New member, e9x shopper, potential e39 m5 convert... Typical questions

[Jcbe34]

Wanted to make an introduction thread as I began my search for an e90/2 m3. I've been lurking this site for a couple years, mostly looking for good deals on Apex wheels and keeping an eye on the e9x market. However, I've recently sold my 3rd e39 M5, and after years or e34's and e39's I'm looking to upgrade to an e9x.

My budget is $25k. I THINK I am realistic with my expectations, and I'm looking for a car at the lower end of the depreciation curve that I can drive 15k-20k miles a year without driving all of the value out of it. I understand I'll have to make some sacrifices with cosmetics, and I'll be looking at an '08-'09, but hoping to find something with ~90k miles and solid maintenance history. Stock or close to it aside from track-oriented suspension upgrades (No BC, Broadway, Fortune Auto, etc coilvoers) and exhaust. I'm a 100% DIY owner and have done rod bearings on my e39's, control arms/suspension work on every car I've owned, and 4-5 engine swaps on my e30 race car (m30, s50, s54, m54).

That said, I'm in the middle of a move from Atlanta to the Charlotte area, and for the first time in a decade I'll be living without a garage full of tools so I'm really looking for a car that's had the common stuff addressed throttle actuators, rod bearings, etc). Are my expectations out of line? I know that I'll probably have to deal with older iDrive, non-LED tails, no bluetooth, etc. but I'm ok with that. I'm really most interested in driving experience per $$$ spent, and if I don't buy an e9x I'll end up with another e39 M5. I love the e39 for what it is but I really love the S65 and want a car with a steering rack.

Pics of past/current cars:

DSC_0518

DSC_0177

DSC_0197

[m3peat]

09+ E90's get the lci tails, Bluetooth and upgraded IDrive. I just got one with 94k miles and in overall pretty decent shape from a private seller for a hair under $20. Although it had all maintenance history, I immediately did all maintenance (all fluids, plugs, filters and bearings).
Next up is suspension. So far, very happy with the purchase and for reference I had a 2012 E92 for 3 years from new for comparison sake.

Good luck in your search.

[Solo_M_Tech]

E39 M5 and the torque happy S62 is the better daily driver. The E9X M3 is better everywhere else. If you want bluetooth music streaming you'll have to get a 2011+ or retro fit. 09 E90's get CIC and LED tails, 2011's get the comp package and Bluetooth streaming.

[Foggins]

Feels like your price point and wants are in line...good luck with the search!!

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by m3peat

09+ E90's get the lci tails, Bluetooth and upgraded IDrive. I just got one with 94k miles and in overall pretty decent shape from a private seller for a hair under $20. Although it had all maintenance history, I immediately did all maintenance (all fluids, plugs, filters and bearings).
Next up is suspension. So far, very happy with the purchase and for reference I had a 2012 E92 for 3 years from new for comparison sake.

Good luck in your search.

This seems to be what I'm seeing after talking to some sellers as of late, as well. It's good times if you're looking to buy. Tons of cars on the market and they're reaching a point where loans are going to be harder to get as they get older. This will also drive the price down.

I'm considering trading my E91 for the E90 M3 since a comparable mileage trade is only ~ +$8k. At this point, it makes more sense to do that than buy a salvaged M3 and swap the drivetrain...

As always, low mileage minty examples will command 30k+.

[GT3fan]

Enjoy your search OP!

I'm not sure if the e90m is an upgrade from the e39m, but a nice change. I had an s2 e39m and it was one of the best overall cars I've ever owned. I'm hoping my m3 will give me similar feelings. the e90m is more lively and has a fantastic high revving v8, but there is something really special about the 39's.

[roastbeef]

well, i'd say don't sell the e39, but thats already done. just about everyone i talk to that has had one regretted selling it. its the last of that era of car... the attitude changed.
but, you're snooping in the right camp, people love these cars too. i think you're in the right mindset and have realistic expectations, just be patient.

[shimmy23]

That silver e39 is beautiful!