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Thread: Interested in Expert Opinion

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    2005 Mazda Rx8

    Interested in Expert Opinion

    Hello all!

    I am looking for some input from the BMW family about a good price for a BMW m3 e46. My husband has said that he would love to have one, and I was hoping to buy him one for our 10 year anniversary (plus birthday and Christmas all in one lol) But I have been searching, and it seems like the prices are varied! Does anyone have any input on what a good price for one would be?

    He would like 2000-2005 white with gray, or the Laguna Seca Blue with gray. Manual transmission, and close to stock (which I know may be difficult.)

    I really appreciate anyone's input! And I would love to hear from anyone who has one for sale as well.

    Thank you!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2014
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    Milford, DE
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    2005 BMW 330xi Sedan
    You can try the classified section on this site, or the BMW Roundel's classified below. Good luck!

    https://www.bmwcca.org/classifieds

  3. #3
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    Thank you! I have looked around at quite a few classifieds, but have found quite a variation. From 12,000 all the way up to 40k. I was just wondering what a good price would be? The 12k worries me that something is wrong with it, I don't want a cheap car, I want a nice car :-)

    Checking out the link you listed now, appreciate it!

  4. #4
    Join Date
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    2003 328i
    The newest one you can find is 15 years old. The closest thing to a nice, clean e46 M3 is one with the lowest possible miles. The price will reflect that. I wouldn't even consider a purchase without a thorough PPI at the local dealer. Whatever an hour of labor costs is well worth it before spending 20k plus on one of these.

  5. #5
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    Great idea, I'm looking nationwide, so I'll have to see what local dealerships would be willing to do an inspection. I definitely don't mind the additional cost to confirm the car is in good shape since I won't be able to see it. Thank you!

  6. #6
    Join Date
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    The BMWCCA link that I sent you may be the best option, as it shows member cars that are available. I think that the level of pride and experience amongst members should translate to finding something that has been ultimately cared for. You can probably even find a reputable independent shop that can assess the prospective vehicle for less $$ than a dealer. Agreeing with nonturbodan, lower miles is good, but a car sitting too long without some care and exercise is not best either. Again, good luck!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
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    02' E39 M5, 05 E46 M3
    That is so sweet of you pyregrine. I have an 05' E46 M3 Coupe SMG 18K miles (Alpine White) (Manual transmission), I might considering selling anytime soon. If you might be interested, kindly inbox me. Cheers!

  8. #8
    dworthy's Avatar
    dworthy is offline Wagon meister :) BMW Tech Expert
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Grafenwoehr, Germany
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    14,483
    My Cars
    16 220i 05 325it 05 M3
    So before you commit to buying a M3, be sure to get a complete PPI done at a place you trust. The M3 is a very high strung, and with that comes extra maintenance requirements. The key will be to see service receipts, and regular maintenance completed. Even if the car is only driven 3k a year, there has to show at a minimum an oil change yearly.

    This car will cost more in maintenance than a regular BMW, so be sure to book that in too. A few years old, but not a bad read: https://www.bmwblog.com/2016/10/03/buyers-guide-e46-bmw-3-series/

    Lastly just because it has lower miles doesn't mean it will be a better car than a high mileage hero. The bottom line is if you have a 50k car that has been treated like crap, and a 100k car treated like a queen, I will always go for the queen car.
    Darin
    Current:
    16 220i Active Tourer Platinsilver MET (C08)/Dakota Black (PDSW), P7ACA, P7LDA, P7LHA, P9BDA, 6sp Manual - Wife's new toy!
    05 325it Electric Red(438)/Gray(N6TT) ZCW, ZSP 5sp Manual Back set cover, trunk mat, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield, and mud flaps! Mr. Wagon My new Winter car.
    05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
    Past:
    95 318is Montreal Blue Met (297)/Beige(K1SN) RIP, killed by an Idiot.
    84 M535i gray market Burgandy Rot Met/Black Leather Lowered by Intrax on bilies, poly everywhere, B&B cat back system, K&N, and a hitch! Da Beast - Still running w/400k+!
    91 316i euro Tizianrot/Gray cloth - E-36 w/M-40 RIP, but great on gas! Best was 38 MPG
    82 528i euro Saphire Blue Met/Blue Leather RIP
    79 525 euro Green/Green RIP
    79 318 Silver/Black - The first one that got it all started
    M-Flight Member

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