How feasible is a BMW M3

Cyrus

ps, id do a check on whether smg is manual or auto, if it costs more to vrt an auto you can be sure they will mark it as an auto :rolleyes:

jimbling

Cyrus wrote: »

ps, id do a check on whether smg is manual or auto, if it costs more to vrt an auto you can be sure they will mark it as an auto :rolleyes:

It does cost more for an Auto, but when you select that option for a 02, the only option you get is the CSL model. So don't think thats the case in this situation.

jimbling

Cyrus wrote: »

hmmm his story when i was there (and he had been made redundant at that point) was that his dad and he were going to buy an 911 instead?

doubt it cost him 31 either, id swear i saw it for sale for £16k, youd have to assume he paid £15.5 at the most = 21k + 7300 vrt = €28-29k

he mentioned to me he lost a few quid on ones he didnt buy (currency loss/rac checks).

His exact reply

DudeSellingCar wrote:

Car has had 3 owners. I am the third. I bought the car in January from the UK. Paid £16,400 and vrt was 7,200 so total price was 31K. i am selling the car as I cant afford it. Was made redundant.
Car has full service history with all receipts. HPI clear, Feels like new, with no rattles. Inside is immaculate. Mileage verified by Maxwell motors. Next service is due in 4,300 miles. Had 4 new tyres put on in July. A guy is getting his mechanic to look at it on the weekend. Has agreed 28,500 but is waiting for the closure of the sale of his house. It will be first come first served.

What did you think of the inside of the car? It looks from the pictures that it's that glossier black leather..... and that's not the style I'm looking for.

Cyrus wrote: »

on my one, it has a full bmw/sh which gives comfort on the mileage and unless he has replaced the steering wheel, gear knob and interior, it hasnt done big mileage

Ya, maybe I should consider private sales... obviously you can find better deals that way.

Cyrus

jimbling wrote: »

It does cost more for an Auto, but when you select that option for a 02, the only option you get is the CSL model. So don't think thats the case in this situation.

csl is smg only tho! what about if you select electronic?

he must have got a bad rate on stg? i dunno about the car, i dont like black on black anyway and the seats are very shiney? cheap products used on them maybe

when i was looking at it there was 3 people going to buy it too, yet the price has dropped from 32.5 to 28.5k!!!

jimbling

Cyrus wrote: »

csl is smg only tho! what about if you select electronic?

he must have got a bad rate on stg? i dunno about the car, i dont like black on black anyway and the seats are very shiney? cheap products used on them maybe

when i was looking at it there was 3 people going to buy it too, yet the price has dropped from 32.5 to 28.5k!!!

ya, the shiny thing is a no go for me... looks awful.
I'll pass on it.

rigal

mickdw wrote: »

Surely you cannot compare an rx8 to an m3. I would have an m3 in the morning if I didnt need to use it everyday. Just doing too many miles. cant see you getting 25 mpg on any journey much less around town. Very hard to keep the suspension set up just right on irish roads im told also

I think you can compare them after all they're both sports coupes and the fact that Jim was considering both cars kind of proves my point...

TheBazman wrote: »

Dont want to go off on a tangent but while the assertion that the UK are going to cut interest rates more than Europe over the next few months is correct this may not actually weaken the £. The fact is that the market already has more aggressive cuts priced in for the UK already. The currency has already priced this. We have seen that the EUR has already strenghtened from around .69 to around .77 versus the EUR over the past 6 months

Yeah that's a fair point but it would not surprise me if the Euro went to 0.8 in the coming months. IMO the £ will make a recovery so that's what I meant by buying in this time window...

jimbling

just found out that there is no point rushing to buy before the July deadline. No matter what, the vrt/tax stays on the CC scheme rather than switching to the c02 scheme. That's a bit of a pity, thought I'd be making a good buy. Still on the look out as the euro is doing better again against the pound... but not in as much a rush.

Zascar

Jimbling, I'm also looking at an M3 from the UK and if it's ok want to jump on this thread and ask a few more questions:

Why do you say the July deadline doesn't make a difference any more? I thought if you bring it before July you still stay on the old VRT/Tax rates, but after July you'll pay 2k tax and higher VRT - can someone please confirm if this is correct?

