Hi guys,
I'm thinking about buying a 2002 or 2003 BMW M3 convertible. I found one for sale that is 2003 with 12000 miles garage kept, SMG, 19 inch wheels, Navigation system, basicaly the car has everything that you can imagin. Also the car has BMW warrany until May 2006, and maintanence warrant until May 2005. The dealer is asking $48000. I have few question for you guys;
1) Is the car worth it $48000?
2) Before I decide to buy this car should I take this car to a dealer for inspection?
3) Can I extend the warranty to 100k?
4) What should I look for when I go for a test drive?

Please let me know what you guys think.

Yes, buy that car right now for 45k, it may seem a lot, but for someone who wants a fully loaded vert w/ only 12k miles, that's not bad, couple months from now, you'll see, it's going to be a lot more.

It's a 12k mile car, why take it in for inspection? Especially that it's got factory warranty still. Warranty can be extended, have to ask your local BMW dealer for details.

Hi guys,
I'm thinking about buying a 2002 or 2003 BMW M3 convertible. I found one for sale that is 2002 with 12000 miles garage kept, SMG, 19 inch wheels, Navigation system, basicaly the car has everything that you can imagin. Also the car has BMW warrany until May 2006, and maintanence warrant until May 2005. The owner is asking $45000. I have few question for you guys;
1) Is the car worth it $45000?
2) Before I decide to buy this car should I take this car to a dealer for inspection?
3) Can I extend the warranty to 100k?
4) What should I look for when I go for a test drive?

Please let me know what you guys think.

1.) Seems just a touch high to me... $43K seems right for an 02 SMG Cab with those miles. Much more than that and youre into 03's. If he's asking $45K he'll accept $43K... just offer him $40K and see where it goes. You might get lucky... and if not just meet in the middle.
2.) Yes, yes, yes. Just because the car is only a few years old and has low miles doesnt mean it wasnt beat to hell or worse... better to spend the $150 and get it checked out. If the seller refuses, walk.
3.) Yes. Warranty is fully transferable and extendable under its new owner (you).
4.) Generally there "should" be nothing wrong with the car considering its age and use. Look for the general stuff... condition, rattles, squeeks and since its an 02, ensure that the engine recall has been performed. Double check service history to see if there are any glaring problems that are repeatedly mentioned as having been complained about and fixed at the stealership with the exception of the weather stripping (which would probably be mentioned 2-3 times as BMW continually switched the "formula" for the BS enviromentally safe glue used to attach it). For example... if the car has gone through 3 transmissions that might be something you'd want to delve into... Oh... and if the car doesnt make you smile, then something is wrong with it. ;)

Good hunting.

sorry for thread hi jack but, but while we 're on the topic of buying m3's
for an e36, i heard there are problems with the automatic tranny can anyone confirm this and specify what's up with it and also what should i look for when i go check the car out...
tia

Youll probably have better luck with that question in the E36 forum.

Thank you guys for all the answers. I'll be test driving this car this weekend. I'll let you guys know how it went. Thank you again.

1.) Seems just a touch high to me... $43K seems right for an 02 SMG Cab with those miles. Much more than that and youre into 03's. If he's asking $45K he'll accept $43K... just offer him $40K and see where it goes. You might get lucky... and if not just meet in the middle.
2.) Yes, yes, yes. Just because the car is only a few years old and has low miles doesnt mean it wasnt beat to hell or worse... better to spend the $150 and get it checked out. If the seller refuses, walk.
3.) Yes. Warranty is fully transferable and extendable under its new owner (you).
4.) Generally there "should" be nothing wrong with the car considering its age and use. Look for the general stuff... condition, rattles, squeeks and since its an 02, ensure that the engine recall has been performed. Double check service history to see if there are any glaring problems that are repeatedly mentioned as having been complained about and fixed at the stealership with the exception of the weather stripping (which would probably be mentioned 2-3 times as BMW continually switched the "formula" for the BS enviromentally safe glue used to attach it). For example... if the car has gone through 3 transmissions that might be something you'd want to delve into... Oh... and if the car doesnt make you smile, then something is wrong with it. ;)

Good hunting.

Exactly.