HIgh Mileage E46 M3

[mikereynolds]

Hi Guys,

am currently looking at an 04 M3 cab with 75k miles on it, has full BMWSH and one owner from new. Just wondered if there are any downsides to a higher than average car?? Has had disks etc replaced, just wondered what the clutch life is, and any other things to look out for in a higher mileage car? The car itself is immaculate both inside and out!

Mike

[belleair302]

Motorway mileage does not do any real harm to an engine, but will mean brake useage is higher and the bodywork may take a peppering. I would be more interested in how often the oil has been changed and if the brake fluid has been changed. Beyond that I would want to see bills for work done and not just stamps in the logbook. Look for any accident damage (overspray marks) or uneven shut lines and have a good look at the alignment and geometry(tyre wear) or have it checked before buying. Othewise enjoy and have fun.

[rassi]

Generally I go for a newer but higher mileage car - motorway mileage is relatively stress-free, the engine oil is up to temperature and the suspension + brakes normally have an easier life. The front will, as said previously, probably need a respray at some point due to stone chips from life in the fast lane, but that is acceptable IMO.

[mikereynolds]

www.pistonheads.com/sales/157053.htm

This is the car in question.

[968CSREADING]

I dont have an M3 but have been looking at whats available over the last few weeks and I know it is a very high spec but it seems a little on the high side.

IMC have some (not as high spec) which are much lower mileage for a similar price.

[belleair302]

I would ask who 'holds' the warranty and what is covered. In addition to this I agree its a high price to pay. If interested start haggling ar around £22,500 and only go up to £23,000. Its not worth any more than that!

[MitchT]

BMW warranty (the only one worth having) will be £1800 per year for a car with that mileage - which is seriously steep. That's the only downside I can think of.

[baz1985]

MitchT said:

BMW warranty (the only one worth having) will be £1800 per year for a car with that mileage - which is seriously steep. That's the only downside I can think of.

And that is why a 996 makes a lot more sense

[jase k]

Looks a nice car!! Ask 4 reciepts etc of any work that has been done to the car (as mentioned b4) the wheels look like they have just had a refurb job?? cant imagine them staying in that sort of nick after that mileage?? I have just payed 23k for a similar spec 03 cab but with only 40,000 miles on it so that gives you a comparison..... GOOD LUCK

[ian_cab28]

That is seriously expensive for those miles, watch it turn into a 16k car in no time and be hard to shift when over 100k I agree with the previous post 22-23k top estimate every 10k over average about £400-500 less maybe more not sure on mcars, certainly £600 per month on say an amg mercedes, 50k more than average on this = £2500-£3000 less

[MitchT]

baz1985 said:

MitchT said:

BMW warranty (the only one worth having) will be £1800 per year for a car with that mileage - which is seriously steep. That's the only downside I can think of.

And that is why a 996 makes a lot more sense

Indeed

[northernboy]

968CSREADING said:

I dont have an M3 but have been looking at whats available over the last few weeks and I know it is a very high spec but it seems a little on the high side.

IMC have some (not as high spec) which are much lower mileage for a similar price.

I agree it seems a bit high. I'd not expect to beat that for mine, with 28k miles, and a bit younger.

Yes, mine is a coupe, but that one does seem a couple of thousand over.