High Mileage Purchase

[nabbas317]

Been searching for an E90 M3 for a while now. Found one with great specs (2011, Comp Package, Space Gray with extended fox red interior, carbon trim). Only negative here is mileage (108k).

Rod bearings have been replaced with documentation. Had new thermostat in 2019 Front rotors and pads in 2019 Wire harness repair under recall in 2018 Airbag recall in 2017 Valve cover gasket leak repair in 2017 ABS malfunction light on in 2015. Replaced dsc pulse generator and wheel bearing and some other items Trans leak 2016. Replaced o-ring. Fixed comfort access on one handle in 2016.

PPI results came back with two findings -- tire cupping and valve cover seepage (covers and gasket). Suspension solid with no play and brakes (front &rear) have 80% life left. Car drove great and felt tight.

Would this be a dumb purchase at 28k? And would it make sense to get a third party warranty? Ideally I'd like to keep this car until it dies. Right now, I'm averaging around 5k miles/year living in the city.

[tbuck]

I often have a good laugh when people refer to ~100k miles as "High". Yes, back in the days of conventional oil and small block chevy's it would be, and even today with some car companies it still is. But BMW's can do 200k+ without breaking a sweat so long as you do your due diligence with maintenance. I have owned 15 BMW's now, all of which made it well over the 100k mark (other than my current garage queen, which sits at ~40k) without any major issues. I did have to change a head gasket on a E30 325is 6 cylinder, but that was after 230k miles.

Now the S65 does have the well deserved reputation of popping if you fail to handle the RB's in a timely manner and don't do a proper warmup. But this is due totally to its motorsports nature, and make no mistake, that engine is very heavily derived from racing. And M-cars are just naturally a bit needy, so all the PM stuff is normal and to be expected. But there is no reason you can't get 200k out of any well maintained E9x.

From the sounds of this one it would seem to be well sorted, but given the cost of the valve cover job maybe you could get the price down a little. Otherwise it sounds like a good example. Good luck!

[CamasM3e93]

Agree with tbuck. I picked up an e90 with 98k miles in February 22. It had rod bearings and recent throttle actuators addressed. I put a couple grand of parts into it and did most of the work myself to get a 100k mile refresh. The car has been bulletproof and now sits at 122k. I don’t think twice about tracking it and spending the afternoon between 5-8k rpm.

28k is maybe 2-3k high for space grey in my book but you could do worse.

[BryanCO]

Agree. If you like the spec, buy it.

I just bought an 84k car with full history, did RB and TA before I even picked it up. We’ll drive it and properly maintain it and hopefully put a ton of miles on it.

[dar2008]

There are plenty of examples over 200k miles, so I wouldn't be concerned with 108k.

[kerrit]

Tire cupping is typically a sign of worn shocks, so probably plan on replacing those.

If valve cover is pitted/warped, you'll need to replace those as well since new gaskets won't resolve the seepage. Over $2k for OEM but aftermarket aluminum ones are coming out now for around $1200.

Additionally, it's only a matter of time until the oil filter housing gasket needs to be replaced.

I think if you do the work yourself, these cars are worth keeping around. If you have to pay a shop, it can get pretty expensive.

As with all BMW's, stay on top of maintenance and they'll generally treat you well to very high mileage.

[Jägerelite_N54]

I just bought a 150k Interlagos coupe DCT with RB/RA done for 15k $$$...I want to say I've hit a jackpot with this car. It's also my 1st M car. Not new to the bmw gang after owning 2 N54 335i's for 10 years. 100k is 1/3rd of its lifetime for most BMWs. Ive owned 3 cars close to 200k, and they are still running smooth as when i got them. Given i maintain these cars myself. Hell my N54 gave me 100k mile of pure excitement, turbo noises, oil spills, 40 rolls, digs, Togue!!! I've beat the dog shit out my N54 and it never backed down. But i maintain the betch as best I can... See you at 200k miles Patna.

[shimmy23]

that price is consistent with what i sold mine for and what i've seen other recently sell for with that mileage.

[nabbas317]

Thanks everyone for the responses.

I noticed this when I went to see the car. No accidents on the record, but I really don't think this could be from age or anything like that. All panel gaps looked fine, just this bit stuck out.

[tbuck]

Not uncommon. While some point of the bumpers are attached with screws, there are also some plastic clips as well. These do get hard and break over time. Also, it could have been something came off the road and got up there and moved the bumper out of alignment. Should be an easy fix if nothing is otherwise broken. You can order just about any clip or fastener on these cars.

