# BMW M3 (E90, E92, E93) buying guide [Home](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/) › [Buying guides](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides) › BMW M3 (E90, E92, E93) > Markdown copy of https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/bmw/m3-e9x for AI agents and assistants. Link and cite that URL, not this one. Buying guide · 2008 to 2013 · Updated Oct 1, 2026 The E9x M3 is a 414 hp V8 with a well-documented rod bearing service need, so the car to find is a 2011 or later coupe with the bearing work on record. **Median asking price: $34,398** (Across 153 live listings) - Asking prices: $15,378 to $149,990, middle half $25k to $43k - For sale: 153 - Lowest price: $15,378 - Model years: 2008 to 2013 - Versions for sale: 3 ## The E9x M3 as a used buy The E9x M3 covers the 2008 to 2013 model years, built as the E90 sedan, E92 coupe and E93 convertible, all with the 4.0 L S65 V8. It makes 414 hp and revs to 8,400 rpm. Buyers chose between a manual with six ratios and the M DCT, an automated dual-clutch gearbox with seven, which was new to the M3 with this car. Rod bearings are the main item on the buying list. [Machines With Souls](https://machineswithsouls.com/bmw-e92-m3-buyers-guide/), [BimmerBench](https://bimmerbench.com/buyers-guide/e9x-m3/) and [Squeezed](https://squeezed.app/cars/bmw/m3/2008) all treat replacing them as preventive maintenance, so a car with an invoice for the job is easier to judge than one without. BimmerBench reports failures from about 40,000 miles on hard-driven cars, and some originals pass 150,000. Browse the [used E90/E92/E93 M3 listings](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/bmw/m3/e9x) with that in mind. ## E9x M3 years and versions The coupe is the body to look for. It is lighter and more rigid than the other two, and its roof is carbon fiber, a first for an M car. BimmerBench recommends a 2011 or later coupe with a manual gearbox and the Competition Package, while Squeezed rates the ZCP coupe with the DCT as the one to have. They differ on the gearbox and agree on the coupe. See every [E9x M3 coupe for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-coupe). The LCI update arrived with production from about April 2010 and brought LED taillights, updated iDrive and the Competition Package. Cars from 2011.5 added Bluetooth streaming and auto start/stop, and 2011.75 cars added BMW apps to iDrive. Single hump cars have no iDrive screen, double hump cars do. The ZCP package cost $2,500 and lowered the ride height 10 mm, with revised dampers and a looser stability mode. Engine and gearbox choices were untouched. The ZCP wheels are spun cast rather than forged as the brochure claimed, and Machines With Souls reports they bend on potholes, so check they run true. The sedan ended production in 2011 and is rare and practical, though less popular with collectors; the [E9x M3 sedan page](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-sedan) shows what is listed. The convertible is stiff for a soft-top with little scuttle shake, but BimmerBench says skip it if handling matters most, and the [convertibles for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-convertible) are there if it does not. It also says to skip 2007-2008 cars without records, and [Wheel Index](https://www.wheel-index.co.za/buying-guide/bmw-s65-e90-e92-e93-m3-buyer's-guide/2LPVtZw3VqcQ7chlWh4WR3) advises the optional Electronic Damper Control. The Lime Rock Edition was the US special edition, with an Alcantara wheel, carbon spoiler and splitters, and Machines With Souls says it changed nothing about how the car drives. ## E9x M3 versions for sale now Every version in our latest scan, most listed first. Each links to its own page with deal analysis and market history. | Version | Model years | For sale | Median price | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [E9x M3 Convertible](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-convertible) | 2008-2013 | 74 | $25,847 | | [E9x M3 Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-coupe) | 2008-2013 | 70 | $40,693 | | [E9x M3 Sedan](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-sedan) | 2008-2011 | 9 | $47,489 | ## Common E9x M3 problems ### Rod bearing wear The S65 has tight factory bearing clearances, and Wheel Index says failure can end in catastrophic engine damage. Early 2008-2009 cars carry higher risk, according to CarWizz. Wheel Index adds that BMW recommends thick 10W60 oil. ### Oil level and consumption With no dipstick, you read the oil level from the car's