I'm considering getting a convertible. Is this a bad move? I know there are so few days in Ireland to use it, but I would love one. Are the resale value's higher than the Coupe? Are they more difficult to sell?

I'd also like to buy one in Imola Red - but I hear they are very hard to sell too. Is this true? Personally I'm not scare of high milage, but I know most Irish people look for low, so high milage will be hard to sell. What should I be aiming for?

How can I be sure that a car is in good nic? How is this usually done? Can I ask the seller to get an AA/RAC check and I'll pay for it if it comes out ok?

Thanks

quarryman

I'm currently driving a 01 skoda octavia vRS [\quote]

How do you find that car? Fast enough, decent on petrol? Reliable?

I heard they can bea bit of a theft target, kinda puts me off.

Cyrus

Zascar wrote: »

Jimbling, I'm also looking at an M3 from the UK and if it's ok want to jump on this thread and ask a few more questions:

Why do you say the July deadline doesn't make a difference any more? I thought if you bring it before July you still stay on the old VRT/Tax rates, but after July you'll pay 2k tax and higher VRT - can someone please confirm if this is correct?

I'm considering getting a convertible. Is this a bad move? I know there are so few days in Ireland to use it, but I would love one. Are the resale value's higher than the Coupe? Are they more difficult to sell?

I'd also like to buy one in Imola Red - but I hear they are very hard to sell too. Is this true? Personally I'm not scare of high milage, but I know most Irish people look for low, so high milage will be hard to sell. What should I be aiming for?

How can I be sure that a car is in good nic? How is this usually done? Can I ask the seller to get an AA/RAC check and I'll pay for it if it comes out ok?

Thanks

July will make a difference, while the road tax will remain at 1491 whether it is registered pre or post 1 july the vrt payable pre is 30% and post is 36% and that addes up to a lot, my car was 9k vrt at 30%, would have been 10,800 at 36%.

I wouldnt go for the vert, given the power and chassis flex you will get a lot of creaking and rattling, it isnt the worlds most refined car as it is. That said if you really want a vert they are still a super car. verts and coops seem to make similar money.

Imola red is a super colour, if anything it should help sell the car, i had a 530i sport in imola red, i loved it, its a lovely shade of red.

re mileage depends on how old a car you are buying, i bought a 02 with 47k, like you id rather buy a low miler, much easier sell on.

checking the car - involves a serious look at the s/h, do not buy a car that does not have the 1800 mile running in service done on time, an rac check is a good idea but you will have to pay and take the risk on it.

if you are looking for an m3 there are a few lads selling or thinking of selling over on bmw-driver.net/forum, ask there, friendly bunch

Zascar

Cyrus wrote: »

checking the car - involves a serious look at the s/h, do not buy a car that does not have the 1800 mile running in service done on time, an rac check is a good idea but you will have to pay and take the risk on it.

Sorry, what is s/h and can you explain what the 1800 mile service is? I'm assuming a Full BMW Service History is advised, but is it that bad if it doesn't have one?

I've set my limit at £15,000. Getting a low milage one under that is difficult. I think 70k milage would be my limit. Under 60k would be great.

Apart from Autotrader.co.uk, is there anywhere else I should be looking?

Cyrus

S/H service history

A service history is an absolute must, personally i woudnt mind if the car did not have a full BMW S/H as long as the services that werent BMW were carried out by an independent specialist.

every m car has to have a running in service at 1800 miles, stay clear of any car that did not have this done

not sure what prices are like now £15k sounds a little tight but maybe not, you will be looking at 01s

i would rather get a high mile well looked after one owner car than a low mile multi owner car with patchy s/h

look at pistonheads.com for private sales. ill look for you now

Cyrus

heres a few

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/408441.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/398203.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/364570.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/411765.htm (sold convertible)
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/406485.htm

be careful, do a hpi check on any car you are seriously considering, costs about £20 will tell you if car has been written off ever

ps for your budget im not sure an imola red vert is realistic

Zascar

Cheers. I think I'll stick with the Coupe, I agree with what you say on the Flex etc.
I only want Black or Red. 2001 is fine, but ideally I'd like 60k milage.

