roshan Posted November 2, 2005 Report Share Posted November 2, 2005 Hello I am thinking about buying an M3 2001 (51 reg), it has done 67000 miles which I feel is quite high for a 4 year old car. It has FBMWSH, recall work to the engine is done and rear springs replaced. It just had an inspection 1. Does anyone know if there is anything else (potential problems) I should be looking out for on a car with high mileage? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanking you in advance. Roshan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shark_90 Posted November 2, 2005 Report Share Posted November 2, 2005 I'm no expert, but I don't think that's high mileage at all. Particularly for a 6 pot engine, it's barely run in. But I'm sure some of the 'M' owners can give you a better insight into the things to look at on an M3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sayerbloke Posted November 2, 2005 Report Share Posted November 2, 2005 If it`s done that sort of mileage in a relatively short space of time, a large part has probably been on motorways. The wear rate [and potential for thrashing it] is lower than a car that has just been driven around town. And as just pointed out, 67K is nothing to a car like that, considering it`s got the full BMWSH . Just ask Shark_90 here how many miles his 2001 A4 has done! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roshan Posted November 2, 2005 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2005 Thanks for the feed back chaps! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorburn Posted November 2, 2005 Report Share Posted November 2, 2005 Make sure the price is lowered accordingly though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shark_90 Posted November 2, 2005 Report Share Posted November 2, 2005 Completely agree. If a car had done that in 4 years around London City for example, it'll probably be knackered. But as it's more likely it's been on the motorway, you'll probably find it's a pearler Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roshan Posted November 2, 2005 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2005 its around the £20k mark! Does that sound about right? The car is out in the country so should be okay, plus I would be only the 3rd owner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shark_90 Posted November 2, 2005 Report Share Posted November 2, 2005 I don't know much about M3's but it sounds like a bloody good price to me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MOSE Posted November 2, 2005 Report Share Posted November 2, 2005 Can we assume that this car is being sold privately? How many owners in 4 years? Also worthwhile checking the MOT cert to see what milage it has done in one year. Still loads of life left in a car like this, but from my experience of owning an M3 cab, its worthwhile checking ALL electrics and ask owner for all service details and concise history details to see whether or not it has been back and forth to the dealer for any SPECIFIC reasons. BMW normally give you a breakdown of everything that has been checked when car has been in their care and also all necessary work carried out, even if under warranty. Am sure others on here like MrMe can add some valuable info regarding tell tale things to look out for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted November 2, 2005 Report Share Posted November 2, 2005 I'd not be too wary of that kind of mileage - but I'd definately be investing in a third party warranty on the car. All you need is a VANOS problem or other engine failure and you're looking at a bill into the thousands in a millisecond...and high thousands if the engine goes completely. With a FBMWSH you should still check a few things: 1 - imperative that the running in check was done on time and is stamped 2 - that all Oil, Inspection I and Inspection II stamps are legitimate and that the mileages add up and/or the dates fit 3 - check the car out with the dealers who have stamped the book, they can tell you everything that it has had done to it. Double check the recall work too - because it will be more than engine recalls and should include at least one SMG recall and software update. Be very wary of stone chips to the bonnet and front valance - look carefully because they chip very easily and if they're not looked after you'll spot the first signs of rust developing. Check the wheels for signs of refurbishment (whitening on the edges). Don't worry about the rear springs - I've had two M3's and both had rear springs changed at less than 12,000 miles!!! You can expect them to snap again too! I think the price is there or thereabouts. There has been one advertised recently with over 100k on the clock for £18k - so it's in the right area. The full BMW history is a strong point though. Colour combo's count for a lot on resale too. What colour exterior/interior is it? If it doesn't have SatNav you should be asking for more money off too. Finally, just because it's advertised at £20k don't expect £20k car running costs.....you'll get £40k+ car running costs. Tyres if you shop around will be £700 a set and you'll need new rear tyres every 12,000 miles. Oil service = £174 Inspection I = £600 Inspection II = £900 Petrol will give you anywhere between 19-25 mpg depending on your driving style. I averaged around 23mpg with a combination of driving. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roshan Posted November 2, 2005 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2005 the colour is silver! Great tips, thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted November 2, 2005 Report Share Posted November 2, 2005 You've been getting lots of similar advice over on BM3W anyway I see.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roshan Posted November 3, 2005 Author Report Share Posted November 3, 2005 true! Its been very helpful to get peoples opinions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gareth Posted November 3, 2005 Report Share Posted November 3, 2005 [ QUOTE ] true! Its been very helpful to get peoples opinions. [/ QUOTE ] indeed...nowt wrong with that at all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted November 3, 2005 Report Share Posted November 3, 2005 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] true! Its been very helpful to get peoples opinions. [/ QUOTE ] indeed...nowt wrong with that at all [/ QUOTE ] Yes, and it should be said they'll certainly point out all the possible faults you could get that I might have missed. Personally, I don't think you can go too far wrong as long as you bear in mind the running costs are those of a £40k car and not a £20k one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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