First model year problems?

[brittain]

Im planning on trading in my G35 for the new M3 when it comes out in a couple of years, but have read several posts about numerous problems during the first model year. Are BMWs really that much worse than the other car companies? If I do get the new E90 M3 as soon as it comes out, what kind of problems should I expect? thanks for everyone's input.

[AJAX]

Im planning on trading in my G35 for the new M3 when it comes out in a couple of years, but have read several posts about numerous problems during the first model year. Are BMWs really that much worse than the other car companies? If I do get the new E90 M3 as soon as it comes out, what kind of problems should I expect? thanks for everyone's input.

If past history is any indicator:

All sorts of engine issues (watch the M5 forums whenever these cars start showing up)
Panel fit-interior and exterior
Transmission
Electrical


Basically, as with any other car company, you're opening yourself up for a whole laundry list of possible problems. I'm not saying don't do it, but it ain't going to be a Honda.

[GregW in Oregon]

Im planning on trading in my G35 for the new M3 when it comes out in a couple of years, but have read several posts about numerous problems during the first model year. Are BMWs really that much worse than the other car companies? If I do get the new E90 M3 as soon as it comes out, what kind of problems should I expect? thanks for everyone's input.
...other than the bearing recall. But that was a supplier issue that affected mainly second year models. M5/01 production has been largely trouble free for 4+ years and 41k. It's probably better to wait with any carm but it doesn't worry me too much. With the E90 M3, a lot of the parts will have been in procuction for a year or more (E90 chassis, M5 engine) to sort out a lot of the early issues.

[joshsd81]

Just my opinion, but I would wait one model year before purchasing. I hate being the guinea pig for any car company. Unless you like spending alot of time at the dealer looking at the other BMW's.

[Pinecone]

Well at least this time the engine is basically the M5/6 engine cut off. So the year or two experience with the V10 should shorten that learning curve. And it will probably get the same tranny as the M5/6 so again it won't be the first year for that, even in SMG version.

But with any car, buying the first year is probelmatic. Plus the prices will be at LEAST $5K over sticker, and for the E46 in some markets ran $15K over sticker. So your G35 shuold be worth just about the add on price, and you will pay out of pocket MSRP. :)

[GregW in Oregon]

Plus the prices will be at LEAST $5K over sticker, and for the E46 in some markets ran $15K over sticker. So your G35 shuold be worth just about the add on price, and you will pay out of pocket MSRP. :)

There are plenty of dealers willing to sell at MSRP. It's worth going out of your market if local conditions are different. Dealers here sell at MSRP for new Ms, typically.

[Pinecone]

That is nice to know, of course they will not have a car to sell for 3 years now that you have let it out.

But very few dealers didn't mark up E46 M3s for the first 8 - 10 months of availability. Especially since there were so few available.