This one looks really nice though! http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/364570.htm

I'll keep looking, thanks for your help, any more tips appreciated!

Cyrus

on first glances that looks a super car

for any detailed qns goto bmw-driver.net/forum or mtorque.co.uk

jimbling

firstly, zascar, no worries on the hijack.
My purchase is on hold now anyway as I may not be in the country for much longer.
Best of luck with your search. I definitely wouldn't go for the vert... even in the pics its not as nice. An M3 shouldn't be turned into a poser car like that.

Cyrus wrote: »

July will make a difference, while the road tax will remain at 1491 whether it is registered pre or post 1 july the vrt payable pre is 30% and post is 36% and that addes up to a lot, my car was 9k vrt at 30%, would have been 10,800 at 36%.

woah woah woah!!!!
Are you sure about this?
My understanding is that both the tax and the vrt will ONLY apply to cars registered as new from 2008.
Can someone please confirm this for me? Because another friend of mine is not in any rush due to my information as well.

quarryman

there's a sticky about it on the top of this forum. can't miss it!

Cyrus

yep start at the end and work back

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055199036&page=47

jimbling

quarryman wrote: »

there's a sticky about it on the top of this forum. can't miss it!

forgot about that sticky actually. Had read it before, but it was so mixed up and long I stopped looking at it for info.

looks like it is as said so... got that sucks. Now I have to figure out if I want the car soon. Damn, wish I knew if I was going to be leaving the country.

Cyrus

the difference works out to be a lot aswell, it isnt 6% extra, its a lot more.

Example

I paid 9,001 vrt which was 30% of €30,000 (divide 9000 by .3)

If the rate goes to 36% i now pay 36% of the OMSP 30,000 which is €10,800.

An extra 20% on top of the original amount, for higher vrt amounts it will be even more pronounced i.e. a 03/04 car

Zascar

Another quick question on M3's lads.

One of my mates is calling me drazy spending 25k-30k on a 2001/2002 - saying that in 2-3 years time it will be 10 years old and no one will want to buy it. I think if I buy well I should not have a problem, and bringing in from the UK, with the current exchange rate so good, I would not expect to loose massive money owning it for 1-2 years...

What do you think

Cyrus

does your 'mate' have any interest in cars or is he just a general busy body

if the latter he hasnt a clue, look at the prices of 10 years old porsches, merc sl500s, even e36 m3s

an m3 isnt a ford focus, there will always be a market and however much you loose on it, it will be a lot less than what you would loose on whatever you can buy brand new for 25-30k,

thats the silliest thing ive ever heard:D

richie_rvf

Cyrus wrote: »

does your 'mate' have any interest in cars or is he just a general busy body

if the latter he hasnt a clue, look at the prices of 10 years old porsches, merc sl500s, even e36 m3s

an m3 isnt a ford focus, there will always be a market and however much you loose on it, it will be a lot less than what you would loose on whatever you can buy brand new for 25-30k,

thats the silliest thing ive ever heard:D

+1 on that!!

There are a lot of people out there that are more impressed by the number plate rather than what the car is.

A 10 year old M3 will be a far better car to drive and own than any new car of equivalent value - and the M3 will be worth more than the same new car as each year goes by.

Chergar

There is no question that the E46 m3 is going to take a hit in the next few years. But i really dont think that the negatives of owning an older car with regards to resale can be taken into account when considering a bmw Super car. which to be frank it is.
I had a 01 M3 for 2 years. Running costs were high, but not too high, fuel economy could be tricky and driving a car like that slowly was an extremely challenging thing to do. Even out of my driveway i wanted to give it loads. So expect sub 20mpg at times.
Reliability with this car is astonishing. The only problems i had with this car were ones that were caused by joe duffy motors themselves. you will have your standard bmw issues, like the bizarre oil consumption and so forth but nothing to worry about.
Smg would be a good idea, for the resale aspect and also its nice to not always have to be "on" when driving. My m3 was manual, and the clutch was very heavy and tiresome at times. Also for keeping the price up in the future might be a good idea to consider convertible, especially considering the E46 convertible is truly a gorgeous car. Intererior trim can be tricky to find to everyones taste, so be sure it has the basics like climate control, TV, Sat Nav heated seats etc. ESPECIALLY if importing from uk, where only a hooligan would have bought it with out such things.
As for driving, its perfect. it really is almost perfect. so my advice, buy buy buy.

