Used or New?

Newbie here. Been wanting an M3 for quite some time (i'm in the US). Was going to wait until next year, but of course I've been searching ebay looking for a good deal. Found this auction:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...y=6131#Gallery


Couple things:

1. Is this a good deal? Kelly blue book says 47K for private party.
2. Should I buy a used M3, or are they 2 abused to even attempt it?
3. I've never driven with SMG tranny, and I currently drive an automatic. Am I going to like the SMG tranny? Should I test drive one with SMG before I buy?

Interested in getting all of your opinions.

1. Ebay...never bought a car from ebay, look at everything and have good contact with
The seller. Get that fraud insurance or something?
2. New or used? Don’t know.
3. Everybody is different; I love my SMG, test drive one.

If you expect SMG to be like an Auto, you will not like it. If you don't know how to drive a manual, SMG will NOT be as easy to learn to drive well.

As for new or used, it depends on the car and the driver. A 17 year old owner? Abused. A 40 something owner, maybe abused, but less likely. Talk to the seller, maybe even get on a plane and go meet them and see the car.

Looks like some form of dealer. I didn't read carefully to see if they disclose the reserve, but the car may not be a steal, or may be. Or may be bid above Blue Book. But Blue Book has never been accurate for M3s, IMO.

You'll need to sop up some of the armour-all from underneath the hood.

Alex

Originally Posted by cybrmike

1. Is this a good deal? Kelly blue book says 47K for private party.
2. Should I buy a used M3, or are they 2 abused to even attempt it?
3. I've never driven with SMG tranny, and I currently drive an automatic. Am I going to like the SMG tranny? Should I test drive one with SMG before I buy?

Interested in getting all of your opinions.

Looks like a good deal. I just picked up a similar car with 7,800 miles and paid $48k. Other than mileage, difference would be this is a 2003 versus 2003.5 (=LED tails). This has cd changer (mine didn't). Mine has heated seats and ski pass thru. Mine has HK upgrade (I didn't see the HK on the front door tweeters so I don't think this is the upgraded sound).

Nice low mileage. Don't forget, you have 4/50k bumper to bumper and maintenance plus 6/100k engine.

While you say that you currently drive an AT, you do not say whether you've driven a manual transmission. If you are comfortable driving a manual, the SMG will be easy to pick up. Just be aware that the throttle is VERY responsive. That said, I really enjoy my SMG.

Good luck and be sure to have an independent inspection performed. eBay's referral company (SGS) does a pretty good job for $100. On mine, they missed a small rock chip on the power dome and a very tiny curb rash on one of the rear 19" wheels.

Yes, I have driven a manual transmission, although I'm curious how the Automatic portion of the SMG functions. If it gets heavy traffic can I flip it to automatic, and not really worry about shifting?

It is like riding with someone else shifting. Now are you SO lazy that you can't move a finger to upshift and a finger to downshift?

Many of us NEVER us the auto mode. Even in heavy traffic.

Heh, you've never driven with my wife.

How big of an issue are:

http://www.s93828994.onlinehome.us/e...03bmwm3/44.jpg
http://www.s93828994.onlinehome.us/e...03bmwm3/45.jpg

Looks like I'll have to get a new windshield...And touch up those scratches...

Originally Posted by cybrmike

Yes, I have driven a manual transmission, although I'm curious how the Automatic portion of the SMG functions. If it gets heavy traffic can I flip it to automatic, and not really worry about shifting?

Yes, you can switch to auto mode if you hit heavy traffic.

The auto mode is not dissimilar to a normal AT. My wife and daughter drive in A1 cause it starts in second gear and results in less off the line throttle sensitivity. You also don't get the awkward 2 -> 1 downshift null period just when you might want to get on the gas.

I don't think the scratch and windshield are big issues, just something that might impact your value perception.

I bought it. Drove it home from New York (to Indiana). Love the car. Has a few issues with the SMG (warning light came on) and squeaking of the convertible top. The SMG has a recall on it and the delearship is fixing it now. There was also another recall that they are doing at the same time and adding some extra padding to the convertible top to eliminate the squeak. Gotta love that full service BMW warranty.

Havent really had the opportunity to experience all the car has to offer yet, but I'm very much looking forward to it. Get it back tomorrow and its supposed to be sunny and 70 degrees

Congrats.

I'd be interested in seeing the service write up. I might want to have the same work done on my top when I bring it in for its 2 year service.

TIA

Originally Posted by sfca-325i

Congrats.

I'd be interested in seeing the service write up. I might want to have the same work done on my top when I bring it in for its 2 year service.

TIA

They acted like it was standard operating procedure. Might ask em about it and see what they have to say. Something about putting tubing in there to insulate the convertible top.

Originally Posted by cybrmike

They acted like it was standard operating procedure. Might ask em about it and see what they have to say. Something about putting tubing in there to insulate the convertible top.

Thanks