Should I sell my M3

[heart_doctor]

I have a 2011 E92 M3 which I bought new in 2011. It has 33000 miles in it. The car went out of warranty in March of this year. Since going out of warranty it has been back to the dealer multiple times with not major repairs but small annoying things that have added up to a decent amount of money.

1) ignition coil went
2) internal alarm battery failed and had to be replaced
3) noise from the rear differential which resulted in the fluid needing to be changed

And now my car has started to have the dreaded "cow bell noise" .....

WTF. The car was rock solid during the 4 years it was covered by the service program since March it has been in 3 times and now I have to bring it in again for this stupid and embarrassing cow bell noise.

I'm getting very frustrated by all of this. The car is still relatively new and is low mileage buy all this little things keep coming up that makes me bring it to the dealer. And the $$$ is adding up ....

Any similar experiences or is it just bad luck. I feel like it's turning into a money pit.

[Get lit]

Originally Posted by heart_doctor

I have a 2011 E92 M3 which I bought new in 2011. It has 33000 miles in it. The car went out of warranty in March of this year. Since going out of warranty it has been back to the dealer multiple times with not major repairs but small annoying things that have added up to a decent amount of money.

1) ignition coil went
2) internal alarm battery failed and had to be replaced
3) noise from the rear differential which resulted in the fluid needing to be changed

And now my car has started to have the dreaded "cow bell noise" .....

WTF. The car was rock solid during the 4 years it was covered by the service program since March it has been in 3 times and now I have to bring it in again for this stupid and embarrassing cow bell noise.

I'm getting very frustrated by all of this. The car is still relatively new and is low mileage buy all this little things keep coming up that makes me bring it to the dealer. And the $$$ is adding up ....

Any similar experiences or is it just bad luck. I feel like it's turning into a money pit.

I wouldn't sell because of some little issues! Have you looked into an extended warranty?
I'm not too concerned about a warranty on my M3. I've been out of warranty for awhile now and haven't had any issues. Figure I bought the car knowing the expense cost of upkeep and everything that can possibly go wrong with it, even down to the rod bearings. But if it breaks I'll pay the price to fix it!

[MTM]

I sympathize with you. (What is the "cow bell noise" issue? That is a new to me!).

Here is what I do:
a. imagine yourself dealing with the frustrating issues
b. imagine yourself driving something that is NOT your M3

Pick whichever one can be best accounted for in your budget and your personal needs. For me, I value the performance if this car much more than the niggling things that go wrong with it.

[Rat3d ///M]

Those are all very minor inconveniences. The noise in the differential is normal. I have the same thing. You technically didn't "need" a fluid change. The other two things? Ignition coils go bad, and the other seems like a fluke.

Don't make a decision you will regret just because you are frustrated with the car. But in the end, only you can decide if you want to sell or not. If it was me? I would hold on to the car.

[BNBM3]

Yes, sell it.

[bimmer414]

All cars will need minor repairs and maintenance. Batteries and fluid are things that need to be changed, regardless of BMW "lifetime" marketing BS. Just a fact of life. When I had my VW I replaced coilpacks at least 5 times.

[heart_doctor]

Originally Posted by bimmer414

All cars will need minor repairs and maintenance. Batteries and fluid are things that need to be changed, regardless of BMW "lifetime" marketing BS. Just a fact of life. When I had my VW I replaced coilpacks at least 5 times.

I know but in the last 4 months the car has been to the dealership 4 times. Kinda crazy.

[maloo]

And get what to replace it? Anything else you get in the same league with 400+ HP is probably going to be no better and in some cases much worse.

I would also find a good indy to take some of the sting from the dealership prices.

[heart_doctor]

Originally Posted by maloo

And get what to replace it? Anything else you get in the same league with 400+ HP is probably going to be no better and in some cases much worse.

I would also find a good indy to take some of the sting from the dealership prices.

Just thinking of getting a new car. M4, cayman gts or 911 or even the corvette z06....

[Ezio]

the cow bell is a brutal problem.

[heart_doctor]

Originally Posted by Ezio

the cow bell is a brutal problem.

I know. I'm bringing it in to an Indy shop with a good reputation. I'm hoping it's a simple fix. I love the car but I'm spending more time running it to be fixed than enjoying it.

[Rat3d ///M]

Someone elaborate on the cowbell?

[maloo]

Originally Posted by heart_doctor

Just thinking of getting a new car. M4, cayman gts or 911 or even the corvette z06....

At least with new you'll get the first 30-40k miles but then you'll be in the same spot as now with a list like that.

[EJT86]

More cowbell !!

Haha yes I was the first to say it

[tbrown1985]

cowbell noise is pebble stuck between brake disc and dust shield. very common

[heart_doctor]

Originally Posted by ||||||||||

Someone elaborate on the cowbell?

There are a lot of potential sources such as the rear differential casing, heat shield, to something as simple as a stone being stuck. I don't think mine is related to a stone being stuck. It's usually nothing catastrophic it's just a pain in the ass to get rid of.

[tbrown1985]

my M5 did it too every once in a while, especially in reverse. always ended up being a rock

[Cbozz]

yes! 100% you should sell it for 27k to my friend! I'll hook you guys up!

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by Cbozz

yes! 100% you should sell it for 27k to my friend! I'll hook you guys up!

OP, I'll buy it for $28k.

[rjd598]

your problem is you went to the dealer

[heart_doctor]

Originally Posted by tbrown1985

my M5 did it too every once in a while, especially in reverse. always ended up being a rock

That's what mine is doing now. Worse in reverse when I go slow.

[Flying Ace]

seriously...all your issues...are non-issues.