Bmw m3 109k what should I look for?

[Rollen]

I want to know what fails in these cars, what to listen for I know about the leaks in 3 series but what else can I look for?

[Apex Everything]

Originally Posted by Rollen

I want to know what fails in these cars, what to listen for I know about the leaks in 3 series but what else can I look for?

Based on your title, I assume you are potentially buying an M3 with 109k miles?

If so, you are a brave soul. I would never buy any car above $10k with 100k+ miles.

It would be different if it was a family member's car or a close friend who you have watched a majority of the miles.

A lot of bad stuff can happen in 100k miles.

[CHE///MIST3]

At 109K miles it's more about the little things you should preventatively replace and you'll enjoy this car for a long time! Replace thermostat and water pump, hoses belts, etc.., change motor and transmission mounts, all fluids, possibly some engine gaskets as well. Some M3 have problems with the DSC hydro unit (can be fixed by Modulemasters), some have had failed throttle actuators, and the occasional spun rod bearings (can get some help with Blackstone oil analysis, but by now yours are probably fine) The E9X M3s are solid cars overall.

But like Apex said above, don't spend too much money! Lol

[nycplumber]

You should look for a different car

[Mr. BMW]

Originally Posted by nycplumber

You should look for a different car

What he said.. M3 is not a car you want to purchase with that kind of miles at any price!

[Rollen]

This is not the first bimmer I've bought with more then 100k miles I've learned of all the possible problems the 3 series cars could have and I checked this car thoroughly with out a lift but putting it on a lift monday. I haven't seen any issues on the car visible except for the typical bmw leaking.

I'm not familiar with m series so I want to know what others look for.

I'm getting sick and tired of hearing the same cap over and over again no matter what bmw or milage it has I hear the same shit "should of bought a X" . Seriously? I'm not afraid of shit that can be fixed. Just tell me what to look for instead of preaching. If I wanted opinions about what to purchase I would make that make topic.

[Rollen]

Every bimmer I've bought over 100k have been preventive maintenance thoroughly and I've replaced parts just incase and none have failed me. That's how you take care of a car, it's life get over it. I love the m3 and thank you gmchem83 for actually having something constructive to add to my thead.

[stiles]

Replace engine, transmission, suspension and interior and you'll be good for a little while. But in all seriousness, I think bearings are the scariest risk for us, but yours may be fine.

[cmo_93]

Sounds sketchy

[loveskiing]

[///M Power-Belgium]

Risky business....

[aris21]

Leaks should be your last concern because those are easy fixes. I would start by looking at the maintenance record of you have it. Doing the necessary maintenance stuff that hasn't been done yet will be your #1 thing after purchase and that could cost $$$$ (fluid flush, diffs, transmission, belts, spark plugs, oil, fuel filter, etc). Look in some suspension parts as well - shocks, bushings, etc. Get a Pre purchase inspection (ppi).

[Umi|all|day]

Just do the math man. Go through the service records, get ppi. I would rather get this m3 than a m3 that is getting closer ton100k miles. Rather get the M3 that already got the 100k Mile service.

[Agua305x]

I've also purchased many high mileage M3's and honestly they held up pretty well. Two of them I actually ran past 200K miles without a problem. Like they already said, the rods are probably the biggest concern with the E9X. If the oil hasn't been maintained as required with these cars it could get you in trouble. So inspect the oil before buying if you get the chance. the rest of the stuff, like you said is fixable (oil leaks, water pump etc) just make sure the headache is worth the price, thats all.

[Rollen]

Thank everyone for your good advice. I have the full service representative record and car seems to be in good shape. I'm worried about the bearings so I'll see if a local indy garage guy can try to diagnose it.

I've heard the throttle body actuator and bearings come up a lot two things I didn't know so now I'll take a look at them and make sure they are good. Thank you to everyone that has been supportive. I love bmw and I'm not gonna shy away from a car with high milage this v8 engine has a great solid reputation.

[CHE///MIST3]

Please post photos when you get her!... so we can give a proper introduction. It would even be really nice to see a short photo journal of the items you change out just to see their condition at a mileage that most people here are so terrified of. Hahaha. Best wishes to you!
GM

[nholmes]

Wow so much ignorance in this thread.

I bought an M3 with 101k on it, performed about $3500 in maintenance and have zero issues. The car now has over 105k on it and two track days.

Not sure what everyone is so scared of, it's not like cars made in the last twenty years are the same as the cars from ten years before that.



OP:

Find out if the throttle actuators have been done
Rod bearings
Water pump
Belts
Pulleys
Thermostat
Radiator
Hoses

Start there as at that mileage most of those parts are ready to go or are on their way out.

[Gbiz]

Originally Posted by nholmes

Wow so much ignorance in this thread.

I bought an M3 with 101k on it, performed about $3500 in maintenance and have zero issues. The car now has over 105k on it and two track days.

Not sure what everyone is so scared of, it's not like cars made in the last twenty years are the same as the cars from ten years before that.



OP:

Find out if the throttle actuators have been done
Rod bearings
Water pump
Belts
Pulleys
Thermostat
Radiator
Hoses

Start there as at that mileage most of those parts are ready to go or are on their way out.

This.

[nholmes]

Oh yeah, spark plugs, too.

Don't forget to get a PPI on the car and a compression test on the motor. You can try to get a leakdown but the cramped space of the engine bay will make it into a long job which will drive up the cost of labor.

I guess you have to decide if the cost delta between the test and a motor is high enough to warrant the risk.

YMMV

[///Mstvpxs]

You should be fine OP. If this car was taken care of it should last at least 200k.

It's actually reassuring that's it's lasted 105k already. That means the engine doesn't have any extreme abnormalities. (They do 100k tests for F1 engines to make sure the engine works, and in essence the s65 is a racing engine, so go figure).

But just to be safe, replace everything that's been listed above, do oil changes every 6k miles, and you should be fine.

My car has 63k, but it's been kept in excellent condition and still runs like new. You should be able to do the same by giving the car some love and care

Good luck with your (potential) purchase!

[Ram3n]

I have about 113,000 fun miles out of my e93 M3. Love the car. Replaced alternator at 110,000, idle control valve and battery. Nothing wrong with high miles. Get the car inspected by bmw or and Indy shop that you trust. Of course you'll have to put some money into the car when I comes to maintenance. These cars are for the fun factor. Buy and drive it.

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by nholmes

Wow so much ignorance in this thread.

I bought an M3 with 101k on it, performed about $3500 in maintenance and have zero issues. The car now has over 105k on it and two track days.

Not sure what everyone is so scared of, it's not like cars made in the last twenty years are the same as the cars from ten years before that.



OP:

Find out if the throttle actuators have been done
Rod bearings
Water pump
Belts
Pulleys
Thermostat
Radiator
Hoses

Start there as at that mileage most of those parts are ready to go or are on their way out.

I would change the power steering, diff, trans and brake fluids and coolant and spark plugs as well. BMW only changes ths brake fluid (every 2 years). Supposedly they should do plugs but it seems many dealers dont. Also look at brake rotors since they cost more than you might think. You are buying the car for a fraction of its price new because its older and high mileage, so put aside some money for maintenance and repairs.