Hi,

My girlfriend says she wants to buy my car and I'm thinking about it because I've always wanted the E46 M3 SMG. The price seems pretty high, but here's one that caught my eye on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-3-Series-M3-E46-2002-BMW-M3-SMG-premium-package-excellent-condition_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6131QQitemZ45 77980919QQrdZ1

I'm wondering how hard it is to purchase a vehicle on eBay. I live in Bay Area, California and this vehicle is in Reno, which is about 4 hours worth of driving to see the vehicle in person. I'm also wondering how much it costs to maintain a BMW as I have never had a European car before.

that actually seems like a fair price.

the car is deemed to be in mint condition and is fairly low miled for its age (assuming it was a DD)

that car was probably purchased for around 55k or so + tax. so he is asking 34k which is pretty reasonable...

remember these cars hold their value pretty well.....the only thing that hurts them is mileage.

if that car was 10-15k miles only...he would probably be asking closer to 40k.

wow, def a fair price IMO as long as the car is in GOOD condition!!! Be very careful IMO

Check it out carefully but it looks good ...price is OK miles are reasonable...color is nice... sounds like good condition.... major $$ maintenace is done for a while...

:cool Hi,

My girlfriend says she wants to buy my car and I'm thinking about it because I've always wanted the E46 M3 SMG. The price seems pretty high, but here's one that caught my eye on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-3-Series-M3-E46-2002-BMW-M3-SMG-premium-package-excellent-condition_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6131QQitemZ45 77980919QQrdZ1

I'm wondering how hard it is to purchase a vehicle on eBay. I live in Bay Area, California and this vehicle is in Reno, which is about 4 hours worth of driving to see the vehicle in person. I'm also wondering how much it costs to maintain a BMW as I have never had a European car before.

Engine block issues on some runs....buy BMW backed insurance or stay away. My .02.

Good News -- Vehicle qualifies for the CARFAX Buyback Guarantee!
No severe problems (major accidents, fire, flood damage, major odometer problems or lemon history) were ever reported by a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for this 2002 BMW M3 (WBSBL93452JR14382). If you find that any of these severe problems were reported by a DMV and not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back.

You must register at www.CARFAX.com to activate this free guarantee!

CARFAX Talking CarTM
The story of this 2002 BMW M3 (WBSBL93452JR14382) according to our interpretation of the information reported to CARFAX:
This coupe has had 3 owners and was owned in Texas, Georgia and Nevada. It was originally registered by the owner for personal use.
It has had no minor or moderate accidents reported to CARFAX.
It has had no DMV-reported total loss events, like a major accident, fire or flood.
It has not been reported by a DMV as having an Exceeds Mechanical Limits or Not Actual Mileage title.
It has a consistent mileage history with no indication of an odometer rollback. It was driven an average of 10,220 miles per year, which is lower than the industry average of 15,000. The last odometer reading, reported on 10/18/2004, was 28,853 miles.
It was not reported by a DMV as a Manufacturer Buyback or LEMON.
CARFAX estimates it has 4 months or 21,147 miles remaining on the basic warranty.
Go to the Detailed Vehicle History for the complete history and a glossary of terms.





Report Summary
1. ACCIDENT CHECK

Total Loss Check No Severe Accidents Reported by a DMV - Buyback Guarantee!
Other Accident Indicators No Accident Indicators Reported
2. MILEAGE ACCURACY CHECK

Truth-In-Mileage Check No Odometer Problems Reported by a DMV - Buyback Guarantee!
Odometer Rollback Check No Potential Odometer Rollback Found
Mileage Consistency Check No Inconsistent Odometer Reading Found
3. LEMON CHECK®

No Mfr. Buyback Reported by a DMV - Buyback Guarantee!
4. OWNERSHIP CHECK

Number of Owners 3 Estimated Owner(s)
Type of Owners Originally Registered as a Personal Vehicle
5. RECALL CHECK

