Is it realistic to find an e46 m3 coupe 6 speed for under 10k?

[cbean]

There was a couple in so cal at that price point, if I remember, both where at 9K. Both above 150K, rebuilt.

I would image you have to be willing to accept a lot of flaws and needed care at those price points.

Just looking around prices look like they have bumped up a little . . . high mileage cars are in the high teens and low 20's

[MTiz]

Whoever drove that M3 to 290k miles is my absolute hero

[Icecream]

I won’t mind higher miles but 290k seems a bit too much.

The big question I guess would be if I could get an SMG then convert it for under 10k or maybe even an R title one.

You can definitely find an R title high mileage SMG for that price. It may need some work but for what you want to do to it, it doesn’t matter. A swap is no biggie these days.

[Arith2]

Buy one for $4-5k at auction. Insurance companies and dealers the auction them off don't know what they are so you can find them cheap there. You'll just need someone allowed to buy from auctions to help you out. Unless you're a dealer yourself.

[speedster]

A buddy of mine got an 03 LCI 6MT with with 155k miles for $7000 two years ago. While I believe it's unlikely it all depends on the car condition and seller

[Kcalhoun27]

Mine was 9200, 03 with a 6 speed. 130k which isnt super low. If youre patient and ready to pounce with cash, you can probably find something. Buying price is only half the equation though

[Steve]

Not impossible, but not easy. Expect around 15-20k total into the car, including purchase price, no matter which car you initially buy.

[jvit27]

Polishing a turd.

[bmw m3 s50]

Mine was 9200, 03 with a 6 speed. 130k which isnt super low. If youre patient and ready to pounce with cash, you can probably find something. Buying price is only half the equation though

I figured that it was possible, I guess it’s a matter of waiting for one to come by. What color combo is yours?

[bmw m3 s50]

Not impossible, but not easy. Expect around 15-20k total into the car, including purchase price, no matter which car you initially buy.

Which I plan on dropping the money into the car. I feel at least your replacing with the parts that you want. You can install the aftermarket parts that you prefer over the previous owner. Obviously, OE parts will be OE parts but there are still a lot of other parts like suspension parts, exhaust parts, diffs, the list goes on and on.

[Sharocks]

I mean yea, I've seen 6MT coupes under 10k. None that you want though.

[vp special k]

Is the 10k just a start off point? like most have already mention, anything around that price range will most likely require thousands in work.

[DJ///X5M]

Yes. My son recently sold his Alpine White/Imola Red/ Slick Top/6 spd with 214k for $10.5k. He completed 2 of the big 3 maintenance: Rod Bearings, rear Sub-frame. Vanos was replaced by previous owner. He self installed a Turbo kit, custom exhaust...etc Dynoed 600 plus HP. His turbo M3 was more of a beast than my X5M (E70), M5 (E39), M5 (F10). S54 is a well bulit motor. I'm a witness to s54 high mileage performance.

He tracked the car and competed in drag strip events. His M3 surprised a few competitors. He reached his goals for the car so he returned it back to NA and sold off all turbo parts.

His maintenance upkeep was top notch. When he posted ad pics and maintenance list, I was tempted to buy it, but five "M" cars is excessive. As with most cars look for well cared examples with maintenance records. The new M3 owner purchased a great car for $10.5.

[Albertan]

You stated at first you wanted a car to build. So here is what I do. Buy the cheapest car you can find that has no rust. (And is a color you like or can live with) Then assume that no maint has ever been done and completely rebuild the entire thing. I did just that with a 2002 I have. I think I bought it for around 4000US. You can pay 15US for a lower mileage car that you will still still have to do all maint items anyway so you will end up spending more. My car I rebuilt engine, all new suspension wheel bearings well everything but trans and brakes. Brakes were almost new.
I like working on cars as a hobby but now I rarely drive this one.
Now is certainly a great time to be buying a car, you have your choice, terrible time to be selling. Zero interest in mine.

[Kcalhoun27]

I figured that it was possible, I guess it’s a matter of waiting for one to come by. What color combo is yours?

Oxford Green/Black. I am a fan of OG but i know not everyone is. Id say just sit on your money and wait. Also, the auction idea is a good option if you have one close to you. Under 10k is going to cost you in rebuild, but if that doesnt bother you, youre good to go