What to look for in an M3 (purchase)?

[scorcherjf]

Hey all... may be in the market for a used M3 and was wondering what factors you would consider important to watch out for or need.

I would like to track the car occasionally, so I'm not really sure about which gearbox to go for... I hear the DCT is good, but I currently have a 6 speed and I'm not sure I could live with an auto. What year M3's have the DCT anyway?

Also, from a tracking perspective, would it matter if it were a sedan or are they similar handling/performance wise? Do only the coupes come with the carbon fiber roof?

Are there "problem" issues to be worried about that plague 2008-2009 M3's (like fuel pump issues in the N54 engines)?

Thanks for help in advance =)

[424D57]

As a driver who previously owned exclusively manual transmissions but bought a DCT, I'd recommend driving both back to back and decide which one you find to be more fun. Don't get caught up in performance either way its just a matter of preference. I *think* DCT has been available on M3s 08-11.

Sedan vs coupe is a pretty similar answer - get what you want. You are correct the carbon roof is only available on the E92.

Head down to the technical forums and you'll find a ton of posts (many sticked even) concerning a range of early production run issues ranging from tranny software to engine internals, some most nasty than others.

[F82_SID]

You are going to start a firestorm calling DCT automattic. Although, I feel the same way

Probably the only thing you should really look for is EDC. Everything else is preference. I much prefer a 6mt over DCT. I know DCT is faster but 6mt is more fun IMO.

[1sikbmr]

The M3 has been one of the most reliable cars out right now... With that said there have been a small number of idle control valve problems on early production M3's the number is relatively small but may seem bigger because of the forum... The dct also has had some software kinks but it seems they solved that...

About options... It all boils down to preference... Some say get edc and others say dont... The only way for you to tell if you like those options is to drive a car with and without them...

Good luck on your future purchase

[scorcherjf]

Thanks for all the input so far! About what I said before, it's just a matter of habit saying "auto" when I think about a car without a clutch, sorry! I've heard a lot about the DCT and I'm really considering it so yea I suppose the only way to really decide is to drive one for myself. I'm just wondering, from people who like to track occasionally that have switched from MT to DCT if they don't regret it.

I've done a lot of searching and it doesn't seem like there's any persistent issues with the M3 like the fuel pump is for the N54 engines. That was really my main concern, just seeing if there was some specific issues, but I'm glad there isn't! I'm just curious as to what to really think about or check when I see an M3 up for sale. What to look or feel for while test driving it.

Thanks again!

[sameh]

1) Make sure it's BMW
2) Make sure it's an M3
3) Make sure you have EDC
That's it, anything else is personal preferance.

[saeyedoc]

Make sure it has M mode, not standard until recently.
idrive was updated in '09 models

[James T. Kirk]

Originally Posted by sameh

1) Make sure it's BMW
2) Make sure it's an M3
3) Make sure you have EDC
That's it, anything else is personal preferance.

+1

EDC is the only critical option in my book unless you plan on retooling the suspension.

(Everyone... Please resist the temptation to turn this into a 6MT vs. DCT thread.)

[TheBry]

And... for the record... M-DCT tranny was unveiled in 2008 with the introduction of the E93 M3.