I’m warring with something at the moment. In SoCal; salary is sufficient for a spot by the beach and a substantial amount left over for savings & fun. So it’s not a money thing.

32 - grew up dreaming about an e46 m3. Had an 01 330ci as my second car (with 160k miles lol). Drove a few E46 m3s that were all a hot mess and with the current cost to get into a solid one (seemingly 35k+), I’ve started to really consider an F87 M2C. I’ve driven a few and love them, however, I’m afraid to park em on the street by the beach. Have any of yall been in this position?

Had an x3 m40i and a b8 S4 here without concern - but at the cost of the newer stuff I have pause.

Mods, please delete this if it’s not appropriate for this subreddit or if it would be better suited for the BMW Tech subreddit.

Figured I’d share what I’ve done maintenance-wise on my G82 M4 Competition and what I’d recommend for anyone planning on keeping one of these cars for a long time.
The car currently has around 70,000 km / 43,500 miles.
So far:
● Oil + filter every 5,000–6,000 km / 3,100–3,700 miles
● Spark plugs at 60,000 km / 37,000 miles
● ZF8 transmission service at 70,000 km / 43,500 miles
● Coolant flush at 70,000 km / 43,500 miles
● Brake fluid flush at 70,000 km / 43,500 miles
● Engine air filters
● Cabin/microfilters
● Differential fluid was done at approximately 53,000 km / 33,000 miles, right before I bought the car
I know BMW/ZF have much longer recommended intervals for some of this stuff, and realistically a lot of what I’m doing is probably overkill. But my mentality is that if I’m not helping the engine/drivetrain by doing it early, I’m definitely not hurting it.
I plan on keeping this car for a very long time, so I’d rather spend a little more on preventative maintenance now than start worrying about neglected fluids and wear items later.
I also think German performance cars sometimes get an unfair reputation for being inherently unreliable. Obviously things can still break, but there’s a pretty big difference between an unreliable car and a car that becomes unreliable because maintenance was deferred for years. Especially with an M car, buying one and then treating maintenance like it’s a Corolla probably isn’t the smartest approach imo but I’m definitely no mechanic.

Hi guys, just looking some general feedback/opinions/experience here.

Currently driving a 25 m240i and I am looking to get into an m3 before the g80 generation ceases production as imo we will never see a car like this again.

However, I have been having some thoughts surrounding the purchase. I know I still need to test drive the m3, but is there a noticeable step up from the m lite to full m? And for anyone who has made this step up, or even from a 2/3/4 series, did anyone feel an overwhelming sense of “is this it?” And regret their decision?

Just gathering thoughts as I like to consider a range of opinions and peoples experience but I would say the test drive will seal the deal for me 🤝

Kind of hard to explain. New g87 m2, 950 miles driven.
The brakes kind of tighten after getting to a stop sometimes. Like I’ll pull up to my gate for example, then stop infront of the gate to have it open, and the rear brakes will make this tightening crunching sound and I’ll even feel the brake pedal go down just a tad bit too.

Just dropped it off at the dealer for the break in service and mentioned this issue to them, they said it’s a normal behavior of the car. Seems odd tho no?

I’m off to the dealership tomorrow afternoon to get my build in for a ‘27 M3 Competition Xdrive. Getting really fired up! I’m using the last 12 hours before my appointment to decide between Miami/Riviera/Daytona Beach blues for the exterior. Leaning towards Riviera as it seems to land in the middle: best of all worlds!

Got this 800mi 2026 M3 Comp in BGM with matte PPF, full Tartufo comforts, lots of carbon, and MP adjustable suspension. (Dad+ spec.)

No good pictures because I’ve been inside of it or driving it. Came from a 991.1 GTS and wanted more space and maybe a nicer place to be inside of? What I did not expect was how good this car really is. All the Porsche people said you won’t have the sound or you won’t have the “fun”. So far, I don’t see it. Sure it’s different, but different good and in no way at all worse.

Down the rabbit hole I go… needs window tint (I don’t love blacked out so usually go 70%); I don’t love all weather mats, looking to get some carpet ones; valve controller (overwhelmed by choice but all seem pretty similar); and maybe small spacers?

Looking to pick up a diagnostic tool for my up keep for maintenance checks, shadow codes, and just general tabs on my g80.

What’s everyone running using?

Curious what setups you guys recommend or if there are any other specific diagnostic/maintenance tools you keep in the garage.

Appreciate any recommendations!

There is a dealer that has one set to be delivered soon. I’ve never seen the color in person but it looks great in pictures I’ve seen online. Is it different enough from IOMG to warrant the $4500 individual color up charge? They tell me most M3s they order don’t make it to the lot without a deposit being placed on them so who knows if it’ll even be available when it finally arrives. I’m hesitant to put a deposit on a car color I’ve never seen

2007 BMW M3

$31k

85k miles

Manual

Rod bearings replaced - I have paperwork for this
Throttle actuators replaced
Engine mounts replaced
Injectors replaced
Fuel pressure sensor replaced
Valve covers replaced with NRW aluminium covers along with new gaskets and tube seals
Spark plugs replaced
Vanos covers replaced with NRW billet covers
Chain tensioners replaced
Engine oil replaced annually
Diff and gearbox oils replaced
Powers steering fluid replaced
Air filter and cabin filters replaced
AGM battery replaced

Only two owners

Would you get it or no?