display. [Autocar](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/used-cars-used-car-buying-guides/used-car-buying-guide-bmw-m3-e92) notes that failing big-end bearings may trace back to tired or low oil. BMW considers use of up to 1 litre per 1,000 km normal, according to checkdenwagen.de, so expect to top up. ### Throttle actuators The actuators have plastic internal gears that turn brittle and fail, at no set mileage. Rough or surging idle, limp mode and codes 2B15 and 2B16 are the signs, and the pair should be replaced together. ### Idle control valve and VANOS The idle control valve can fail and leave the idle rough and erratic. Separately, VANOS solenoid codes 2A82 and 2A87 occur, and a metallic rattle on cold start that lasts more than a few seconds needs checking. ### Clutch and flywheel BMW changed the clutch design between 2008 and 2009, and the earlier smaller clutch and flywheel are no longer made. Per Wheel Index, replacing the clutch therefore means fitting a new dual-mass flywheel too. ### Bushings and DCT oil pans Worn rear subframe and differential bushings show up as clunks under load and a vague rear end. Early DCT oil pans can leak. ### Exhaust and battery drain The first batch of M Performance Inconel exhausts tended to crack, and a V2 followed. A car left sitting for a long time can also drain its battery. ## What to check on a used E9x M3 Have a BMW specialist carry out the pre-purchase inspection, and keep these checks on the list. - Ask for rod bearing replacement invoices, and for oil analysis results, where aluminum points to wear on engines from about May 2011. - Scan with a BMW-capable tool for codes 2B15, 2B16, 2A82 and 2A87. - Watch the idle on a cold start and listen for a metallic rattle that lingers beyond a few seconds. - Ask DCT owners for fluid change records and look under the gearbox for oil pan seepage. - Listen for clunks from the rear subframe and differential when accelerating hard from a stop. - Look for harness mounts, a cage or a stripped interior that suggest track use. - Check ZCP wheels for bends by spinning them and looking for runout. - Inspect an aftermarket Inconel exhaust for cracks. - Confirm a full service history to the official schedule. - Walk away from modded or supercharged cars unless a reputable shop did the work. ## E9x M3 running costs Squeezed puts yearly maintenance at $2,000 to $4,000. Rod bearing replacement runs around $2,500 depending on the shop, and sources give a range up to $4,000. Machines With Souls puts a new idle control valve at about $800. [BimmerBench's maintenance guide](https://bimmerbench.com/maintenance/e9x-m3/) lists spark plug service every third oil service on M models, with dealer prices from $169. For the market side, see the [BMW M3 price guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/prices/bmw/m3). ## E9x M3 recalls and complaints NHTSA holds 5 recall campaigns for 2008 to 2013 M3s. Two are electrical: a degrading positive battery cable connection at the fuse box that can cause intermittent loss of power (2008 to 2012), and another covering 2008 to 2011. Two air bag campaigns cover 2008 to 2013. The fifth, for 2008 to 2009, covers cars with the double clutch gearbox, where rapid deceleration may trigger a multistage downshift. Owners have filed 202 complaints with NHTSA, most about the power train (73) and the engine (54), then air bags (45). These are reports, not confirmed faults. Check each car's VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup to see which campaigns are open. ## NHTSA recalls for the E9x M3 Every recall campaign the carmaker filed with NHTSA for the 2008 to 2013 model years, newest first, as of Oct 31, 2026. Not every car of a listed year was affected: check a car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. | Campaign | Reported | Model years | Component | What can happen | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 20V017000 | Jan 15, 2020 | 2008 to 2013 | Air bags | An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. | | 19V472000 | Jun 19, 2019 | 2008 to 2012 | Electrical system | A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. | | 17V676000 | Oct 25, 2017 | 2008 to 2011 | Electrical system | Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended. | | 16V071000 | Feb 5, 2016 | 2008 to 2013 | Air bags | In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. | | 08V595000 | Nov 14, 2008 | 2008 to 2009 | Power train | IN THAT SITUATION, AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE ENGINE TO STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. | ## Owner complaints to