Decisions, decisions...

[jhemmer01]

I have an opportunity to buy this '01 M3 Vert 6MT with 117k on the clock. But, if I planned to keep it, I'd have to sell my ZHP.
My ZHP has just 49k and is in beautiful shape, but it's an automatic. The M3 will need a lot of work just based on my untrained eye. I'm having an inspection done here at work to identify any major issues before I decide to buy it.
But I've always loved the LSB M3s.
Ugh!
Any thoughts?

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160711/636f4083bac1a6356322ea9ede3f4e44.jpg


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[san]

I wouldn't... Seems like you would be moving from a well sorted low mileage Zhp to an M3 which needs a lot of work... I don't know a lot about m3's but from what I read it seems pre 2004 models are more prone to sub frame cracks...

But if it's something you have always wanted and can bare all the additional maintenance and do the work it needs to bring it to top shape then you should go for it IMO...


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[terraphantm]

How much is the M3 selling for?

[jhemmer01]

$10,500.


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[johnrando]

Tough tough call. Tempting, but it makes better sense to keep the ZHP.

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[danewilson77]

Tough tough call. Tempting, but it makes better sense to keep the ZHP.

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Agree Randeaux

S7 Edge, out

[fredo]

+1 on keeping the ZHP. Just my two cents.

[BMWCurves]

I feel like switching from a well sorted ZHP that's set up how you like it to an early model M3 with a lot of unknowns is a bit of a gamble. I really would love to own an E46 M3 at some point, but my ZHP fulfills all my needs very well currently. I would personally keep the ZHP, but that's just me.

[KevinC]

http://i.qkme.me/3rbaxx.jpg

[terraphantm]

Is the ZHP your only car right now? Or do you have another car to daily drive?

After dailying an M3 for the better part of 6 years, I can honestly say it is much better as a weekend / pleasure car. If the ZHP fills that niche for you right now, then I think I'd take the risk on the M3 since you can take your time fixing up any issues. Just be prepared to spend money on it.

[jhemmer01]

I appreciate all of the input. Various perspectives can only make one's decision-making...better. That said, I am going to pass on this car. The inspection confirmed that it will need quite a bit of work and that didn't include my cosmetic concerns. Inspections can MAKE a decision for you. Thanks again Mafia!


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[BMWCurves]

I appreciate all of the input. Various perspectives can only make one's decision-making...better. That said, I am going to pass on this car. The inspection confirmed that it will need quite a bit of work and that didn't include my cosmetic concerns. Inspections can MAKE a decision for you. Thanks again Mafia!


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Glad to hear your inspection helped decide for you. It can be tough when there's emotion involved, but seeing something like a bad inspection can be sobering and help you just walk away.

[jhemmer01]

Glad to hear your inspection helped decide for you. It can be tough when there's emotion involved, but seeing something like a bad inspection can be sobering and help you just walk away.

Truer words have not been spoken.
I always try to remind myself that "there will ALWAYS be another car that comes along."


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[WOLFN8TR]

Good choice. What was the inspection results? Was the subframe and vanos checked?

[jhemmer01]

I had a state inspection done first and it failed. I needed to replace the tail lights and side markets because they were tinted. He also noted heavy leaks from the power steering and valve cover. While none of those alone would normally scare me off, I could also see that the interior needed a lot of work and paintwork had a lot of "trash" in it. It would've been a significant project.


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[D1ESEL]

$10,500 is way to much for that car. 2001 is the first year too plus from the picture it looks to have grey interior. :scratchinghead

I wouldn't buy an e46 M3 unless it was a 2003.5+

[L0veZHP]

I wouldn't sell the ZHP. The way it sounds; it's like you'll be selling somethings reliable and nice for a money pit of problems, but excitement.

[Adi]

You made the right call. I echo Terraphantm's sentiments in that an M3 is better as a weekend/special car. A ZHP is a brilliant daily, and a good one is worth keeping. Rather wait until you can find (1) a good M3, and (2) afford to have it as a second car.

[WOLFN8TR]

I had a state inspection done first and it failed. I needed to replace the tail lights and side markets because they were tinted. He also noted heavy leaks from the power steering and valve cover. While none of those alone would normally scare me off, I could also see that the interior needed a lot of work and paintwork had a lot of "trash" in it. It would've been a significant project.

Tinted lights, side markers and leaking power steering cover is minor. The valve cover leaking could just be the VCG which is also minor and easy to replace. The interior and paint work is another question. Sounds like you made the right decision.


$10,500 is way to much for that car. 2001 is the first year too plus from the picture it looks to have grey interior. :scratchinghead

I wouldn't buy an e46 M3 unless it was a 2003.5+

Actually for a 6MT with that mileage that's a good price. Even if it were a SMG it's a good price. I do believe Vert's (sorry John) prices are generally lower than coupes thou.

[jhemmer01]

Tinted lights, side markers and leaking power steering cover is minor. The valve cover leaking could just be the VCG which is also minor and easy to replace. The interior and paint work is another question. Sounds like you made the right decision.



Actually for a 6MT with that mileage that's a good price. Even if it were a SMG it's a good price. I do believe Vert's (sorry John) prices are generally lower than coupes thou.

Agreed. It wasn't a steal at that price but that's about right for the issues it has. And yes, I'm aware the coupes are much more desirable. I'm just a vert lover. Guilty as charged!
Fortunately, I still have my ZHP to come home to each night.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160718/008c8a70461a4facf5e586e974b6910a.jpg


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[fredo]

In addition, your ZHP has one of the coolest plates I've seen. :thumbsup

[Adi]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160718/008c8a70461a4facf5e586e974b6910a.jpg


Damn, that's nice!

[jhemmer01]

Thanks for the compliments guys. It means a lot, especially considering the audience here.


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[Go Horns!]

I think you should go after an M3, but not that one. Wait for one that has been cared for.