what to look for when buying a 2013 bmw m3

Used Buying Guide: 2008-2013 BMW M3

When musculus meets European luxury.

Published:

February 24, 2020

While BMWs are known for their sporty driving dynamics and luxurious appointments, the Thousand cars add an extra helping of performance for those who really savor driving their cars. For many drivers, the M3 is the get-to choice, equally it takes the already pop BMW 3 Series to an entirely new level. While early generations of the M3 used 4- and 6-cylinder engines, BMW set the bar for 2008 when it introduced the 4th-generation "e9x" (the BMW internal chassis lawmaking) M3 with a 414 horsepower V8 under the hood. Nowadays, all that autobahn-proven performance can be had at a substantial discount.

What's the Appeal?

The M3 has been i of BMW's most pop models for over iii decades, but the V8-powered cars (2008–2013) marked a pregnant modify in the model's history. Get-go and foremost, in that location's the 400+ horsepower nether the hood, which was a considerable leap over the previous M3. However, more than drastic was that BMW stuffed a V8 into the meaty iii Series chassis. Only earlier tighter emissions and fuel consumption standards acquired almost automakers to shift to turbocharging, the e9x M3 was one of BMW'southward concluding naturally aspirated performance engines.

The e9x M3 did gain a few pounds over its predecessor, merely it also fabricated the car more civilized and refined for daily driving, without losing its nimbleness around corners. With all the musculus under the hood, the M3 was very quick, even by today's standards. For many drivers, the return of the M3 4-door (final available in 1998) was met with keen enthusiasm, equally M3 owners could have all the performance of an M car plus the practicality of a conventional sedan.

Engine & Drivetrain

The e9x M3 holds the distinction of being the only mass-produced V8-powered M3 to engagement. Nether the hood sits a DOHC naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8, rated at 414 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. In contrast to other V8 engines, the "S65" (BMW'south internal codename for the engine) can rev to a staggeringly high 8250 RPM, leaving no doubts that this engine was built for motorsports.

Similar previous generations of the M3, the e9x features the classic rear-cycle bulldoze layout. Over the course of the e9x M3'due south production, BMW offered buyers the choice of 2 transmissions. Past default, the M3 came equipped with a ZF half dozen-speed manual. For those non interested in operating a third pedal, BMW as well offered the selection of a seven-speed DCT automated. What makes the DCT an interesting option is its ability to shift very quickly, along with the tighter gear ratios. As a result, the DCT-equipped car is but as functioning oriented every bit a 6-speed manual car (if not quicker). Nonetheless, once you're done having fun on your favorite back road or racetrack, the DCT car is just as convenient and like shooting fish in a barrel to bulldoze as a conventional automated manual.

Body Styles: An M3 for Every Driver

BMW offered the e9x M3 in 3 different flavors, pregnant there's an M3 for every driving style:

Sedan (e90): The nearly versatile of the agglomeration, the M3 sedan packs all the performance of an M-motorcar, plus the convenience of 4 doors. Seating for five means your friends and family tin savor the fun too.

Coupe (e92): When most people think of an M3, chances are the 2-door coupe comes to listen. While the coupe is by and large geared toward drivers who don't behave extra passengers, at that place are ii minor seats in the rear if you're really in a jam. An interesting feature of the coupe is the availability of a lightweight carbon fiber roof panel for sunroof delete models.

Cabriolet (e93): For those interested in soaking up the sunshine, the M3 cabriolet (convertible) is perfect for cruising down your favorite stretch of road. The convertible model was the first M3 to do abroad with the canvas soft height, and instead utilizes a folding metal hardtop for added security and reduced noise. The tradeoff, however, is that the convertible top adds extra weight, and takes upwards trunk space when folded.

Understanding the Trims

Although the M3 is derived from the standard BMW three Series, the M3 doesn't use conventional trims, which makes keeping runway a fiddling easier. In the example of the e9x M3, a good mode to empathize the model lineup is that most everything is an option or package on acme of the standard car.

Standard M3: While a lot of automakers offering different trims to designate standard equipment, the base of operations M3 can be optioned from mild to wild. The benefit to this is that well-nigh every machine is unique in one way or another, as in that location are tons of available options and color combinations. Sometimes it's helpful to utilize a BMW VIN decoder to meet a breakdown of how a specific car was configured by the manufacturing plant. Due to the large array of options, it's tough to go into detail for every available option.

Why y'all'd want a standard M3: Lots of possible configurations, yous'll be able to find a car with the options that suit your needs.

