if you have a chance to buy a fully loaded (w/ smg) 02 m3 with around 4,000 miles on it at the dealer or wait on the list for a 03 model. keep on mind that you would be on the list at number 60.

i'm curious as to what you would do. what would you do?

my feelings say yes, but i'm afraid i'm too emotionaly involved and need outside opinion to see things that i'm too blind to see. :)

Does the '02 match the options that you would want?

Do you care about the revisions that were implemented for '03?

Those are two very important questions right there. I know I waited for '03 because I wanted the DVD navigation system and the auxilliary audio input for the audio system.

yes it basically has all the options i wanted.

i'm not too sure what revisions are implemented on the 03 that would stir me away from the 02. but the dvd navigation system does sound good, but do i really want it is the question. i'm also not so much of an audio man myself.

the thing that may be bothering me about the 02 is that it does have 4,000 miles on it, but not a whole lot too. at the same time, being number 60(around) on the list doesn't help either.

what other revisions were done that i should be aware of?

thanks for the help.

For '03:

Navigation is upgraded from CD to a DVD based technology
In dash CD player is available when the Navigation system is ordered. Cassette will still be a no
charge option.
An audio system auxiliary input will be standard (as above)
The optional Power Seat Package will no longer be offered (M3 coupe only)
Standard rain sensor with automatic headlight control
M3 with SMG, Navigation and new Aluminum trim M3 engine with front suspension brace

4000 miles is not a big deal... but it depends on what those 4000 miles were used for... a demo car? You'll receive a full warranty I'm sure, so you really have nothing to worry about there.

If you're number 60 on the list... that's a long ways away from now.

What exactly is a front suspension brace? i know it will be available as an upgrade for 02 m3's...


Hmm... If you have an extra car laying around the house to use, i would def wait for 03.. In the meantime, save up some extra cash and get those 03 options..
Sunshade, brace, nav (if possible)
Those are the most important features that will distinguish your m3 from 02 models..

Good Luck

When was the build date? If it was last Nov/Dec I'd take a pass

If it's Nov, DEFINITELY don't buy it.

Originally posted by aus
If it's Nov, DEFINITELY don't buy it.


that's a no brainer. If you really aren't going to keep it for long and don't carry sentimental value in your car, get the used ride.

If you buy it to use it and enjoy it for years to come, I'd wait...I did.

thanks! i've decided to wait it out.

yeah, the first thing i asked was the built date. it was built 3/02.

but boy, being on the list at 60 is going to take awhile.

thanks for your comments everyone. i appreciated them.

Try calling Nick Alexander in LA. They have cars come in that are not pre-ordered all the time... and they'll sell at sticker.

3/02 build date should be ok.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Kevlar
[B]For '03:

Navigation is upgraded from CD to a DVD based technology
In dash CD player is available when the Navigation system is ordered. Cassette will still be a no
charge option.

Does DVD based technology with the Navigation mean you can watch DVD movies on the navigation screen???

nope, it means that one DVD covers the whole country instead of 6-8 different CD's for sections of the US.

alot nicer when you do alot of road trips. no need to buy other CD's, just keep on cruising.