Rob C

Hi all,

04 M3 driver here, Carbon Black with 19 in. Manual and in great nick. Bought it in 06 and touch wood, have not had one issue with the car at all. A dream to drive. The Engine noise even at idle is fantastic, who needs a stereo?!

When buying, try and stick to a BMW dealer so you know it's gone through the AUC check. Joe Duffy sold me the car after me requesting they first buy it from a private seller here in Dublin. It worked out well as they fixed a few things and put 4 brand new tyres on it.

Make sure the 1200 mile run in was done. This is essential and will put savvy buyers off immediately if it was not done.

I'm on the M50 every morning and night, from Sandyford to Dundrum. So it ain't cheap to run and I get approx 24MPG which is not bad really.

Big expense is the Service II check, done at approx 40,000 miles. There is no getting around this and it starts (if nothing is wroing with the car) at €1400....Ouch.

Prices are dropping now big time I see.....Lot of new E92M3's for sale as well already which is a worry and the new M3 does not look as well imho. The E46 is a real classic.

Zascar

Cheers. My max budget is about €30k. So I'm aiming for a 2001/2002 - Black or Imola Red. There are loads around with High Milage, very few under 70k. Would you agree that if I buy a hugh milage one it will be worth less over here and be a lot harder to sell on? You and I know these things can do massive milage and be in pwo of well maintained. But I think there is an Irish attitude that if a car as over 60-80k people stay clear of it.

MarkN

Rob C wrote: »

Hi all,

04 M3 driver here, Carbon Black with 19 in. Manual and in great nick. Bought it in 06 and touch wood, have not had one issue with the car at all. A dream to drive. The Engine noise even at idle is fantastic, who needs a stereo?!

When buying, try and stick to a BMW dealer so you know it's gone through the AUC check. Joe Duffy sold me the car after me requesting they first buy it from a private seller here in Dublin. It worked out well as they fixed a few things and put 4 brand new tyres on it.

Make sure the 1200 mile run in was done. This is essential and will put savvy buyers off immediately if it was not done.

I'm on the M50 every morning and night, from Sandyford to Dundrum. So it ain't cheap to run and I get approx 24MPG which is not bad really.

Big expense is the Service II check, done at approx 40,000 miles. There is no getting around this and it starts (if nothing is wroing with the car) at €1400....Ouch.

Prices are dropping now big time I see.....Lot of new E92M3's for sale as well already which is a worry and the new M3 does not look as well imho. The E46 is a real classic.

No offence and it's great if you wanna do it but last time I checked, Duffy's were looking for 65k for a basic 2004 M3. They should walk around with balaclavas on!

kdevitt

Rob C wrote: »

Big expense is the Service II check, done at approx 40,000 miles. There is no getting around this and it starts (if nothing is wroing with the car) at €1400....Ouch.

Its uncanny how my Inspection II quote on my M3 is €650 from another Dublin BMW Dealer!

cancan

650 euro->1500 to change the oil and filter!


http://www.bimmerzone.com/inspection.htm

It wouldn't take a team of M Sport rocket scientists to perform these yourself.

Nice money if you can get it.....

Now i know why they have such big windows in the showroom!

kdevitt

cancan wrote: »

650 euro->1500 to change the oil and filter!


http://www.bimmerzone.com/inspection.htm

It wouldn't take a team of M Sport rocket scientists to perform these yourself.

Nice money if you can get it.....

Now i know why they have such big windows in the showroom!

An oil service is your oil and filter - inspection II includes the diff oil and gearbox oil too - would love to see you attempting that on your driveway.