Would you rec a 07-08 M3?

[Pete R]

Hello
I'm new to this forum (Hello!) and haven't had any BMWs in a long time. I had a beautiful 73 tii in Verona Red many years ago that I did performance work to. Was in the BMWCCA and knew Michelle Potheau (if anyone remembers him, something like member #2)

Anyway, lately I've been thinking about how cool an M3 with the V8 would be. But I can't afford (our would) buy new. I'd be considering one of the first years of the 4th generation with a standard transmission.

Concern: I've heard from one BMW mechanic that I know who has said, in general, he is unhappy with the reliability of the newer ones. He said they seem to have a lot of electrical problems, and recommended selling one before they get high miles. Of course, this makes me sad, as I was planning on getting one with higher miles. He said the automatic transmission is sealed and not servicable and very expensive. (I'd want a stick anyway, but am impressed with the M-DKG technology - until it has problems...). He said he just had to replace a gas tank that had something fail inside it and it was a $3500 job.

Question: Is there anything to this reliability problem, or might my friend be biased because he only sees cars that need work?

And, is there any difference between the 07 and 08 that would make you recommend one over the other?

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

(...also considering a '95 911. The last of the air cooled, my friends love them, but a Bimmer can at least carry some golf clubs :cool and is a bit more refined)

[kensington]

Hello
I'm new to this forum (Hello!) and haven't had any BMWs in a long time. I had a beautiful 73 tii in Verona Red many years ago that I did performance work to. Was in the BMWCCA and knew Michelle Potheau (if anyone remembers him, something like member #2)

Anyway, lately I've been thinking about how cool an M3 with the V8 would be. But I can't afford (our would) buy new. I'd be considering one of the first years of the 4th generation with a standard transmission.

Concern: I've heard from one BMW mechanic that I know who has said, in general, he is unhappy with the reliability of the newer ones. He said they seem to have a lot of electrical problems, and recommended selling one before they get high miles. Of course, this makes me sad, as I was planning on getting one with higher miles. He said the automatic transmission is sealed and not servicable and very expensive. (I'd want a stick anyway, but am impressed with the M-DKG technology - until it has problems...). He said he just had to replace a gas tank that had something fail inside it and it was a $3500 job.

Question: Is there anything to this reliability problem, or might my friend be biased because he only sees cars that need work?

And, is there any difference between the 07 and 08 that would make you recommend one over the other?

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

(...also considering a '95 911. The last of the air cooled, my friends love them, but a Bimmer can at least carry some golf clubs :cool and is a bit more refined)

There not any worse than any other car out there nowadays. They will be more expensive to fix though. Just buy one with at least a few months of the factory warranty left and then purchase an extended warranty to cover you for big stuff that could happen.

I looked at e46 M3's and ended up getting a 135i after driving it.