Please help,

Sold my Lexus sc430 finaly and I am all ready to go I hope. I need help to decide which M3 to go for. There are only 2 (both around 50k miles) within 300 miles of me CPO with the exterior color I want. It needs to be CPO with carbon back smg 02-03 cuz I dont like the shark fin and I want to pay no more than $35k before tax.

1. 2003 Carbon Black, Cinnamon Interior. SMG. No Navigation, 18" wheels.
2. 2002 Carbn Black, Black Interior. SMG Navigation, 19" wheels. (This one isnt ready to be looked at until this Thursday so there could be some major maintenance going on)

I want to just go buy #1 (03')tomorrow but it would be nice to have the nav and 19's. On the other side, it is great to have the lighter color interior probably if it is cooler since I have to park outside. Also, the newer the better and I think I can get a far better deal vs kbb figures with the 03'.

Please let me know what you think I would be better off in. I think the 2002 is a grand or two more expensive even but it does have navigation and 19's. >>>I might be modding the car in years to come so either one might work.

Please vote and/or give your opinions. I will post pics when I get it. Thanks, Mike

I had an '02 Carbon Black with Cinnamon. I got more compliments on that car than any other combo I've ever owned.

I will say that having the cinnamon interior feels less sporty and more luxurious. So, it really depends on what you're after.

I will also tell you that when I decided to trade it in, I was given a really hard time about the cinnamon interior color. Wholesalers hate it here in the southeast.
I had purchased that car from Bimmerstore in Atlanta. They claimed they couldn't give it away...until the day I came in to purchase it. They had like 5 calls on the car wanting to buy it. So, it's one of those things...hot and cold. I say buy what you like and screw what anyone else thinks.

I'm sure they'll have something negative to say about my Imola red with red interior M3 Cabriolet when it's time to trade it.:rolleyes

I don't know if you plan any track use, but 18" wheels would give you a much better selection of tires, and they are considerably less expensive. As for nav, unless you travel a lot, I see no value in it. But I guess it is a popular option that might add some resale value or marketability. Other things equal, I would choose the '03 without question.

I thought I would never use the navi when I got it but it has saved my arse a few times. I love it, my next M will have it.

Then again I wish I had got cinn interior :D

You should get the 02 with navi and black interior, then trade me seats for my gray and then you would have a 2 tone light interior with navi :buttrock

Thanks guys,

I will travel to see the 03 today and maybe buy it. Any other opinions would be appreciated.

Dang, I couldnt go today so I will have to wait til next week. It seems like maybe the 03 is the way to go. Anyone disagree?

I think the cinnamon interior only appeals to some people - it's not as universally acceptable as black/grey. Personally, I don't like it and actually went with an older car 500 miles further from me, than the closer one with identical spec and cinnamon.

Just something to bear in mind when you come to get rid of it I guess?

As for navi, I hate BMW's nav, absolutely hate it. I have a Nuvi 660 (I'd post a link except I can't yet) and it's really really good. Best satnav I've ever used (and I've used a load). And it's portable.

I pick my 04 SMG vert up on Saturday - can't wait - good luck! :)

NAV is one of those options that you don't think you need, but after having it, it's pretty nice. Regardless of how good/bad you may think the stock interface is, just having a map is nice to begin with.

At the same time, having the Cinamon interior is really nice. I wish I could have ordered my M3 with it but I took what was on the lot (CB/grey + fully loaded).

You don't need the Navigation. Get a Garmin or TomTom. You can Upgrade to 19's later, like I did (Mine had the 18's). I also installed the Ipod interface in my car.

Will there be any differences in a CPO 02 vs 03 besides LED Tail Lights?

Please keep giving great advice about which car to buy, I am now going this Saturday. Also, will Cinnamon be that much cooler vs black?

Thanks, Mike

I'd go with the Cinn int. and no nav. You won't get anything back on trade later by having it, and an aftermarket GPS that's portable is a better idea to me. 18" tires are cheaper and more plentiful.

I wish I could've got Cinn in my '04 LSB M3, that would be bitchin'! I've seen it it the early M's, but it wasn't available anymore when I went to buy.

