posted 08-27-2001 09:46 PM              

Kinda out of the blue I bought a '01 M3 vert last Friday (stumbled across this website over the weekend). Wasn't really looking for a M3 (the wife liked the 330ci vert) but thinks just worked out. After the initial buyers remorse, I'm feeling better since I didn't pay a premium or be on a list.

Pretty much called the dealer on Thursday looking for a 330, he told me they had one that came in "unexpectedly", then reneged a few moments later saying that it just sold (wow). Anyway, he mentioned the M in passing (again, the dealership wasn't expecting this car, it just showed up). I initally passed since the wife really wanted an automatic and doesn't care for the E36 M styling. But, I thought we'd look and let her make the decision. They initially tried to add a markup ($5K), but I told them I wasn't interested. A few minutes later he called back saying they'd take $3k over....I reiterated that I wasn't interested and offered sticker if the wife approved. We went down to the dealership to have a look and once she saw it, I knew it was going home with us. Car is Imola Red w/Imola Red interior, Xenon, HK and I think that's it. Hard to swallow the $1K gas guzzler. Already ordered the CD changer from Circle BMW.

Car seems pretty fun but it's hard to keep it below 5K RPM. Definitely noticed the low speed clunk and glad (we'll not glad but you get the point) to see that others have it.

Pics can be seen at:
http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/mpgk3/lst?.dir=/M3&.view=t

Thanks to the owners of this website for some good info. I look forward to learning a whole bunch from you guys.

BTW, this dealer got 8 unexpected cars including my vert, 2 M3 coupes, a 330 vert and an M5. Everything sold within a day or two except the M5 (still there and man is it gorgeous).

Regards,
Mike

'01 M3 vert

posted 08-27-2001 10:55 PM            

You are VERY lucky you didn't have to pay a premium without waiting! And such a sweet color combo!

It was hard for me to keep it below 5500 rpm but definitely do follow the break-in on these cars.

I wouldn't worry too much about the clunk except to just document it with the dealership so if there is some kind of a "fix", you'll be in line.

I wonder if the premiums are disappearing? The dealership must have been very large for them to get that kind of allocation.

Btw, very cool that you have a wife who knows how to drive a stick!

posted 08-28-2001 01:17 AM            

If I could be there last week, I could've been enjoying it now.

anyways, congratulations and enjoy the M3!

posted 08-28-2001 08:36 AM              

I just couldn't bring myself to pay anything that is pure profit for the dealer. I guess it was just meant to be since it worked out so smoothly.

If I hear about any other similar cars at that dealership, I'll post it here.