BMW Does Not Report Recalls to CARFAX
6. WARRANTY CHECK

An Estimated 4 Months or 21,147 Miles Remaining on the Basic Warranty. Interested in an Extended Warranty?
DETAILED VEHICLE HISTORY 10 HISTORY RECORDS REPORTED
Tell us what you know about this vehicle




Year/Make/Model: 2002 BMW M3
Body Style: COUPE
Engine: 3.2L V6 PFI DOHC 24V
Fuel: GASOLINE
Driveline: REAR WHEEL DRIVE
Manufactured in: GERMANY
Safety Equipment: 4 wheel ABS, Running Lights Optional, Dual air bags front, head, and sides/active (manual) belts with automatic passenger sensor
Standard Equipment: Power Windows, Power Steering, Air Conditioning, AM / FM CD, Power Brakes, Tilt Wheel, 6-digit Odometer






Total Loss Check:


GOOD NEWS! No severe damage events were ever reported by a DMV for this 2002 BMW M3 (WBSBL93452JR14382). If you find that any of the following severe problems were reported by a DMV and not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back. You must register to activate this free guarantee!

Salvage Title Loss Due To Fire Title
Junk Title Flood Damage Title
Rebuilt/Reconstructed Title Hail Damage Title
Dismantled Title Canadian Total Loss

Other Accident Indicators:


This 2002 BMW M3 (WBSBL93452JR14382) had no accident indicators reported to CARFAX from its sources. This section checks for accidents and/or related damage reported from many public and private sources. Not all accidents are reported to CARFAX. A vehicle inspection completed by your dealer or professional mechanic is recommended.

No Salvage Auction Record Reported No Crash Test Vehicle Record Reported
No Fire Damage Record Reported No Airbag Deployment Record Reported
No Frame Damage Record Reported No Damage Disclosure Record Reported
No Police Accident Record Reported No Collision Repair Facility Record Reported


Truth-In-Mileage Check:


GOOD NEWS! No major odometer problems were ever reported by a DMV under the Truth-In-Mileage Act for this 2002 BMW M3 (WBSBL93452JR14382). If you find that any of the following odometer problems were reported by a DMV and not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back. You must register to activate this free guarantee!

Not Actual Mileage Title - issued by DMV when the owner discloses mileage fraud or a broken odometer.
Exceeds Mechanical Limits Title - issued by DMV when the owner discloses an odometer rollover.


Odometer Rollback Check:


CARFAX found no odometer rollbacks for this 2002 BMW M3 (WBSBL93452JR14382). Rollbacks reported in this section originate from readings collected by a DMV or other verifiable source.

Mileage Consistency Check:


CARFAX found no inconsistent odometer readings in the mileage history of this 2002 BMW M3 (WBSBL93452JR14382).


Date: Mileage:
01/16/2002 4
04/17/2002 1,374
06/03/2004 27,182
06/08/2004 27,190
08/25/2004 27,208
10/18/2004 28,853


Average miles driven per year 10,220 CARFAX AdvisorTM Compare this vehicle's average annual mileage to the industry average of 15,000 miles per year. Use this comparison to determine how this vehicle was driven.




GOOD NEWS! No manufacturer buyback was ever reported by a DMV for this 2002 BMW M3 (WBSBL93452JR14382). If you find that a manufacturer buyback was reported by a DMV and not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back. You must register to activate this free guarantee!


Ownership History:


CARFAX estimates that this 2002 BMW M3 (WBSBL93452JR14382) had 3 owner(s). CARFAX analyzed this vehicle's title history and other supporting events to identify potential ownership transfers. In compliance with the U.S. privacy laws, CARFAX does not collect or report owner names or addresses.

Estimated Owners: Date: Location:
1st owner 01/16/2002 Texas
2nd owner 04/17/2002 Georgia
3rd owner 10/18/2004 Nevada

Types of Owners:


This 2002 BMW M3 (WBSBL93452JR14382) was checked for 8 types of registrations.