Contest Bundle: While the Competition Package is non a standalone trim, it is often desirable amongst buyers. Then why the demand? Available as an pick from mid-2010 production onwards, the Contest Package (or ZCP in BMW speak) features a few tweaks to the suspension, such as less intrusive traction command and slightly lower springs. Probably the nigh identifiable feature of the Competition Package cars is the cross-spoke xix-inch wheels.

Why y'all'd want a Competition Package M3: Factory suspension upgrades and future collectability.

What to Look Out For

Stuffing a V8 into the engine bay of the M3 was no like shooting fish in a barrel job, merely the engineers at BMW fabricated it happen. While the S65 V8 engine is quite robust, it does accept a few areas that may demand attention when shopping for a secondhand example.

The nigh widely known issue with the M3'due south V8 engine comes in the form of the connecting rod bearings. Due to the high revving nature of the engine, a lot of stress and wear is put on the connecting rod bearings, a critical engine component. BMW updated the bearing cloth starting with 2011 product, but the general consensus is that replacement of the connecting rod bearings should be performed every threescore,000 to 80,000 miles for all years of the M3. Since the bearings are function of the engine's internals, wait a reputable store to charge around $2,500 to perform the rod begetting service. Admitting expensive, proactively replacing the rod bearings on schedule is key to keeping the M3's engine in good health.

The other common repair items on the e9x M3 are the two throttle actuators. They are responsible for opening and closing the individual throttle bodies, and they are decumbent to failure. Every bit a upshot, the auto will throw a check engine lite and go into a limp fashion. If you're a DIY type of person, in that location are ways to repair the actuators at domicile for every bit fiddling as a few hundred dollars; otherwise, look to spend effectually $600 per actuator for a brand new replacement before labor.

While not a trouble area, information technology should be noted that 2008 models take a few unique items that may crusade buyers to seek afterward cars. The first is the iDrive system, which BMW immediately updated for 2009 with a more convenient interface. The 2008 cars also employ a year-specific clutch kit that was updated during 2009 production. So if you're considering a 2008 automobile with its original clutch, note that the clutch and flywheel associates will have to be updated to the later way during a clutch job.

Don't let whatsoever of the repairs scare you, though. As long every bit y'all continue on top of scheduled maintenance and address whatsoever issues every bit they arise, the M3 will accept no issues clocking six digits on its odometer.

What to Pay

With an original MSRP virtually $60k before options, the e9x M3 commanded big bucks when it was still available on showroom floors. Present, used examples of the M3 are a lot more affordable. Depending on condition, mileage, and options, expect to spend between $15,000 and $thirty,000 on a V8-powered M3.

Starting on the low stop of the price spectrum, a car close to $xv,000 will have around 100k miles (or more than) on the odometer, is probable equipped with a DCT (automatic) transmission, and may have a handful of corrective imperfections. Manual cars are a bit rarer, and then they may command a higher asking price than a similarly equipped DCT auto.

On the other end of the spectrum, cars endmost in on $thirty,000 will generally accept around 50k miles or less, and should be in excellent status inside and out. Although the differences are subtle, the cars with the Competition Parcel tend to control top dollar. If a "ZCP"-equipped car is a must, yous'll observe many of these cars priced closer to $30,000, with depression mileage examples easily exceeding that range.

The current sweet spot seems to be a car with effectually 75k miles with a solid service history. Depending on options, these cars are usually priced between $19,000 and $24,000. Ideally, one of these cars volition take already had the rod bearing service performed; otherwise factor that into your running costs.

In terms of desirability, the coupe and sedan models are well-nigh popular among buyers due to their stiffer chassis, lighter weight, and amend handling characteristics. That being said, convertible fans tin usually detect a nice example for a lilliputian less than a fixed roof counterpart. The LCI (facelift) cars feature revised LED tail lights (2009+ for sedans, and 2010+ for coupe/convertibles), all the same retrofit kits are available for owners of early models.

Interestingly enough, unusual option combinations are quite popular with buyers. Examples might include cars with sunroof and iDrive deletes, cloth seats, or rare interior and exterior color combinations. In these cases, any price increment is by and large attributed to collectibility or rarity.

Concluding Verdict

If a European luxury car with a muscular V8 nether the hood sounds appetizing, then look no farther than the 2008–2013 BMW M3. Every bit long equally the car has been properly maintained and has service records to match, you'll exist treated to a driving experience that captures the spirit of a classic BMW M-car in a sleek and contemporary packet.

Interested in a 2008-2013 BMW M3? Accept a look at examples currently on sale.

Pricing in this commodity is based on research conducted during the time of writing on ii/vii/2020. Due to differences in status, mileage, options, inventory, and location, vehicle pricing is subject to vary.

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Source: https://www.truecar.com/blog/used-buying-guide-2008-2013-bmw-m3/

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