Go with the '03... you'll love it, and never have to change a taillight ever again.

SDMIKE,

One thing we've neglected in this thread is how the cars DRIVE. This is just, if not more important than color combinations.

These cars vary greatly from one to another. I had three appointments to drive three different '01 Imola Red Cabs...each one of those cars drove differently. Ironically, I chose the one with a bit more miles as it drove better, better overall condition, very well maintained and lastly...color combo. Yeah, it's red on red. I actually drove this one last since it was red on red and had higher miles than the other two...but it was definitely the nicer car of the three.
So, go figure.

SDMIKE,

One thing we've neglected in this thread is how the cars DRIVE. This is just, if not more important than color combinations.

These cars vary greatly from one to another. I had three appointments to drive three different '01 Imola Red Cabs...each one of those cars drove differently. Ironically, I chose the one with a bit more miles as it drove better, better overall condition, very well maintained and lastly...color combo. Yeah, it's red on red. I actually drove this one last since it was red on red and had higher miles than the other two...but it was definitely the nicer car of the three.
So, go figure.


Great points there...please keep any suggestions coming. I am leaning towards the o2 just becuase I like the factory nav and the 19 inch wheels. But... oh well, I cant decide yet.

Factory nav is the big suck! The dash looks cleaner but it's cumbersome to use. I've got cb and cinn interior with zcp - looks awesome still. Get the 03, trade up to csl wheels or any aftermarket number (I always thought the iforged lineup was hot).

Factory nav is the big suck! The dash looks cleaner but it's cumbersome to use. I've got cb and cinn interior with zcp - looks awesome still. Get the 03, trade up to csl wheels or any aftermarket number (I always thought the iforged lineup was hot).


I'm with you m3wasabi, I'd get a portable nav! Carbon black with cinnamon is off the chain in looks. Man, I miss mine but I'm pleased with the convertible.

Im looking to buy an 03 m with the same color combo black and cinnamon interior. I think its the best color combo good luck...

Im looking to buy an 03 m with the same color combo black and cinnamon interior. I think its the best color combo good luck...

Im glad you are in NJ, I dont need any competition

I have a different suggestion for you: Look at 04-05 M3's. Reason is the the factory warranty on the slightly newer cars is still in effect and transferable to you as the new owner.

M3's are a blast to drive hard and most owners likly drive them this way. Being driven hard but maintained well is one thing being abused and sold prior to a major fault becoming obvious is another. An M3 with no warranty may or may not be a good deal. Yes you will be paying slighly more money for a newer car but that warrany will let you sleep at night.

Also, you live in San Diego. Expand out your AutoTrader search critera to 300 miles and you will see all the M3's in San Diego, LA and San Francisco or about 35% of all the M3's in the US. There are a lot of cars out there.

Found my late 04 with less than 10,000 miles for $45K last May that way.

I have a different suggestion for you: Look at 04-05 M3's. Reason is the the factory warranty on the slightly newer cars is still in effect and transferable to you as the new owner.

M3's are a blast to drive hard and most owners likly drive them this way. Being driven hard but maintained well is one thing being abused and sold prior to a major fault becoming obvious is another. An M3 with no warranty may or may not be a good deal. Yes you will be paying slighly more money for a newer car but that warrany will let you sleep at night.

Also, you live in San Diego. Expand out your AutoTrader search critera to 300 miles and you will see all the M3's in San Diego, LA and San Francisco or about 35% of all the M3's in the US. There are a lot of cars out there.

Found my late 04 with less than 10,000 miles for $45K last May that way.


Thanks but I guess you did not read my original post. I want a 02 or 03 CPO M3 becuase I dont want the shark fin antenna. My budget is 35k for the car so these two are perfect and were within my autotrader.com 300 mile search. They were even the best within any distance. I jsut simply need to decide between the two cars. Thanks, Mike.

this is actually wut i heard from my frenz, he work for ferrari, and he always down for the track , he told me, there actually alot problem w/ the SMG for trackin use, specially from early -03" m3, he have seem alot,either engine blow or tran so, he told me to get anythings from 04-06", maybe u not planning to down for track , but i rather to take from 04" like mike said, factory warranty is very important, specially this is M3 SMG
just got mine last month =P
04" Alpine white, black interior (very rare)34,000 mileage, $40k,19"wheel,heated seat too =P

i dont know exactly what colour cin is (BMW does so many unusual variants it's hard to tell), but if it is anything like cream, biege or tan leather seating on black. Which to me is the best combination in ANY car, then go for the first choice. So i would go for that one because the sat-nav and alloys can be easily changed plus it's newer. Then again i wouldn't have gone for a Sequential Manual Gearbox, but thats just me

I would go for the 03, simply because it's a year newer, and you can always get 19s and NAV later, if you decide you cannot live without it all.

