Opinion needed on buying supercharged M3

[OneSickM]

I am was looking for M3 until I find one that has a blower. Any recommendation whether I should avoid supercharged M3's or I keep them in my consideration?

How is the resale value on supercharged one? Price goes down relative to stock M3 or keeps its value (I know mods don't add value but I am talking about if someone who wants to buy a stock vs moded M3)

Any opinions is really appreciated !

[xeux]

My biggest factor would be if the bearings have been replaced yet or not.

If it's a good price and bearings have been replaced, i.e: the same or not much higher then one without the SC, then it's a no brainer.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by OneSickM

I am was looking for M3 until I find one that has a blower. Any recommendation whether I should avoid supercharged M3's or I keep them in my consideration?

How is the resale value on supercharged one? Price goes down relative to stock M3 or keeps its value (I know mods don't add value but I am talking about if someone who wants to buy a stock vs moded M3)

Any opinions is really appreciated !

Resale value is always low on aftermarket parts.
You might get a great deal on supercharged M3 but something to consider is that the car has might have been abused at the track for couple years before the owner decided to sell it.

[JD3]

Wouldn't scare me, but I'd make sure to get ANY AND ALL documentation on installation and subsequent service. I'd only buy from someone who seems trustworthy and would walk on anything questionable. I mean anything. However, if everything checks out, I'd go for it, especially if it's a fair deal. Just remember, if it seems too good to be true......

PS- I don't have s/c experience, but I have perused this forum for years and just figure I'd give you my .02.

[jeff@autocouture]

just have the car checked out at a reputable shop that has experience with the blowers

if you want to bring it by for a ppi and oil analysis feel free to shoot me a pm

[OneSickM]

Originally Posted by Alex@Autocouture

just have the car checked out at a reputable shop that has experience with the blowers

if you want to bring it by for a ppi and oil analysis feel free to shoot me a pm

Sure...If i decided to pull the trigger on that one...I will let you know.


Any more opinion guys....supercharger on used M3..good or bad?

[Markao66]

i would try to get as mush info on the car as possible.
if it is just sitting at a dealer and no one really knows where it have been or what not i would pass it. if its selling private i would speak to the owner and learn as much as possible of the car.

[STooK]

Personally I would not buy one that was SC'ed. I've had bad experience in the past where I bought a car from a "reputable" guy on a forum that had it SC'ed and returned to stock. Well, I've never seen a honda with so many damn problems during my ownership of the vehicle.

I will only buy a car that has never had any mods. I prefer to do them myself even if it does end up costing a lot more. Even if the car you want has all the records and receipts, bottom line is that you just will never know 100% of the car's history. Of course this isn't true about EVERY car out there but I'd rather not take the chance.

[wildwestm3]

The main issue is that you never know if you are taking on someone else's problem. I bought a supercharged highly modified Saleen Mustang and was constantly fixing the next weakest link. It was 620hp at the wheels and ran like a raped ape, when it ran. The tune kept going stupid, sensors would go out, fuel system issues, clutch, etc. Hence, I sold it and bought the M3. The M3 is such a well balanced car, I'd hesitate to change anything outside of cosmetics. You change one thing (i.e, supercharger) and you run the risk of putting it out of that balance (DCT clutches go out, bearings, etc.). This from a jaded guy, so take it for what it is worth...

[jphughan]

Make sure you understand and accept the additional maintenance requirements. 10W-60 oil changes and especially the knock-sensing spark plugs that this car uses are relatively expensive, and both need to be changed much more frequently with an SC setup.

As for the risk factors, you'll never know the whole story on any used car, which is a big part of why they depreciate sharply the moment you drive them off the lot. Of course an SC adds more potential issues, but if you can find a deal that's good enough to make you willing to accept that risk but that isn't too good to be true, then it may well be worth it. Just understand what you're getting into.

[quicktwinturbo]

Just out of curiousity, with the SC kit, the air filter is exposed right? Will it be safe to drive it in rain??

[sgrinavi]

I wouldn't buy any heavily modded car unless it was a steal and I don't get the point of adding a super charger to an M3 - seems like you're trying to turn it into a muscle car.

[GTMOT]

If you have not done so, I'd drive a SC'd car and see what you think.

It really changes the car in a very positive way. Reading this forum you realize that the M3 platform is nearly bulletproof other than the rod bearings, and bolting a SC on does not seem to exponentially increase the failure risk.

It can contribute to failures, but the previous owner will have more influence on future failures than than a SC would that was installed by an enthusiast who took care of the car and did not beat the crap out of it.

I do not plan to SC because I am content with the power as my DD, and plus I bought a warranty which I would not want to void. The motor is expensive and I tend to think of the downside first.

[Tra08R]

I never buy anything modded. Bought mine stock and I had reservations about the wheels being powder coated black. Turns out my hunch was right. The wheels were damaged and was hidden under the black paint. Found out when I took the car to replace the tires.

Any slight sense of doubt or suspicion you gotta pass on it.

[Yvette]

i would only consider sc if

1. the low end tq bother me a lot
2. you like drag racing a lot

[modkrazy]

Originally Posted by e90sexion

i would only consider sc if

1. the low end tq bother me a lot
2. you like drag racing a lot

Also if you are consumed by the thirst for power.

[sgrinavi]

Originally Posted by e90sexion

i would only consider sc if

1. the low end tq bother me a lot
2. you like drag racing a lot

In which case you could probably go just as fast & save a metric fuckton of cash by getting a 135 and spending 5k on mods

[D@AP]

I personally feel that buying modded cars can be fun and save a good amount of money. Usually you can get a great deal if you plan to do those or similar mods in the future anyways. Although sometimes you are buying into someone else's problems that they either don't know how to fix or don't want to spend the money to fix it. If you are mechanically inclined or have a can troubleshoot basic problems it's not so bad. It's always a plus if the owner did the mods himself, and can tell you where he purchased the parts and/or where he got them installed at. On the contrary, its a red flag if he bought the car already modded and now he is trying to pass it onto someone else. Just my 2 cents, hope it helps.

[BobS]

Just get it checked out by a reputable shop. Do a oil analysis. Go for it.

A supercharged m3 is reliable as long as its taken care of. I wouldn't be worried.