Best year for M3 (2000-2005)

[Glenntpr]

Greetings,

Sold my 911 SC RUF Clone last year, bought a JKU and ready to sale it!!!! now I am looking for a BMW M3 Coupe and looking for advise... Years between 2000-2005.

Thank you,

Glenn

[BillJ]

Your range only includes the E46 M3. I owned an 01 manual with very low miles and not aware that there was much difference in the years but others may certainly know more. General theory in this case is buy the newest you can afford in the best condition. The model runs through 2006 so you should add that to the range. As a gauge i bought my 32k mile 01 Alpine White convertable for 21k a few years ago.

Condition is really the key here and driven by maintenance. The first 30k miles there is Inspection I then Inspection II after 30k more. They then repeat every 30k. Typical cost is around $1100 at the dealer because they do valve adustments (via shims) and other really intensive services like lubricating the chasis :roll: Make sure whatever car you find has had these inspections completed by a comepetent shop. They are great cars.

[LPM911]

I've had my 2003 for the past 60k+ miles and its been quite a good vehicle. Some problems with the sunroof and door lock mechanism, but both are known issues. Otherwise, typical BMW maintenance. DIY has helped to keep the ownership costs down, valve adjustments are super easy compared to the RSA. If you aren't a DIYer, then be prepared to pay the costs for the 30k and 60k inspections at the shop.

[Trak Ratt]

Shirley, there's prolly an equivalent "Porsche 911 Red Book" for BeeMerrs :D

[Das Mike.]

There was a recall on rod bearings for cars produced between 09/01 and 02/02. I would make sure it had the fix done. Although, I had a friend who had a car produced in that window and had the upgrade according to BMW, but the engine still blew up.

[jerome951]

I assume you're looking at a manual transmission. If not, be wary of the SMG boxes from that era.
A student I had a VIR was on his 3rd transmission in 15k miles. :shock: Felt like that one was going out based on how hard it shifted.

[Glenntpr]

Thank you very much for your assistance. Still looking...

[tdatk]

I assume you're looking at a manual transmission. If not, be wary of the SMG boxes from that era.
A student I had a VIR was on his 3rd transmission in 15k miles. :shock: Felt like that one was going out based on how hard it shifted.

SMG is the same exact getrag gearbox as the standard only faster with hydraulic assistance. The speed at which it shifts is directly related to throttle input and shift speed settings (1_5).The biggest reason they break is from doing launch control and bad shifting judgements. The SMG will shift much faster than a standard and some people will abuse that feature because it is there, you cant expect any transmission to last under constant abuse.I suspect your student would have gone thru just as many transmissions either way.