I am enjoying reading your suggestions, please keep em coming.

I am pissed that the dealer that is selling the 02 with nav and 19's with 45k miles wont budge on the price of $37,900. I kinda prefer this one but if they wont budge on the price I will have to get something else. I called the sales maager and he wont return my call yet. They must have buyers who will pay full price. Darn! I am thinking it will be too hard to put a good navigation in since all the aftermarket ones I have seen detract from the nice look of the M3 interior. Maybe I will just get the 03, forget about nav, and put some iforged wheels on later.

I am enjoying reading your suggestions, please keep em coming.

I am pissed that the dealer that is selling the 02 with nav and 19's with 45k miles wont budge on the price of $37,900. I kinda prefer this one but if they wont budge on the price I will have to get something else. I called the sales maager and he wont return my call yet. They must have buyers who will pay full price. Darn! I am thinking it will be too hard to put a good navigation in since all the aftermarket ones I have seen detract from the nice look of the M3 interior. Maybe I will just get the 03, forget about nav, and put some iforged wheels on later.

Wait he's asking 37,900 for a cpo 02 with 45k miles? check his nose next time you see him, I think he's indulging in angel dust.

Wait he's asking 37,900 for a cpo 02 with 45k miles? check his nose next time you see him, I think he's indulging in angel dust.


:lol :lol :lol :buttrock

Yeah, its at Century West bmw, whatsup with those guys. They wont budge and I wonder if it is just cause I am calling and not in person?

I just talked to them at Century West and they did say that they put $4,200 in fixing it up and that they couldnt go any lower. I didnt mean to bash them at all, it may be worth the 37,900 but I guess I should just get the 03' at $35900. I really wanted the 02' though with balck on black, nav, and 19's. I just dont want to pay the extra couple thousand right now.

Do you think I will regret getting the cinnamon?

CPO 2003 M3 SMG, 18 inch wheels for $35,900

-or-

CPO 2002 M3 SMG, 19 inch wheels, & nav for $37,900

Are either of these deals worth it?

Your looking at roughly a 7% price difference between the 2 cars. As my boss says this is "mouse nuts".Here's a decision tree for you: Don't factor price1. What does your gut/heart/etc. say about your preference between car A&B2. Do you like the color/feature/etc. combination enough that you will like it just as much 6 months or 1 year from now.3. Does car A drive and feel different from car B and which do you like betterBest of luck to you!!!!

You'll be amazed at how the price of that car will go down if you hit that dealer on March 31st...end of the month, end of the quarter. Trust me on this one.

You'll be amazed at how the price of that car will go down if you hit that dealer on March 31st...end of the month, end of the quarter. Trust me on this one.



I second that, and you should force them into a decision. Tell them you'll pick up the car on friday the 24th for 36,000 or you are buying the other car. Call them back on closing day and ask them what they would like to do, this hasn't failed me yet.

If they say no after that, they really are stuck on their number and you should let the car go.

A car isn't valued for the maintenence work you do on it. Dealer's know this the best. It's worth what the market will pay. Sounds like they've got it priced a lot higher than the rest of the market (I've been watching closely lately). Because they had to drop $4k on it isn't your problem. You're there to buy a car, not ensure the dealer makes a profit. You shouldn't have to pay for the previous owner not taking care of the car as they should have. Find one that's been cared for and still pay less. My opinon, for what it's worth.

Thanks for all the help guys. I drove up to a few dealers and never made a purchase. The one that they said was carbon black with black interior turned out to be jet black and I decided not to go for the cinnamon since I found I prefer balck or grey interior. Now I am looking at a few that are topaz blue with grey interior. One is in AZ and they say I could not pay CA tax if I buy there. Anyone done this?

