Suggestions for a good M3 or BMW forum
02-02-2004, 12:06 PM
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Suggestions for a good M3 or BMW forum
Does anyone know of a good M3 forum or BMW forum. I am possible thinking about selling the S2 for a little cheaper car. Insurance is extremely high on the S2 for a high school student these days. Also, does anyone know about the maintance costs and possible issues with the M3. The BMW was my first car choice bacause it was within my price range but when my parents asked me about an S2000 I couldnt resist, I rushed into it. BTW I am looking at a 97 and up M3.
02-02-2004, 01:13 PM
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Roadfly is a good resource, as is bimmerforums.com. As on all boards, you have to be careful about whose advice you take.
Insurance is not much different on an M3 than on an S2000 (at least for me.) Maintenance is not terrible, especially if you use the car as just a daily driver. I autocross my car frequently, and replace/service things on a very accelerated schedule.
Some things to watch out for, other than the regular stuff (like accident damage, etc.):
1. Worn rear shock mounts. Make sure they haven't torn through the shock tower.
2. Regular replacement of rear trailing arm bushings. These should be replaced on street driven cars about every 50k miles or so. Worst case is that the bushings fail and the trailing arm mounts rip out of the body.
3. Worn shocks. If the car has 50k miles or more on the stock shocks, it is almost a certainty that they are worn out. Allow for a set of Konis in your buying budget - you will see a tremendous ride and handling difference, even with stock springs.
4. Shifter that sticks in neutral towards 5th gear.
5. If the car has 60k miles or more, budget for a new radiator, hoses, and thermostat. Maybe about $300 in parts. Good preventative maintenance as the upper radiator neck is known to break.
I love my M3 - I've had it since new and intend to keep it for a long time. Good luck.
Dave
Insurance is not much different on an M3 than on an S2000 (at least for me.) Maintenance is not terrible, especially if you use the car as just a daily driver. I autocross my car frequently, and replace/service things on a very accelerated schedule.
Some things to watch out for, other than the regular stuff (like accident damage, etc.):
1. Worn rear shock mounts. Make sure they haven't torn through the shock tower.
2. Regular replacement of rear trailing arm bushings. These should be replaced on street driven cars about every 50k miles or so. Worst case is that the bushings fail and the trailing arm mounts rip out of the body.
3. Worn shocks. If the car has 50k miles or more on the stock shocks, it is almost a certainty that they are worn out. Allow for a set of Konis in your buying budget - you will see a tremendous ride and handling difference, even with stock springs.
4. Shifter that sticks in neutral towards 5th gear.
5. If the car has 60k miles or more, budget for a new radiator, hoses, and thermostat. Maybe about $300 in parts. Good preventative maintenance as the upper radiator neck is known to break.
I love my M3 - I've had it since new and intend to keep it for a long time. Good luck.
Dave
02-02-2004, 10:20 PM
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Nice gallery of cars
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