Used car buying guide: BMW M3 (E92)

There are far fewer saloons (which also has a carbonfibre roof) for sale today but it’s an appealing thing: more practical than the other two versions and more in keeping. We found a 2008/58-reg, with 64,000 miles but only a ‘good’ BMW service history, for £14,950. 

In 2009 the M3 Coupé Edition arrived sporting a 10mm-lower ride height, a tweaked cabin and new colours. It was followed, in 2010, by the Competition package, with revised EDC and DSC settings, and later the same year by the GTS coupé powered by a 4.4 V8 with 444bhp. It sold out immediately and today they’re serious bucks. The Limited Edition, and the M Performance Edition with lowered suspension, launched in 2012 and saw out the M3 with a bang, the aftershocks of which are still being enjoyed to this day.

How to get one in your garage

An expert’s view

Jags Bhamra, founding director, BMSport: “I prefer the saloon to the coupé and convertible. It’s more discreet as well as practical, but all three are reliable. There’s the occasional leaky gearbox sump and failing throttle actuators, but otherwise they’re tough. If any are troublesome it tends to be those that have been over-cared for, as in valeted and detailed every weekend. You’re better off with one that looks like it’s rarely seen a bucket and sponge. As long as it’s had its oil and fluid changes, it’ll be fine. The only mod I might make is a fruitier exhaust, something like a Supersprint. Also consider a custom remap to improve driveability.”

Buyer beware

â–  Engine: Some specialists report failing big ends. It’s not mileage-related and the advice is to have them replaced before they fail – it costs around £1500. Infrequent oil changes is a possible reason. Poor throttle response could be failing throttle actuators, uneven tickover is faulty ignition coils and lumpy acceleration a faulty injector. Check the oil level using iDrive. 

â–  Transmission: Manual and DCT gearboxes are tough but extreme driving modes for the transmission and rear diff stored in the iDrive system suggest a hard-driven car, so check all works as it should. The DCT is sealed for life but a 60,000- mile oil and filter change doesn’t hurt. In any case, its plastic sump becomes brittle over time and weeps oil. A fluid and sump change costs around £500. 

â–  Suspension and brakes: Check the optional EDC dampers for leaks. The M3 is heavy so feel for worn bushes and general looseness over bumps. Check rear brakes for seized pistons; check tyres for uneven wear. Factor in the cost of a geometry check of the fully adjustable suspension. 

â–  Bodywork: Any rust suggests a crash repair. Check wing bolts for fresh paint, lift the boot carpet and check for buckling and examine the headlights for water ingress (it’s increasingly common). 

â–  Interior: Make sure all the modes and driver aids (throttle response, steering, gearshift, EDC damper control, traction control) operate. Key settings reveal a lot about the previous owner’s driving style. 

Also worth knowing 

You can check the service status of the oil, brake pads and fluid and cabin microfilter via the dash information centre on early cars and iDrive on later ones. The key also stores the service history: put it in the ignition and check what’s been done and what’s due. 

How much to spend 

£12,500-£13,999: Early high and average-mile coupés and cabrios with varying histories, including a 2007 coupé with 99k miles and good history for £12,750. 

£14,000-£15,999: Lower-mileage cars up to 2009-reg with good histories and loads of extras. 

£16,000-£18,499: Cleaner low-mileage cars, many with full BMW histories and up to 2010-reg. 

£18,500-£20,999: More mid-mileage (50k) 2009 to 11-reg cars. 

£21,000-£23,999: Low-mileage 2011 to 12-reg cars. 

£24,000-£29,999: The pick of the last 2013-reg cars.

One we found

BMW M3 4.0 V8 Coupé, 2008/08, 58k miles, £13,995: Manual coupé in ‘very good condition’ with mix of main dealer and specialist history. Much-vaunted first service carried out. Finished in black with upgraded red fox leather interior.