Thanks, Mike

One is in AZ and they say I could not pay CA tax if I buy there. Anyone done this?

Thanks, Mike
Don't know about your side of the country...but that's not the case in Ohio. I bought a car in WV several years ago. Although I did not have to pay taxes for it in WV, as soon as I went to get tags and my Ohio title, they hit me up for the tax bill. Unless that dealer puts $0 under the purchase price on the AZ title, you are gonna owe taxes. (again, not sure what the tax laws are for you guys).

Mike
California DMV will hit you with the appropriate sales tax for your county when you resgester the car. This is a 100% certainty. Also, as a California resident there are emissions issues about bringing in cars from out of the state. Make sure you understand what those are before you buy anything.

Thanks... I just got a carfax on that AZ car and it had been in at least one accident, so that is a no go. Either I am being too picky or this search is becoming harder than I thought. I need to just get one here in CA and start rolling. Any other good sites out there besides cars.com and autotrader.com?

Thanks... I just got a carfax on that AZ car and it had been in at least one accident, so that is a no go. Either I am being too picky or this search is becoming harder than I thought. I need to just get one here in CA and start rolling. Any other good sites out there besides cars.com and autotrader.com?
Dude...be as picky as you want. It's your cash.

http://www.roadfly.com/bmw/classifieds/cars/listads.php?cat=208

I got the car today and it is everything and more that I dreamed of. I drove it home from LA to San Diego and it was insane. That 75 mph warning beep is kinda annoying though.

I will have to do some searches on that 'beep' and on how to use the smg. Starting the car seemed to be the trickiest so far, but I am such a rookie now.

2002 Carbon Black/Black. It only had 16k miles.

wow congrats im jelous as hell since im in the market for one... 16k miles ftw its liek brand new... happy to hear you got you prefered color combo ...how much did you pay for it?

33.5

Damn!

I figured out the 75 mph beep and the smg. I am on cloud 9. This is as good as it gets. Now I need some sick ass rims and a big subwoofer in the trunk. I cant beleive the insurance is less than the lexus sc430 I had, I guess cause it was a convertable.

Any tips on finding some slightly used iforged staggered 19" rims? The classifieds on this site dont seem to have much.

Thanks, Mike

I figured out the 75 mph beep and the smg. I am on cloud 9. This is as good as it gets. Now I need some sick ass rims and a big subwoofer in the trunk. I cant beleive the insurance is less than the lexus sc430 I had, I guess cause it was a convertable.

Any tips on finding some slightly used iforged staggered 19" rims? The classifieds on this site dont seem to have much.

Thanks, Mikegoto to m3forum.com and e46fanatics.com, although this forum is very informative, it seems to cater to the e36M crowd moreso than the e46m crowd. Roadfly.com also has some good for sale items but not as often.

congrats on the car btw, I still feel the same way about my car 2.5 years after I got it. Does yours have the oem front strut bar(it became standard mid year 2002)? If not, I'd say try to pick one of those up used since a lot of people buy aftermarket or you could do the same. Really stiffens up the car, based on what others say.
Another good site for your car is madrussian.net, it has a lot of DIY's and info about all the e46M model years, etc..

I got the car today and it is everything and more that I dreamed of. I drove it home from LA to San Diego and it was insane. That 75 mph warning beep is kinda annoying though.

I will have to do some searches on that 'beep' and on how to use the smg. Starting the car seemed to be the trickiest so far, but I am such a rookie now.

2002 Carbon Black/Black. It only had 16k miles.

Gratz Mike! Enjoy your new car - looks great.

The beep - I assume you have factory nav - my old 330ci had factory nav and it has a speed warning function, try going into options and looking for it.

SMG - it'll grow on you, go on a roadtrip, soon sort you out :) Foot on the brake, lever to the left for neutral and start :)

Wow...nice car Mike. I just got the wife a 330 convert and I got the BMW bug again. I drove a 02 M3 and fell in love!

My 350Z is in the paper.... Cant wait to lock in a M3 soon!