New Owner coming into Forum

[sam270]

Hi All,
Big day tomorrow as I take possession of my first BMW - a 2009 M3 convertible with a stick. Buying it from a Toyota dealer. Car has 105,000 miles.
Getting very cold feet. Went by instincts on this one - rather than an inspection. I know that's craziness. But car is stunning and price was right.
Looking for some encouragement as I am getting nervous about the road ahead. This is strictly a fun car and not daily driver. Its replacing my 2000 Porsche 911. I hope I made right choice.
Thanks, Sam

[SAMM3Y]

I too like to live life dangerously..

[InnerBlueSkies]

Under 23, either way, enjoy....April/May right around the corner.

[MJBO]

Any reason you didn’t get it inspected?

I love my car, done over 5000km in he past 9mths even though I frequently have other cars to drive. Even just the short drive to the gym before sunrise is that bit better in the M3.

[sam270]

Great question.
I’ve found from experience that the inspections cover a lot of things that I can identify myself. Plus the real big ticket items are usually too hard to find.
Instead I roll the dice, look at Carfax and condition of car. Also, my observation is that the new car dealers usually auction off the cars with issues and sell the better ones. Just my simple theories.
I know I could get burned big time.
Thanks.

[Siajoon]

Originally Posted by sam270

Great question.
I’ve found from experience that the inspections cover a lot of things that I can identify myself. Plus the real big ticket items are usually too hard to find.
Instead I roll the dice, look at Carfax and condition of car. Also, my observation is that the new car dealers usually auction off the cars with issues and sell the better ones. Just my simple theories.
I know I could get burned big time.
Thanks.

Hopefully you do not get burned but ask if there's any type of gaurantee that comes with the car?

You don't want to have some serious leaks that you'd have to take care of right off the bat.

Regardless, if I were you and you have no idea about maintenance I would do the rod bearings, and do all the fluid flushes including an oil change. You don't have to worry about the actuators going as it's really not a big deal, if they go you just replace them and keep trucking along.

Welcome to the club!!

[wyatth]

Overall these cars are a great choice at current prices but the prudent thing would be an independent PPI. The best $150 one could spend.
Welcome and congrats, whether it’s this one or another.

[randrews15]

Congrats and just enjoy the car!

[M3montreal]

Don't stress you made a great choice

[byroncheung]

Originally Posted by sam270

Great question.
I’ve found from experience that the inspections cover a lot of things that I can identify myself. Plus the real big ticket items are usually too hard to find.
Instead I roll the dice, look at Carfax and condition of car. Also, my observation is that the new car dealers usually auction off the cars with issues and sell the better ones. Just my simple theories.
I know I could get burned big time.
Thanks.

to some degree true... it's not like they'll come back and tell you the RB is worn or the TA will fail soon...

good luck hope the car is a good one!

[Snoball M3]

Originally Posted by M3montreal

Don't stress you made a great choice

True that, bought mine unseen, car was in Florida didn't do PPI (not very smart on my part) but so far so good, just had a gut feeling it was in good condition lol

[timothy2001]

Welcome. Have had mine two and a half years and bought it without a PPI. Aside from thermostat at delivery it's been perfect.

[GT3fan]

Congrats OP!

Just curious how great of a deal you got?

[Bemo]

OP - get the car inspected. Repairs are expensive and can add up quickly, you should know what you're signing up for.

[BayE30]

Originally Posted by Bemo

OP - get the car inspected. Repairs are expensive and can add up quickly, you should know what you're signing up for.

hes coming from a 996....those are much more pricey to own at this point in time.

OP have the RB done as preventative maintenance, and enjoy the ride!

[Frozen]

If the price is right, then go for it but you may want to rethink getting a heavy convertible. Resale value is tough on those. You sure you don't want to hold out and buy an e92 from an enthusiast with full maintenance history and a sweet looking carbon fiber roof? That's what I'd be asking myself in your situation.

[sam270]

I picked up M3 today I went under the chassis and everything looked very clean. Previous owner traded into a Porsche dealer. Toyota dealer picked it up at auction and invested $3500 into at a bmw dealer down the block. So far I’m happy. We’ll see what future brings. First hurdle is to tell wife. Everything else is just money.

One quick question... just noticed something like trim missing from the interior peice of convertible top. Right in center about 3 inches from front of panel.

Thanks all for your input. Proud to be hear.

[3Pedals_6Speeds]

Get an inspection at a BMW indy, enjoy, and ignore the E93 haters. Drop the top, listen to that exhaust.

[Bemo]

Originally Posted by SFCM3

hes coming from a 996....those are much more pricey to own at this point in time.

OP have the RB done as preventative maintenance, and enjoy the ride!

Agreed and it crossed my mind however getting into a used car without a proper PPI is scary

[sam270]

I'm loving this car! Honestly, so much more engaging than my 2000 911.

I was listening to the engine thinking this must be the nicest sound ever. Than I was about to open in it up on the Garden State Parkway when I heard an ever nicer sound... it was from Waze indicating 'Police reported ahead'. It saved me.

Anyway, just wondering... what is this missing piece on the inside of the convertible top?

Thanks

[sam270]

Got it.