Personal Use Registration Reported No Fleet Registration Reported
No Lease Registration Reported No Commercial Registration Reported
No Rental Registration Reported No Non-Profit Registration Reported
No Taxi Registration Reported No Built to Non U.S. Standards Record Reported


BMW does not report recall information for specific vehicles to CARFAX.
Go to the CARFAX SAFETY & RELIABILITY REPORT for recalls issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the 2002 BMW M3. You can also contact an authorized dealership or BMW at 1-800-334-4269 to find out if this 2002 BMW M3 (WBSBL93452JR14382) still has recalls that require repair.

Register FREE Guarantee | CARFAX Help Center


For your convenience, CARFAX has estimated the remaining original manufacturer warranty coverage based on information reported to us on this 2002 BMW M3 (WBSBL93452JR14382). Please confirm remaining factory warranty and extended warranty options with your dealer. Interested in an extended warranty?

Estimated start date of warranty: 01/15/2002
Last reading reported on 10/18/2004: 28,853 miles Recalculate with current mileage
Today's Date: October 2, 2005

Type of Coverage: Original Warranty: Estimated Remaining Coverage:
Basic 48 months or 50,000 miles 4 months or 21,147 miles
Drivetrain 48 months or 50,000 miles 4 months or 21,147 miles
Emissions 24 months or 24,000 miles Coverage expired
Corrosion 72 months or unlimited mileage 28 months or unlimited mileage
Transferable Transferable at no cost Same
Roadside Assistance 48 months or 50,000 miles 4 months or 21,147 miles
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint No data reported to CARFAX
Specific Components 96 months or 80,000 miles 52 months or 51,147 miles
Notes: Manufacturer covers emissions components under basic warranty. Emissions coverage may vary by state. Refer to owners manual for specific details. Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered. Corrosion coverage may require a once a year inspection. Full maintenance is standard for 3 years or 36,000 miles.







CARFAX searched more than 3 billion records from over 5,300 sources and found 10 record(s) for this 2002 BMW M3 (WBSBL93452JR14382).

Date:
Mileage Reading:
Source:
General Comments:

12/16/2001 US Customs
Vehicle imported to
Charleston, SC

01/15/2002 Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Dallas, TX
Registered as
personal vehicle

01/16/2002 4 Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Dallas, TX
Title #05711337261094342
Title issued or updated
Registration issued or renewed
First owner reported
Passed safety inspection

04/12/2002 Dealer Inventory
Texas
Vehicle sold

04/17/2002 1,374 Georgia
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Atlanta, GA
Title #7852021075001
Title issued or updated
Registration issued or renewed
New owner reported
Loan or lien reported

06/03/2004 27,182 Service Facility
Vehicle serviced
Engine serviced
Lubed oil and filter changed

06/08/2004 27,190 Dealer Inventory
Atlanta, GA
Vehicle offered for sale

06/11/2004 Dealer Inventory
Georgia
Vehicle sold

08/25/2004 27,208 Auto Auction
Sold at auction
in Georgia
Listed as
a dealer vehicle

10/18/2004 28,853 Nevada
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Sparks, NV
Title #7529258
Title issued or updated
New owner reported
Loan or lien reported

major $$ maintenace is done for a while...
what do you mean?

12/16/2001 --- ouch. Nov and Dec of '01 had unusually high crank bearing failures. Search roadfly for more information. Usually the problem would surface in the first 20,000 miles though (I think avg was 14k)

As that is the customs date, I am betting the date of manuf was 11/01. Check the label in the door or call BMW USA.

If you get this car get a warrenty!!!!

Not a bad price but I wouldn't roll the dice on a car that's had 3 owners and is just coming out of warranty. I'd say you're better off spending another 5-10 grand and getting an '03 or '04 that's still under warranty for awhile and it would give you the option of extending the 3/36 maintenance plan (which you can't do if it's expired).

i wouldnt buy any m3 older than 04... too many problems with the first runs... but if its got a warenty ur in there.