Considering an M3 Sedan

Hello all,

What say you about this vehicle? I am just window shopping now, but I really like the thought of an M3 sedan. It seems more reasonable than an M5. Worth noting is that it is a CPO car. Take a look and see what you think! I could probably negotiate it down a bit and I'd also be trading in my '01 330i for at least $3,000 (hopefully).

http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/in...ardist=5405%22

Nice M3, I thought about this one too, it's close by. As far as price, it's ok. Around 900 over. Check out car gurus, can find where the good deals are on there.

Thanks Jfox. I figured one could negotiate down about $500-$1,000 on it. The CPO is extra appealing. Thank you for the tip on Car Gurus. Is it safe to say that a mechanic wouldn't be needed to look it over since it is a CPO vehicle? Or is it prudent to have one anyway?

I like it. CPO is worth quite a bit, lot of good miles left on that car.

Most dealers are good with there CPO program and BMW NA has very strict guidelines.

I got one just like it but a 2011, great car. I can't give you tips on specific issues to look for since I've had 2 trouble free years, not a single issue this far.

Originally Posted by solstice

I got one just like it but a 2011, great car. I can't give you tips on specific issues to look for since I've had 2 trouble free years, not a single issue this far.

The car looks to be in good condition. Low miles for the year and loaded except for DCT. However I would want to have a BMW dealer or Indy inspect it. Call it "peace of mind".

Do you drive your current 3-series in the winter? If so, you may want to keep it for the bad weather vs. investing in a winter rim/tire setup.

Negotiate hard, M3 sedan are tough for the dealers to sell. Its a very small market, compared to your typical bmw sold, very few people want M3's and of those even fewer want an M3 4 door.

You should be able to get a great deal on it!

Good luck, it's a great ride!

Originally Posted by ish

very few people want M3's and of those even fewer want an M3 4 door.

You should be able to get a great deal on it!

Good luck, it's a great ride!

Say what ...........where did you get this intel from? Many people want M3's but there are some who don't want to spend M3 money. And the E90 holds value well considering it's no longer in production. OP, if you study long you'll study wrong. Depending on the area this car shouldn't last too long. Good luck with your decision.................Phil

Originally Posted by 650 Ryder

Say what ...........where did you get this intel from? Many people want M3's but there are some who don't want to spend M3 money. And the E90 holds value well considering it's no longer in production. OP, if you study long you'll study wrong. Depending on the area this car shouldn't last too long. Good luck with your decision.................Phil

Yeah I don't agree people don't want m3s, quite the contrary, they are in demand, and supply is low as m3s are not mass produced like the regular 3-series.

I find you have a little room for negation but its difficult to get large price drops. Dealers know they can move an M3 at a good price for them.

I would double check with BMW about the "CPO" status, especially from a non-dealer and perhaps the broker is just using the term in combination with the warranty info.

I was searching for M3's earlier this year and never came across a CPO vehicle.

EDIT: It appears there a lot of 2011's and some 2010/2009 in CPO status right now. Interesting as I saw none available 6-7 months ago.

Thanks all. It seems like I could negotiate even further on this one: http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/forsale...sting=44410565

Click on the second one, the one in Maryland.

Also, Dave 330i you sent me a private message, but when I went to reply, I was informed that you are not accepting PMs at this time. Can you PM me an email address?

Originally Posted by 650 Ryder

Say what ...........where did you get this intel from? Many people want M3's but there are some who don't want to spend M3 money. And the E90 holds value well considering it's no longer in production. OP, if you study long you'll study wrong. Depending on the area this car shouldn't last too long. Good luck with your decision.................Phil

This is not an insult to M3's but it is not a high volume seller. Like you just said many will not spend the money

Of all the M's sold the M3 sedan is the most difficult to sell. If a dealer has 5 M3's and 1 M3sedan, he will most likely sell all the M coupes before the one sedan.

The OP is in a much stronger neg position buying a sedan, then he would be if he wanted a coupe.

Originally Posted by ish

This is not an insult to M3's but it is not a high volume seller. Like you just said many will not spend the money

Of all the M's sold the M3 sedan is the most difficult to sell. If a dealer has 5 M3's and 1 M3sedan, he will most likely sell all the M coupes before the one sedan.

The OP is in a much stronger neg position buying a sedan, then he would be if he wanted a coupe.

Yep. Sedan is 15% of production iirc. Probably a reason.

Originally Posted by Keyser Soze

I would double check with BMW about the "CPO" status, especially from a non-dealer and perhaps the broker is just using the term in combination with the warranty info.

I was searching for M3's earlier this year and never came across a CPO vehicle.

EDIT: It appears there a lot of 2011's and some 2010/2009 in CPO status right now. Interesting as I saw none available 6-7 months ago.

