OT: Crazy, stupid fun in a car: 2003 M3

[Pinned]

Originally Posted by mtechnica

Those are good cars. If you are seriously considering keeping it you should just do it. They will go up in value some day because clean ones are getting harder to find. They are pretty reliable AFAIK.

They're reliable with the major caveat that they are meticulously maintained. A poorly maintained example will break and cost a fortune. They've got a lot of failure points that need addressing - some standard BMW stuff like strut mounts, RTABs/FCABs, cooling system overhaul and some S54/E46 specific stuff like the VANOS, rod bearings, subframe.

I really enjoyed mine - I think it's a great car and easy to drive. If you've done all the maintenance they won't flinch at being wrung out frequently.

[grateful]

The 1M was a skunk works project by the M team. They were hand built and produced in limited numbers. The pricing reflects the rarity of the car.

Methinks the value of unmolested 1M's will rise as supply decreases.

My dream car is a 993 air cooled 911. New MSRP on a 1998 Porsche 993 Carrera S was 64k. I found one with 34,000 miles on sale for 85k.

Some cars hold their value, you just need to know what to look for.

Originally Posted by 9tubes

I guess I'm not keeping up on BMW prices. That 1M was MSRP at $55k nine years ago and the used asking price is $50k? With 50,000 miles? I realize that isn't a typical BMW, but a typical BMW would depreciate that much in the first six months so I apologize for my astonishment. Please update me on used BMW pricing.

[tylercheung]

I'm just wondering how the car changes w/ the times and the weights. This thing is about 3400-3500 lbs w/ 300-350 HP or so, the M2 is 400 some HP and 3600 lbs.

Haven't driven the M's but have drive the 228i (at 3200-3300 lbs) and the Miata...but I have read reviews saying the control and finesse is not quite the same in the M2, more straight line power. There was one, that claimed the new Camaro which was developed using the E46 M3 as a benchmark, was more "M-like" than the M2, which was now more "muscle car"-like...

[grateful]

My son drives an e92 with the M Suspension. I believe that is when weight started to become an issue for BMW. All the regulations + people's demand for technology has had a huge impact on weight. This is why you see such a focus on more horsepower. All that weight is also very difficult to manage hence the reliance on nannies to ensure safe driving.

I prefer a light car/low power vs heavy car/high power. Of course there is also light car/high power but that would be difficult to drive legally and beyond my current skillset.

Originally Posted by tylercheung

I'm just wondering how the car changes w/ the times and the weights. This thing is about 3400-3500 lbs w/ 300-350 HP or so, the M2 is 400 some HP and 3600 lbs.

Haven't driven the M's but have drive the 228i (at 3200-3300 lbs) and the Miata...but I have read reviews saying the control and finesse is not quite the same in the M2, more straight line power. There was one, that claimed the new Camaro which was developed using the E46 M3 as a benchmark, was more "M-like" than the M2, which was now more "muscle car"-like...

[Kirk007]

Originally Posted by grateful

Do you track? If not, would you like to try it?

I would recommend taking the car for a PPI and then taking it to a day long driving school. You may discover a new passion. Your M would be a helluva car to discover it in!

I am not a mod specialist but it appears that money was invested wisely.

If I keep it I will definitely do some driving school courses; always wanted to do that anyway. My only trepidation is liking it too much; I don't need another expensive hobby!!

[Leyczo]

Originally Posted by Kirk007

If I keep it I will definitely do some driving school courses; always wanted to do that anyway. My only trepidation is liking it too much; I don't need another expensive hobby!!

If you are interested in getting out on a track check out the SCCAs Track Night in America events if there is one near you. https://www.tracknightinamerica.com/

It is probably the easiest way to get out on a track, and a great way to see if you enjoy it. They are not competitive events, so you don't race with anyone, and you can be as hard on the car as you want to be.

[2000m2]

Originally Posted by grateful

Here you go.

https://www.suttonmotorsports.com/ve...6509a406c07fe6



All great cars!
Do you Have a link to this 1M or more details?

[/QUOTE]

Looks like fun!

[estilley]

I still miss my E39 540.

Replaced everything that had rusted out during its east coast years. Sold it to get something to drive in the snow.

I actually saw it the other day in the neighborhood! Left a note asking how it's doing, never heard back. Definitely has rolled over 210k by now.

[glepore]

Originally Posted by grateful

The 1M was a skunk works project by the M team. They were hand built and produced in limited numbers. The pricing reflects the rarity of the car.

Methinks the value of unmolested 1M's will rise as supply decreases.

My dream car is a 993 air cooled 911. New MSRP on a 1998 Porsche 993 Carrera S was 64k. I found one with 34,000 miles on sale for 85k.

Some cars hold their value, you just need to know what to look for.

The 911 market continues to make me shake my head. An admittedly very nice g50 911 Targa just sold for over 100k on BAT, probably 3x what the car was worth a year ago.

Glad I have mine and haven't let go.