Fuggles

I'm considering the purshase of a 2002 BMW M3 6spd to drive all year round. The car is off warranty unfortunately.

Should I be afraid of this car? I've never owned a BMW before and the servicing bills scare me. Anyone have any experience with these that they can fill me in on? Any places in the GTA that work on BMW's that don't charge as much as the dealer?

Mark

osc

I only have a few months experience with it so far, but its a blast to drive. Coming from the S, the cockpit is definitely roomier. Main things that I noticed: Shifter is really notchy - not as smooth as the S; the car is damn heavy =P

A good site to read: http://m3.madrussian.net/

I'd recommend finding a 2003.5+

JadeDragon

there is a place by danforth that specializes in BMW's. sorry but i can't remember the name but i used to service my 330 there. i can look into for you but they are substantially cheaper than the dealership and are all certified BMW technicians.

slam2k

go with a 2003.5+, it will come with the LED tail lights, 2002 are ok, the only thing that you need to be carefull with is the drive shaft, get it checked before buying the car, try Mike, Murich motors, Duffrin and Finch. this car ia promlematic in terms of sensors, they are expensive too, m3 s are not as easy to fix as the S, good luck

revmatch

a great car overall, though I agree to go with the 03+ if possible. else, hopefully you will have SOME sorta warranty, cause you don't wanna be paying out of pocket for repairs.

Fuggles

Repairs are what I am most concerned with, I may be biting off more than I can chew with the car as I can just barely afford to buy it, off warranty, without much cash left over.

For the same money I can get an 05 Subaru STI (which strangely I am cross-shopping) that has much lower kms and a warranty to boot. I just have to get rid of the pull-me-over rear spoiler.

Rev_2_8k

I know exactly what you mean....however after falling in love with the look of the M3, the drive does not even compare. I thought it was very sedate, too refined and such. I actually loved the STi 100% more because it reminded me of the s2000 (rawness). If you do end up buying an M3, get an 03+ like everyone else has mentioned.

evolution

I think it's worth it as long as it has a full maintenance history and leakdown numbers are okay.

revmatch

if warranty is done on is, you might as well just buy a clean 03/04 US M3....you'll save yourself some cash. i know BMW is being tighter about importing tho...ie. making u pay like $500 for the recall letter and such i believe...but what can ya do.

or, just import an 08 Lancer EVO X since they are quite overpriced here

sirguy01

if you need anything checked out my buddy is the shop foreman at Maranello BMW.