BMW M3-1999 Automatic convertible
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From: Lexington
BMW M3-1999 Automatic convertible
My wife has twisted my arm to the point that I am now on the brink of purchasing this car for her. I took it for a test drive this afternoon, sweet car. The seller is a neat freak and it shows. It is immaculate. Not as fast as my S though. However, those back seats will come in handy. Is there anything I need to know? He says it makes 240hp, etc....etc....The m3 will not be replacing my s2000 but instead will be in addition to. Don't the new M3's have more horsepower? Any reliability issues with this car? A friend of mine has a dealership and he says these cars are hard to find at the auctions he goes to. Any help will be appreciated.
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From: Boulder
IMHO,
1. Too much cash. Basically full retail plus a few hundred. Way to much in this market. Especially for an Auto (see #2)
2. Does your wife not drive a stick? Auto M3's have a serious resale problem.
3. The new M3 is in an entirely different class with 333HP and available SMG transmission. More like $55K-$60K for a decently equipped Cab, though.
I think I would opt for an '03 E46 2.5 5-speed Cab over a 4 year old E36 M3 auto Cab for the same money... Full warranty, full service, better looking, NO AUTO, 0 miles, etc., and you still have your S2000 if you want balls out acceleration!
1. Too much cash. Basically full retail plus a few hundred. Way to much in this market. Especially for an Auto (see #2)
2. Does your wife not drive a stick? Auto M3's have a serious resale problem.
3. The new M3 is in an entirely different class with 333HP and available SMG transmission. More like $55K-$60K for a decently equipped Cab, though.
I think I would opt for an '03 E46 2.5 5-speed Cab over a 4 year old E36 M3 auto Cab for the same money... Full warranty, full service, better looking, NO AUTO, 0 miles, etc., and you still have your S2000 if you want balls out acceleration!
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From: Boulder
Sorry,
If you aren't familiar with BMW model codes, the E36 is the last generation 3 series, like the M3 you test drove, and the E46 is the latest generation 3 series, including the 325, 330 and M3.
If you aren't familiar with BMW model codes, the E36 is the last generation 3 series, like the M3 you test drove, and the E46 is the latest generation 3 series, including the 325, 330 and M3.
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The price is high.
My neighbor just purchased a 99 convertible, silver 5 speed with 42k miles, dinan stage II suspension, dinan intake and remus exhaust for 34k even.
-Steve (who would opt for the manual as the autos run low-mid 15's)
My neighbor just purchased a 99 convertible, silver 5 speed with 42k miles, dinan stage II suspension, dinan intake and remus exhaust for 34k even.
-Steve (who would opt for the manual as the autos run low-mid 15's)
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From: Lexington
Sounds like maybe I need to either look at a 318,325 or 330 convertible or opt for the new M3. If the one I am looking at does not have the performance to justify the price why not by a slower cheaper version or just go all out for a new one? What do you think? thanks
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Drive it at thruway speeds over bumpy and twisty roads - can you tolerate all the chassis flex and cowl shake?
Ever driven a convertible Camaro?