[nabbas317]

Originally Posted by tbuck

Not uncommon. While some point of the bumpers are attached with screws, there are also some plastic clips as well. These do get hard and break over time. Also, it could have been something came off the road and got up there and moved the bumper out of alignment. Should be an easy fix if nothing is otherwise broken. You can order just about any clip or fastener on these cars.

Happy to hear that -- thanks for the knowledge!

Final question -- I can afford the maintenance, but should I just go ahead and purchase a third party warranty? Turned that down on my 335 and it definitely would've paid off. I guess I would need to call and get specifics on what's covered, but I know I need to get TAs done so that's already almost 2k there (DC area). Plus shocks as mentioned above, OFHG, etc..

[tbuck]

Yeah read the fine print very carefully. My opinion on those is generally if you just saved the premium to use towards repairs you come out ahead long term. Obviously if your S65 pops that would be way over that, so in some cases it would pay off. But be sure they cover something like that fully. Some do not, or have heavy stipulations.

[brettcp]

I picked up my '12 E93 M3 with ~92k miles 5 years ago (was a one-owner car), has just over 120k now.. has been extremely reliable. Did RB's and I take care of the basic maintenance items. Has been absolutely rock solid.

[spammysammich]

Originally Posted by nabbas317

Thanks everyone for the responses.

I noticed this when I went to see the car. No accidents on the record, but I really don't think this could be from age or anything like that. All panel gaps looked fine, just this bit stuck out.

I was at a car show and almost all of the M3s of the E9x era had some sort of weird panel gap issue. Mine does where the passenger quarter panel meets the tail light and bumper cover. No accidents to my knowledge.

[bstone801]

Originally Posted by nabbas317

Been searching for an E90 M3 for a while now. Found one with great specs (2011, Comp Package, Space Gray with extended fox red interior, carbon trim). Only negative here is mileage (108k).

Rod bearings have been replaced with documentation. Had new thermostat in 2019 Front rotors and pads in 2019 Wire harness repair under recall in 2018 Airbag recall in 2017 Valve cover gasket leak repair in 2017 ABS malfunction light on in 2015. Replaced dsc pulse generator and wheel bearing and some other items Trans leak 2016. Replaced o-ring. Fixed comfort access on one handle in 2016.

PPI results came back with two findings -- tire cupping and valve cover seepage (covers and gasket). Suspension solid with no play and brakes (front &rear) have 80% life left. Car drove great and felt tight.

Would this be a dumb purchase at 28k? And would it make sense to get a third party warranty? Ideally I'd like to keep this car until it dies. Right now, I'm averaging around 5k miles/year living in the city.

What is your price range/budget?

I am thinking of listing my 08' Alpine on Black slick top 6 speed.

[CamasM3e93]

I’m at 120k and running like a champ, supercharged. My stock shocks are still adequate but I did have every single control arm on the car replaced which was money well spent. Otherwise, the usual stuff you read about in these cars and any car with 150k miles and no documentation of completion. You’re likely to waste your money on a warranty because it typically voids with your first mod or if they find out you’ve been working on it yourself.

[nabbas317]

Once again, thank you all for your help here -- much appreciated!

So, the owner mentioned that the mechanic said the oil could just be residue from the last oil change. However, since they noted seepage from the gasket & covers on the PPI, I'm hesitant. He reached out to his mechanic who said it is probably from previously driving around with a busted oil cap seal. Either way, he said to clean off the area, drive around, and re-examine. If someone buys before we can have another inspection, so be it. Rather be 200% sure.

[nabbas317]

Originally Posted by bstone801

What is your price range/budget?

I am thinking of listing my 08' Alpine on Black slick top 6 speed.

Would really prefer DCT as I live in the city and often get caught in traffic. However, I'm not 100% against 6MT. Budget is ~35,000 depending on mileage/maintenance.

[bstone801]

Originally Posted by nabbas317

Would really prefer DCT as I live in the city and often get caught in traffic. However, I'm not 100% against 6MT. Budget is ~35,000 depending on mileage/maintenance.

You should message and text me.

801-three six one- 3000

[fs34]

Many have already said this, but the car in question sounds like it had been well kept, 108K is just getting started. Seeping VCGs are normal and as mentioned earlier be ready for the OFHG at that mileage. Neither are too difficult to DIY.

Me personally, I’d rather have a higher mileage car with documented maintenance vs something lower with nothing. Good luck with your search, hope you land one!

[GinTonic]

108K is high mileage???