How expensive is it to own a 2004 BMW M3 as far as maintenance is concerned?

I'm looking to buy one, please keep in mind I have owned a 2001 BMW 7 series so I know a little something about them but was just concerned about the M/// Division because of the high performance parts.|||The E38 was a very solid dependable car so comparing a luxury sedan to a border line race car won't work.


You had a great car in the 7 and the M3 is another great car.


Because it is basically a detuned race car cost of ownership will be more than a standard vehicle. The cost of parts specific to the car will be pricey but also consider that the car needs to be kept in perfect tune which means more trips to the shop unless you can do it yourself. Compared to the true M cars (pre '95) they are relatively easy to service and maintain and don't need quite as much attention.


A guess would put it at about 25% more expensive than your E38 if it was a 750i and 30% more expensive if it were a 740i.|||Very expensive...Have you also thought about insurance???|||Considering the "M" brand, my rule of thumb is if you have to ask what the cost will be, you can't afford it.





Here is a decent gauge. Cost to Own 325Ci vs. M3:





2004 M3


Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 5-yr Total


Depreciation $3,510 $3,101 $2,758 $2,476 $2,256 $14,101


Financing $2,017 $1,629 $1,210 $760 $276 $5,892


Insurance $3,279 $3,394 $3,513 $3,636 $3,763 $17,585


Taxes %26amp; Fees$1,959 $0 $80 $0 $80 $2,119


Fuel $2,646 $2,725 $2,807 $2,891 $2,978 $14,047


Maintenance $2,150 $1,289 $1,766 $1,846 $1,861 $8,912


Repairs $1,437 $1,538 $1,644 $1,773 $1,910 $8,302


Yearly Totals $16,998 $13,676 $13,778 $13,382 $13,124 Total = $70,958





2004 325Ci


Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 5-yr Total


Depreciation $2,342 $2,054 $1,807 $1,602 $1,439 $9,244


Financing $1,236 $998 $742 $466 $169 $3,611


Insurance $2,081 $2,154 $2,229 $2,307 $2,388 $11,159


Taxes %26amp; Fees $1,237 $0 $80 $0 $80 $1,397


Fuel $2,160 $2,225 $2,292 $2,361 $2,432 $11,470


Maintenance $1,548 $1,298 $797 $1,656 $1,259 $6,558


Repairs $1,437 $1,538 $1,644 $1,773 $1,910 $8,302





Yearly Totals $12,041 $10,267 $9,591 $10,165 $9,677 Total = $51,741|||very expensive and frightening depreciation.





ie front brake pads £160.00 (not fitted)


set of tyres £700+


bottom suspension arm £340.00 (not fitted)


also high servicing, you'll need to keep it BMW too, or the vehicle will depreciate even quicker