2002 BMW M3 from North America - Comments

I have own both and have sold both, you can say I have owned most great car out their including a Diablo that I still own and will die with. In short I have owned many many great cars. A 911 is fun, but in no way, not even close will out run or handle an m3. Is the 911 more pure sports? In heritage yes, but make no mistake about it a 911 is no 911 turbo and if you have owned both which I have you realize very quickly that as good as the 911 is it was sold short and overpriced just like the boxer when compared to the turbo. I can forget I ever own a 911, It is completely unforgettable like a women who was fun, but not worth the time. However an M3 changes the way you feel about driving and your thought about what a car can be. It is like meeting the 1 woman that will change your life forever. When I sold the M3 (For 10k more than I paid.) I felt lost and soulless. Even know my new car is nice it leaves me wishing and dreaming for a blast from 60mph to 140mph in sport mode. Is their faster, yes, but not by much and nothing less than a viper (No fun to Drive) and z06 vett (What a Joke, Fast, but I rather be seen in a pinto) under 100k. An for you people who hate the M3 and BMW (I have never been a big fan of BMW except the m3, m5, m6 and the discontinued 800 serious.) you have never had the privileged of owning one. I know all this sounds out their, but THAT is how good the m3 REALLY is. It is faster then a 911, every time you leave driving it you have this feeling that it was really that good for you and you cannot wait to get back and do it all over! No 911 makes you feel like that, trust me I am buying a second one in Lugna Seca blue.

I have driven both a 911 Carrera 4S and the BMW M3 and I also owned a Viper. Hands down I must give the nod to the M3 as it has the entire package. What other car can you seat 4 people and have the performance of a jet fighter. My biggest mistake was selling my 01 M3 and getting Viper.

How I miss having the refinement of a BMW and that oh so good performance of that screaming 3.2 liter straight six along with the g-forces generated when hitting the twisties or during a launch.

I made a mistake in selling my Laguna Seca Blue, now I have a stable of BMWs a 1997 BMW M3 Sedan and my daily driver which is 2003 BMW 330ci (which is a blast to drive) and now to reacquire a 2001-2006 M3 will complete the stable.

I just bought an M3 (2002, Ilca Red) this morning.

I drove it all day and I highly doubt that I'll be sleeping tonight :-)

(That sport mode is like a whole different car - holy crap!!)

As someone who needed a daily driver that had a backseat and trunk space (and the capacity to handle city usage), it's nothing short of amazing to find a car that truly "does it all".

Yes folks, it might look like just another bimmer - but the numbers don't lie:

333 HP (from factory)

0-60mph in 4.8 seconds.

Not to mention it rides on fricken' rails. The handling is phenomenal. It does the impossible, it's as simple as that.

Try and find me another car that accomplishes both the task of being a primary vehicle AND having the performance & precision of a porsche 911 for the same price tag.

Good luck...

-Chris.

Thank you Chris for that last review. I am in the market for a E46 (I'm not really into the post 2006 styling on any of the BMW). I want a superior performing car that I can take to the track, but is also practical functionally and financially.

I love the stealthy look of black M3 coupe, but I'm afraid I can only afford perhaps an 02 or 03, and have heard maintenance horror stories with all German makes. I have success buying well cared for, high-mileage cars from private owners, but they have all been Japanese.

Would this approach work for an M3 or would I just end up getting buried in maintenance work on a car outside manufacturer warranty?

As long as the car has been maintained properly, then I don't think there would be anything out of the ordinary. I have a 97' 3 series, which has been very reliable and hasn't hit me with any unexpected costs. I'm hoping to upgrade to a E36 M3 in the near future, but I will only be getting one that has been looked after, as there are a lot of abused ones out there. Take someone with you who can give you a professional opinion on the car.

This is Chris again - responding to the post on 9th Nov 2008:

Yes, you can find a good 2nd-hand M3 from a private seller that's outside of warranty. That's exactly what mine is.

However, it takes more time to find a good one, and the buying process is a little different than buying a typical import vehicle.

In my case, I was lucky, since the guy who was selling the car was a professional driver who had his own team of mechanics for all of his vehicles, which were mainly race cars. I could tell just by looking at it, and the engine, that the M3 was very well maintained.

(Also, contrary to what some may think, professional race drivers don't abuse their vehicles. They're perfectionist gearheads. Which is about the best possible person to buy a vehicle from.)

Anyway, here's a few tips for buying a used M3 from a private seller:

1. Get a Pre-Sale Inspection. This is an absolute must. I know it sucks to shell out $150 or so, but if you're serious about the car, have it inspected by the local dealership. They'll test/check all the majors to see if there's any "surprises" hiding under the skin.

2. Run a CARFAX/VIN report and figure out the ownership history. More owners = less overall confidence, obviously. These reports will also contain accident history, etc.

3. Test Drive. No-brainer, but pay attention to the way the engine and transmission respond. M3's are a very tight car. Shifting gears should feel solid, if a bit abrupt. The engine should have no hesitation and shouldn't feel strained whatsoever. It should have a solid power band all the way to the 8K redline. Do some sharp cornering (both directions) and get a feel for the suspension and overall rigidity of the car.

Again, it should feel tight, precise and there should be no hesitation in power if you're keeping the revs over 4000 in whichever gear you're riding.

Do some stops and see if the car pulls to one direction or the other. Even the factory brakes in these cars are very capable, so it should feel "hard" when you're stopping. Again, there should be no hesitation or pull.

Take the car to crusing speed (60 MPH) and take note of the interior noise levels, other noises, and handling. 60 MPH should feel "slow" and the car should be rock solid. If it feels skittish or if there's a slight shake in the steering wheel - something's up with alignment, or worse.

4. And finally, visually, inspect the tires, the engine (visible oil leaks?), all dipsticks/levels and electricals. Keep in mind that in a "regular" import vehicle things like brakes, wheel bearings, tires and so on are just an average expense.

In an M3 - they're mighty expensive. So if it's been a while since the car's been serviced and you know that in a few thousand miles it will need new tires, brakes, etc - then you can add about $3000 to your budget, at the least.

In general, your gut instinct will be right.

If you're buying from either a gearhead or a rich hobbyist, chances are you'll be getting a great car.

If you're buying from a boy-racer type who gets excited about NOS and spoilers - the car has likely been bagged more times than a cheerleader...

Like anything, it all comes down to common-sense.

-Chris.

P.S. Between oil changes, maintenance/upkeep costs and the odd repairs, you can reasonably expect to spend anywhere from $1500 to $4000 a year on your M, depending on how it's driven (and if it's winterized if you live in a harsh climate).

My e46 M3 had the SMG pump go out at 26K miles, only 2 weeks before the factory warranty expired. The dealer told me this would have been a $2400 repair. Other than that I have had no problems in 4.5 yrs.

RE the M3 comments vs the 911, I had a friend who owned both. He told me the 911 had an interior that "only a plastics salesman could love".

Oh yes M3s are great. The straight 6 is nasty, and one of my friend even got his M3 tuned up stage 1 hpf (horse power freaks) + clutch flywheel and Brembo pack brakes. Nasty nasty beast 455 whp on ''normal'' fuel (91 oct). Sure all this came for a price : 26k for the M3 and around 18k all the mods, but wow it's fast and handles well on the road. Got to get one after finishing school :D.