Going to see M3 next week, Need Advice...

[phat///M3]

Hi Guys,

I am going to see the M3 I am looking to buy next week in Germany as my insurance settlement finally came in.

Its a end 04/03, fbmwsh, 31K kms, its a manual one, is there anything I should be particularly weary of, and what general things should I be looking at???

Any insight is greatly appreciated.

Thanks Guys

Steve

[330ciSport]

Some points, in no order of merit:

1. Check 1,200 mile (2,000Km) service was carried out correctly.

2. Look for build date. If before June 2003, check to see if recall work has been carried out. If after that date, should be OK (may only apply to Uk cars but I'm pretty sure it applies to all - others can hopefully refresh my memory as to what the recall works were).

3. Check tyres for even wear (dealer may have put new tyres on).

4. Listen noise from diff when engaging gear or planting the throttle in low revs (you'll find the gear change VERY notchy when cold but it should ease up when warm. Also, the diff will probably "clunk" from time to time but listen out for regular or louder noises).

5. With that mileage, you've probably got a service due within the next 5,000km to 7,500 km so be aware of that.

6. Don't worry about noisy brakes on the test drive. You'll get some odd noises when braking hard from speeds (apparently caused by the air in the cross drilled sections heating and releasing) but feel for any "wobble" in the wheel. Warped discs are not uncommon.

7. Kangaroo'ing (particularly if using Sport button around town). Again, just a trait of the car and you'll learn how to avoid it (stacks of revs!).

8. It'll be hard to tell as the car is new to you, but listen/feel for any play in bushes/top mounts.

9. Car will sound rough when cold so don't be put off. Once the oil get some temp and the exhaust picks up heat it'll sound just fine except that your ears will tell you your doing 20,000 RPM when your only doing 4,000 PRM!

Generally, if your buying from a dealer you'll have the comfort of warranty and these cars are pretty bullet-proof. Just look at the usual things and make sure its been well looked after. If it hasn't, it should be obvious.

You'll finally see Carbon Black in the flesh!

HTH.

[phat///M3]

Thanks for that M8, its a great deal of help, I will check on all those things, as for tires they are putting 4 new ones on for me.

Anyone else have any suggestions or more info, would be greatly appreciated.

Steve

[phat///M3]

bump [writesmil

[peppernick]

That's about it ;) Cars are pretty solid.

[Nickleback]

Thanks for that M8, its a great deal of help, I will check on all those things, as for tires they are putting 4 new ones on for me.

Anyone else have any suggestions or more info, would be greatly appreciated.

Steve

Get them to show you the old tyres so that you can see what the wear was like?
Good luck :D

[phat///M3]

OK cool guys thanks for that...

Got the small mods ready (nothing fancy), and they will have to do untill the bigger plans parts get here...hehe, just need the car :eek:

Going on tuesday evening, so seeing my "new baby" on wednesday morning and if all is well driving it down to Monaco the same day...

Ordered a baby recaro for my son, this way he'll enjoy the drive just as much as me...I honestly cant wait...

Steve