2003 M3 buying advice

[M12TGH]

Looking to buy a 2003 30k on clock M3, any advice on how expensive it would be to put 12k miles a year on it, vis-a-vi servicing tyres etc, also considering tracking it a few times so types will be bought in bulk! Also any advice as to what to look for, is the paddle shift SMG gear box any good, does it add sell on value?

[mudfish]

Couldn't advise you on resale value as I think this will alter significantly dependant on what you do to the car and how long you keep it.

I currently have a Coupe SMG '04 and used to have a manual M3 convertible. Both have their + points.

After driving the SMG for about 2000 miles, I feel I can offer a non-biased opinion.

Manual box is more controllable and I would say is preferred by passengers as the gearchanges at high revs can be smoothed out.

I now prefer the SMG box as a drivers gadget. The upchanges are SWIFT! I know when I'm making a change, your passenger will not, and wham in it goes, your passengers head will rock forward and back everytime you make an upshift. They will not really anticipate a gear change by a deft flick of your finger.

Downshifts are sublime, matching revs and engaging gear without any fuss.

The SMG is so flexible for differing driving styles, I'm now starting to get the hang of upshifts and lifting off slightly on the throttle when I have passengers in the car. I'm looking forward to the summer when I can truly access the abilities with Traction control off, the sport button on and gear selection set to rapido, then there's launch control.........


If your a gadget freak this will be the one to go for.


As for buying advice:
Check the alloys as they are easily chipped/scrubbed due to design (19" ones)

Back rear bumper behind the right rear tyre seems to "flex" more than the right, I have seen this on at least 6 other M3's (got dealer to re-inforce)

Check the upgrade/recall to the engine has been done as it will be expensive if not covered by warranty

Don't pay extra for Bluetooth functionality (if being towted as a good selling point) it only works with 3 or 4 phones properly (2 of which are Nokia business types)

[john_p]

The M3 has its second service (Inspection 1) usually between 20-30k miles. This is expensive (£600) The next service (Oil Service, at 35-45k) is only £150, so make sure the car you buy has had the Inspection 1 done, and you'll get away with one cheap(ish) service if you own the car for 12-18 months.

Also ensure all recalls have been done (there are a few, the most important one being the crankshaft bearing shell replacement, most cars should have had this done by now)

Expect to replace two maybe all four tyres in that time - approx £200 per corner - with usual road use anyway!

You might want to uprate brakes with better pads if you go on track, the stock ones are OK for a few laps but can't really cope with a whole session.

Take the SMG box for a good long test drive, and try all the different gearbox speeds as the lower ones are better for passengers, the higher ones more fun ..