Buying Advice 02 M3 Coupe manual

[Zabuzaowns]

Hi everyone

I found an 02 coupe manual with 80k miles for 23k. Silver exterior/ black interior.

Car is in really good condition. No signs of subframe damage or Vanos problems. 2 owners. Clean history. Bearings replaced at 43k miles. Found a BMW Specialty Shop to do a PPI.

I’m in no hurry to buy a car (especially with the volatility in the market) as it will be used as a weekend car. However, this has always been my dream car so I’m tempted
I just want to make sure I’m making a smart purchase and not jumping the gun. Is this a good deal or should I wait? Thanks!

[mainstreamer00]

Is the car stock and MINT? The price is on the high side for the car, but if the condition is there I wouldn't flinch at pulling the trigger considering how rare truly nice examples are becoming.
I would also factor in the RACP repair regardless of visual inspection.

[Zabuzaowns]

Thanks for the response. I thought it was a great deal but I guess not. It’s stock and in really good condition. Far from mint though.

I don’t need Mint. Where should I be looking to get a fair deal?

also, what is the typical cost for RACP? Thanks!

[Speed Monkey]

$23 Large for a E46M? 🙃 I would ask you to reconsider. What if I told you, you could get an extra 80 horsepower for a few grand more? Would you take it? Here, check this out...



This is a 2013 M3 with about 34k miles on the clock, and it’s selling price is $28,000 or so dollars. The first rule when buying a used sled that can send you into financial ruin is to buy the newest sled you can afford. While E46Ms have good qualities, the next generation of M cars are pretty good also. In any case, whatever you choose to do, I’m sure it will be the right decision. The link for the aforementioned M3 is below.

https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-for-sale/listing/WBSKG9C5XDJ593911/2013-bmw-m3/

[mainstreamer00]

Yeah, but you're also driving a boat then ^ (only half kidding)

To the OP - keep looking. Especially in this financial/social climate, there will be good cars coming up.
I'd recommend a bit of patience, consideration of your ideal spec/qualities in a car, and being very selective.
A mid-range mile pre-LCI silver car that is not 95% flawless is not worth 23K.
Not to be discouraging, because if you're in the market now you may have made some good timing.

[Speed Monkey]

Boat?
8 Min 22s - E46 M3 Nurburgring Lap Time
8 Min 05s - E9X M3 Nurburgring Lap Time

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Nürburgring_Nordschleife_lap_times

[mainstreamer00]

I was going for a more qualitative perspective ^
Plus, once you start modding, those figures go out the window pretty quickly.

[Zabuzaowns]

Yeah, but you're also driving a boat then ^ (only half kidding)

To the OP - keep looking. Especially in this financial/social climate, there will be good cars coming up.
I'd recommend a bit of patience, consideration of your ideal spec/qualities in a car, and being very selective.
A mid-range mile pre-LCI silver car that is not 95% flawless is not worth 23K.
Not to be discouraging, because if you're in the market now you may have made some good timing.

thank you, I’ll definitely be patient. It’s difficult for me to determine what an appropriate price would be.

since posting I’ve got an offer for a very similar model 04 at 20k. Would you consider that fair? Thanks again!

[Zabuzaowns]

$23 Large for a E46M? 🙃 I would ask you to reconsider. What if I told you, you could get an extra 80 horsepower for a few grand more? Would you take it? Here, check this out...



This is a 2013 M3 with about 34k miles on the clock, and it’s selling price is $28,000 or so dollars. The first rule when buying a used sled that can send you into financial ruin is to buy the newest sled you can afford. While E46Ms have good qualities, the next generation of M cars are pretty good also. In any case, whatever you choose to do, I’m sure it will be the right decision. The link for the aforementioned M3 is below.

https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-fo...1/2013-bmw-m3/

I appreciate the offer but I’m only interested in the Cars I couldn’t afford when I was 16

[liam821]

I appreciate the offer but I’m only interested in the Cars I couldn’t afford when I was 16

lol

[Bostonbruck]

23k is high. Maybe if it was a desirable combo. With no Vanos and subframe done, I don’t see it being sold for over 20. Hard to tell without seeing the condition and maintenance.

[MrClutch55]

not to thread jack. on the same page.

how about an individual color, black interior, 6sp, 75000miles, decent condition, no vanos done, no subframe done, stock car, how much do u think this car worth?

[Bostonbruck]

not to thread jack. on the same page.

how about an individual color, black interior, 6sp, 75000miles, decent condition, no vanos done, no subframe done, stock car, how much do u think this car worth?

It's hard to put a value on something like this when were missing information. It really depends on the individual color, and whether the car is a manual coupe vs a SMG vert.. If its a 6MT coupe in great condition with good maintenance and a cool individual color, I would say somewhere in the 20-25k range maybe even closer to 30k (assuming its a manual individual coupe) An 01 is going to go for alot less than an 06 comp package of course. The individual stratus grey/M texture comp package with similar miles sold for around 30k and that was smg.. But like I said, it's hard to tell a price based on what info you gave. What transmission and body are you looking for?

[MrClutch55]

6sp manual, coupe.

[BMWahba]

Let's start with pics...

[Albertan]

If you don't mind coming to Calgary Alberta M3s here are way less costly. Last year I tried to sell my 2002 with everything new for what today would be $12500US. Never had any interest at all. Most of the M3s here originally came from US anyway. In fact with the dollar exchange you can probably buy anywhere in Canada for way less money. Very few people drive these cars in winter so rust isn't usually an issue.