO 08 with 70k miles on it and hasn't had any problems. I debated on an extended warranty but opted out. Alot of E92 M owners who've owned E46 ///M's have said the E92's have much less problems. You have nothing to worry about. You will want to change your spark plugs though.

Originally Posted by Alan

Sooooo.... you want E46 M3 owners to search other boards for you - that you are too lazy to join.

Yeah. We'll get right on that.

Noooooo... no no no... you've got it all wrong. I'd love to chat about how you (read: Alan) are incapable of answering the question I'm asking. That is why I created this thread.

What part of, "if you don't have an answer- kindly move along", don't you understand?

Not trying to be a dick here, but good lord. It appears that's the only language spoken in this subforum. Quit beating a dead horse.
-Chris

Originally Posted by phrozen06

I bought a non CPO 08 with 70k miles on it and hasn't had any problems. I debated on an extended warranty but opted out. Alot of E92 M owners who've owned E46 ///M's have said the E92's have much less problems. You have nothing to worry about.

THANK YOU.

I'm on the fence for a $3-5,000 Fidelity platinum aftermarket extended warranty, because I'd hate to make payments on a car I can't afford to repair (with some high dollar unforeseen problem).

I'm glad to hear the E92's have had less problems than the E46's had.
-Chris

Originally Posted by Alan

Sooooo.... you want E46 M3 owners to search other boards for you - that you are too lazy to join.

Yeah. We'll get right on that.

+1

Dedication

I go back and forth with the idea of an E90 myself. I've asked this same question on M3 forum, and the conclusion is they don't have widespread issues like the E46 (subframe, vanos, smg). DCT seems to be more reliable than SMG so far too if you're not dead set on a manual.

just get the whole thing inspected to have piece of mind instead of wondering "wonder whats going to go out first?", and also if anything is wearing out you can do preventative maintenance before you have to pay in some cases double to fix it.

never hurts to do a ppi. is the car from a dealer or private? if its from a dealer i would have them get the ppi done from a bmw dealer at their cost because im sure u will pay much more than a private seller.the only things to look for really are normal wear and tear items like brakes and clutch to make sure the car isnt beat... also when they so the ppi they will check ur fluids which at 40k the diff and tranny should have been done. and your inspection I should have been done by now.

Originally Posted by 2K5 325i

I know some of you mofos here on E46F own E9x M's, and I really don't want to join M3forums.c or E90post.c, but if this is the response I can look forward to... than I just might have to.

If you are serious about an e9x M, you really would be doing yourself a favor by joining those forums over what you're trying to do here.

That said, we have an '08 e93 M in the family; only thing that irks me is the stupid digital oil level "guage" that is inaccurate when the car is cold. Other than that its great. Get a PPI for sure.

I had an 08.
Fantastic car. All sources and indications I found pointed to it being extremely reliable.

So I purchased her today. I will make a new thread with pics and info in a week and some change with HQ pics.

I'm packing for a big move here and will post the link to that thread in this one once posted.

Thank you to all who posted constructive and informative things! ,
-Chris