Tell me I shouldn't buy it...

[Kor]

Re: Tell me I shouldn't buy it...

I wouldn't get it because of the SMG as well. I think it's going to make the car take on a very different feel and considering how common that generation of M3 is, and the prices they can be found at, I would hold out for a manual. The SMG is basically totally mothballed and only was available on 2 cars I think? Something I just don't have any faith in.

[R-Audi]

Re: Tell me I shouldn't buy it...

WHile I can say the SMG on the M5 is just fine and quite fun to drive, it is supposedly a different beast from the M3....not in a good way either.

[Wildfire]

Re: Tell me I shouldn't buy it...

Nice car. Personally I would not buy one with the SMG. The M3 is a really nice car and you'l want to get the most out of the drive. Stick with a manual.

[liquid]

Re: Tell me I shouldn't buy it...

When I imported the coupe, BMW was an immense pain to deal with. I needed to add the DRL module on mine, although I think the e46 already has that. The cluster is an issue that you'll hear two different sides on.

The last thing is the letter required from BMW for $1k. It's just a carfax, but they force you to get it with BMW letterhead..... which apparently costs $500 per page.

[dave335]

Re: Tell me I shouldn't buy it...

I imported an M3 back in July of last year. The requirement for a letter of admissibility has been dropped, however, a recall clearance letter must still be obtained from BMW. In order for BMW to provide a recall clearance letter, all modifications must be performed by an authorized dealer. The cost for the recall letter alone is $500. Depending on the model, the modification costs vary significantly. For some models, there is a requirement to change the HVAC system! There have been cases where RIV does accept a US warranty inquiry report but most dealers will not provide this report anymore. BMW has even gone to lengths to ensure that online parts dealers such as getbmwparts.com (Tisher) cannot ship to Canada anymore.

[Deuce]

Re: Tell me I shouldn't buy it...

Thanks again for all the comments folks.

So I think this is where the populace lies right now.

1. SMG or Manual?
SMG... don't do it. If you want a sports car... get a manual. Or better yet, if you can drive a standard... why would you get an SMG? Fair enough.

2. Importing a BMW?
This is becoming a major sticking point for me. If I was importing brand new or nearly new BMWs... I would understand BMWs perversion however, stopping people from importing older BMWs doesn't make much sense to me. Aren't they trying to "build" the brand and make it "accessible" to everyone at a reasonable price. Oh well, perhaps the Audi RS4 importation makes more sense anyways looking outside at the lovely weather we have today. Sure... it will cost more but if I have to pay some ******** $500 for this on a BMW, change out some HVAC crap for that and then a new cluster for $$$s... screw that. BMW can go right ahead and protect their dealers for the time being whilst I go elsewhere.

Good job BMW... another future customer lost.

[R_Ethug]

Re: Tell me I shouldn't buy it...

rob do you want it as a new DD or a second car??

[Deuce]

Re: Tell me I shouldn't buy it...

rob do you want it as a new DD or a second car??

I know... that's the thing... if it's an older BMW or whatever, I could make it a second car however, if it's a newer RS4... she'd have to be a DD.

I dunno... I'm conflicted. If the loonie would just crater and go down to 60 cents USD... none of this would even be a consideration. However, with it floating where it is right now and threatening to mingle with parity again soon... I just can't help myself.

Perhaps I should call Dr. Drew and see if he has a car importation treatment program.