What should I be looking for, I heard the first year wasn't too good due to engine failure, as well first year of the SMG wasn't good as well.

Any help would be great.

I just picked up mine. There's a few differences in production years. I have an 02. I opted for that first because it was the only i found that was White over black, a very hard combo to find ( i looked for 4 months) but most importantly, i got the 6 year 100k warranty on it because most of the recalls were for 01 but a few trickled in for 02. What kinda budget are you looking at? If you can, get the 04's+ cause you get the BMW assist with the bluetooth option, and free scheduled maint.
The recalls were all in 01 and eaaaaarly 02'.
Differences are OEM LED tails in the 03 year, front strut tower brace, BMW assist, a wider navi screen (02+) and you get 19 inch polished wheels instead of the 18's i have on mine. 04+ also gets the competition package (floating rotors and CSL styled wheels)

04+ also gets the competition package (floating rotors and CSL styled wheels)[/QUOTE]


Comp package came out in 2005 and they are larger cross-frilled rotors not floating. Also, bigger brakes, M-track mode, tighter steering ratio and alcantara wheel and hand brake.

I'm considering a 2001 for budget reasons. I would think that a recall isn't necessarily a bad thing. If the car is up to snuff after the work is completed, and I would guess most Bimmer owners would take it in and have the recall service performed, why worry about it? Unless you don't trust BMW and you believe they might withhold other problems.

If the engine failures mentioned are due to design flaws then I would worry about that. I have not done enough research to know about the engine problems. Anyone care to enlighten me?

Brad

I want to get one with SMGII....but it looks like 03-04 is key...however my budget would be the 01-02 range....low miles a super plus....what are the price ranges....

I've seen 01-02 go for low to high 30's and some 02's for low 40-41k....

Also what mods are people doing..most important mods...