You know why? Because they cant get it CPO if the original warranty is out. Therefore, an 08 has to have CPO now if not there is no way to gain CPO. 09 starting to run out factory warranty due to 09 probably came in end of 08 or first half 09). There is M6 with CPO near my place.

Originally Posted by MMME30W

Yep. Sedan is 15% of production iirc. Probably a reason.

Why does iirc mean?

Originally Posted by tbiggs27

Why does iirc mean?

If I remember correctly

Thanks. Any thoughts about this one?

http://autos.fayobserver.com/md/anna...pm9c50ae201991

I notice it doesn't have Cold Weather or Tech as well as the adaptive suspension. I feel like I could get significantly lower than what this dealer is asking. Asking 37k.

Originally Posted by tbiggs27

Thanks. Any thoughts about this one?

http://autos.fayobserver.com/md/anna...pm9c50ae201991

I notice it doesn't have Cold Weather or Tech as well as the adaptive suspension. I feel like I could get significantly lower than what this dealer is asking. Asking 37k.

...and not much else. 18s...speed cloth, DCT.

Kind of a stripper based on the build sheet at bmwvin.com.

The M3 sedan could be the best driver's car with 4 doors ever made. The buyer pool is limited but due to it's undeniable virtues I don't think you can expect a basement bargain. This is a very special car. Far more special and rare in it's segment than the coupe and vert. That said the E60 M5 sedan is also a one of a kind super sedan and they can be had to redicolous bargains. Good luck!

Originally Posted by tbiggs27

Thanks. Any thoughts about this one?

http://autos.fayobserver.com/md/anna...pm9c50ae201991

I notice it doesn't have Cold Weather or Tech as well as the adaptive suspension. I feel like I could get significantly lower than what this dealer is asking. Asking 37k.

I would pass on that one. Except for the DCT, it's a basic M3. Plus with near 53k miles, I would rather have less with the potential of a factory warranty. It doesn't need to be CPO.

Perhaps the original owner only wanted this level of equipment. It is possible. However it is also configured as a track vehicle. Something to consider.

I'm not sure what search radius you are using. It could be worthwhile to included from west to east coast in order to find the ideal M3 sedan.

Good call on the track vehicle. Could have been. I will continue saving and enjoying my current ride until the perfect car comes up. Maybe it will be an E46 M coupe. Really, the only scary thing is not having warranty, but I could purchase one via USAA. We have never had a car payment, but I think an ///M would be worth it!

Originally Posted by tbiggs27

Good call on the track vehicle. Could have been. I will continue saving and enjoying my current ride until the perfect car comes up. Maybe it will be an E46 M coupe. Really, the only scary thing is not having warranty, but I could purchase one via USAA. We have never had a car payment, but I think an ///M would be worth it!

If you want to consider an E46, there's a gorgeous 2002 Carbon black in Devon by my work. I spent an hour looking it over and its in fantastic shape. It only has about 24K miles on it. I seriously considered a 2nd car payment and picking it up myself. I actually still am. If its still around in 2 months when I get income tax in, it will be near the top of my list for a weekender.

What I was told by the garage owner (Porsche repair shop has this car) was that it was locally own by a lawyer who garage kept it and drove it sparingly. Given the condition of this car, seems legit. Price is 23.9.

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...nal&listType=3

Jfox - That is a nice ride! Is there anything to be concerned about with a vehicle that was driven so little over such a long period of time?

Originally Posted by tbiggs27

Jfox - That is a nice ride! Is there anything to be concerned about with a vehicle that was driven so little over such a long period of time?

I have a 2007 STi Limited which sees very little road time. Probably less then 1000 miles over the last 3 yrs. I take it out about once every week or two for a short drive then cover her back up. (Wife's car, her orders). she still purrs like a kitten, I haven't had any issues with her.

As with any used car, there's always the chance for issues. I will say when it was started up, it fired up right away, and has a beautiful exhaust note. (AM exhaust installed) Lifted the hood, and the engine sounded real clean. You can always have a BMW mechanic check it out, or any other M3 you are looking at, before you buy it. If anyone selling it doesn't want to let you do that, that's the first sign to walk away from that M3 and find another one.

The more I talk about it, the more I want to go buy it. hahaha. *sigh* if I bring it home, I'll be in soooo much trouble, I'll have to warn the kids ahead of time so they can get out of the house before the meltdown occurs. Anyway, if its still there when Taxes/Bonuses come in, damn the consequences. It was the E46 M3 (an 01) that started my BMW obsession. I'd rather have an E46, then an E92. (but i wouldn't scoff at an E92). In any case, I've been saving for one of the next gen F80 M3s. 2015 may finally be my year. Time will tell.