NHTSA about the E9x M3 Owners filed 202 complaints with NHTSA for the 2008 to 2013 model years (8 crashes and 4 fires reported). A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. A complaint can name more than one component. | Component | Complaints | | --- | --- | | Power train | 73 | | Engine | 54 | | Air bags | 45 | | Electrical system | 27 | | Service brakes | 7 | | Vehicle speed control | 7 | | Fuel system | 5 | | Gasoline | 5 | ## Best E9x M3 deals right now 28 deals priced below market right now, the best by about $11,945. Members get the VIN, dealer, listing link and a ready-to-send negotiation email for each one. - 2013 BMW M3, E9X Coupe: asking $28,999 · $11k below market · 87,049 mi · Astoria, NY · deal score 100 of 100 - 2011 BMW M3, E9X Sedan: asking $24,000 · $9k below market · 123,441 mi · Orlando, FL · deal score 100 of 100 - 2011 BMW M3, E9X Convertible: asking $20,199 · $7k below market · 67,947 mi · Lincoln Park, MI · deal score 99 of 100 - 2011 BMW M3, E9X Coupe: asking $44,294 · $12k below market · 28,826 mi · Sewell, NJ · deal score 98 of 100 - 2013 BMW M3, E9X Coupe: asking $40,353 · $9k below market · 56,500 mi · Joliet, IL · deal score 95 of 100 - 2009 BMW M3, E9X Coupe: asking $36,954 · $8k below market · 42,442 mi · Lewisville, TX · deal score 95 of 100 [Unlock all 28 deals](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/upgrade). Members see every deal's VIN, dealer and listing link, plus a negotiation email. ## E9x M3 prices by model year Median asking price for each model year in our latest scan, with the number of cars listed and their price range. - [2013](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/bmw/m3/2013): $38,392 (29 for sale · $19,695 to $149,990 · median 69,846 mi) - [2012](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/bmw/m3/2012): $37,859 (14 for sale · $16,498 to $80,145 · median 78,769 mi) - [2011](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/bmw/m3/2011): $34,254 (50 for sale · $15,378 to $101,189 · median 82,124 mi) - [2010](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/bmw/m3/2010): $23,945 (8 for sale · $17,590 to $61,740 · median 96,966 mi) - [2009](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/bmw/m3/2009): $29,009 (20 for sale · $18,494 to $80,597 · median 84,733 mi) - [2008](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/bmw/m3/2008): $34,537 (32 for sale · $18,247 to $51,316 · median 72,763 mi) [M3 price guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/prices/bmw/m3) ## E9x M3 fair values by trim and year Our fair value is what comparable cars, same trim and model year with typical miles, are listed at in our latest market data. A car well under it is worth a close look; a car well over it needs a reason. | Trim | Model year | Fair value | Typical miles | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | M3 | 2013 | $46,579 | 64,000 | | M3 | 2011 | $25,221 | 79,500 | | M3 | 2009 | $23,340 | 90,200 | | M3 | 2008 | $31,889 | 91,800 | | Base 2dr Coupe | 2013 | $92,272 | 20,500 | ## E9x M3 for sale now - [2011 BMW M3, E9X Convertible](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-convertible): $24,995 · 85,707 mi · Arlington Heights, IL - [2011 BMW M3, E9X Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-coupe): $45,171 · 50,771 mi · Fullerton, CA - [2008 BMW M3, E9X Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-coupe): $47,999 · 85,728 mi · Kent, WA - [2012 BMW M3, E9X Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-coupe): $64,990 · 53,222 mi · Cincinnati, OH - [2013 BMW M3, E9X Convertible](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-convertible): $23,372 · 72,789 mi · Midlothian, IL - [2013 BMW M3, E9X Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-coupe): $35,985 · 82,765 mi · Fairfax, VA - [2011 BMW M3, E9X Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-coupe): $56,999 · 56,177 mi · Los Angeles, CA - [2013 BMW M3, E9X Convertible](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-convertible): $20,027 · 133,225 mi · Norco, CA - [2009 BMW M3, E9X Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-coupe): $34,050 · 82,665 mi · San Diego, CA - [2011 BMW M3, E9X Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-coupe): $60,558 · 46,239 mi · Marietta, GA - [2011 BMW M3, E9X Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-coupe): $79,990 · 30,870 mi · Cincinnati, OH - [2013 BMW M3, E9X Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-coupe): $149,990 · 43,501 mi · Cincinnati, OH - [2013 BMW M3, E9X Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-coupe): $149,990 · 3,516 mi · Cincinnati, OH - [2009 BMW M3, E9X Convertible](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-convertible): $32,393 · 44,918 mi · Jacksonville, FL - [2008 BMW M3, E9X Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-coupe): $35,035 · 65,400 mi · Baldwin Park, CA - [2011 BMW M3, E9X Sedan](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-sedan): $27,819 · 120,927 mi · Garland, TX - [2013 BMW M3, E9X Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-coupe): $54,174 · 70,820 mi · Syracuse, NY - [2010 BMW M3, E9X Convertible](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-convertible): $22,449 · 87,592 mi · Kyle, TX - [2008 BMW M3, E9X Convertible](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-convertible): $29,187 · 79,256 mi · San Antonio, TX - [2012 BMW M3, E9X Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-coupe): $46,421 · 76,816 mi · Clayton, NC - [2011 BMW M3, E9X Convertible](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-convertible): $23,010 · 97,600 mi · Hastings, MN - [2008 BMW M3, E9X Convertible](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-convertible): $35,399 · 44,287 mi · Vero Beach, FL - [2008 BMW M3, E9X Convertible](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-convertible): $39,950 · 28,258 mi · Englewood, CO - [2013 BMW M3, E9X Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/bmw-m3-e9x-coupe): $42,174 · 81,698 mi · Syracuse, NY [Every used M3](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/bmw/m3) ## Our verdict Buy a 2011 or later E92 coupe with the Competition Package, and choose your gearbox by taste. Look for rod bearing invoices, DCT fluid records where relevant, and a clean scan for throttle actuator and VANOS codes. Skip 2007-2008 cars without records, track-used cars and anything modified without a reputable shop behind it. If a car has no bearing invoice, factor in the $2,500 or more that specialists quote for the job, and compare it with [other M3 generations](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/bmw/m3) before you commit. Insist on a full service history. ## Sources We read these pages and checked every fact in this guide against them. The words are ours. Researched Oct 31, 2026. - [BMW E9x M3 M3 buyer's guide (2008–2013): problems, years, checks | BimmerBench](https://bimmerbench.com/buyers-guide/e9x-m3/) (BimmerBench) - [The BMW E92 M3 Buyer's Guide](https://machineswithsouls.com/bmw-e92-m3-buyers-guide/) (Machines With Souls) - [2008 BMW M3 Used Buyer's Guide (E9X) | Squeezed](https://squeezed.app/cars/bmw/m3/2008) (Squeezed) - [BMW S65 E90 E92 E93 M3 Buyer's Guide - Wheel Index](https://www.wheel-index.co.za/buying-guide/bmw-s65-e90-e92-e93-m3-buyer's-guide/2LPVtZw3VqcQ7chlWh4WR3) (Wheel Index) - [Used car buying guide: BMW M3 (E92) | Autocar](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/used-cars-used-car-buying-guides/used-car-buying-guide-bmw-m3-e92) (Autocar) - [BMW M3 Used-Car Inspection | checkdenwagen.de](https://www.checkdenwagen.de/en/brands/bmw/m3) (checkdenwagen.de) - [BMW M3 E93 (2008-2013): known issues | CarWizz](https://car-wizz.com/brands/bmw/m3/e93) (CarWizz) - [BMW E9x M3 M3 Maintenance Schedule & Costs (2008–2013) | BimmerBench](https://bimmerbench.com/maintenance/e9x-m3/) (BimmerBench) - [Recalls and owner complaints for the E9x M3](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) (NHTSA) ## Shop the E9x M3 - [Used BMW M3 for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/bmw/m3) (1,080) - [Used BMW E90/E92/E93 M3 for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/bmw/m3/e9x) (153) - [BMW M3 price guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/prices/bmw/m3) - [Cheapest BMW M3 for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cheapest/bmw/m3) - [Used BMW for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/bmw) (1,873) ## More BMW buying guides - [BMW M3 (E30) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/bmw/m3-e30) (1988 to 1991) - [BMW M3 (E36) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/bmw/m3-e36) (1995 to 1999) - [BMW M3 (E46) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/bmw/m3-e46) (2001 to 2006) - [BMW M3 (F80) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/bmw/m3-f80) (2015 to 2018) - [BMW M3 (G80) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/bmw/m3-g80) (2021 on) - [BMW M5 (E60) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/bmw/m5-e60) (2006 to 2010) - [BMW M5 (F10) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/bmw/m5-f10) (2012 to 2016) - [BMW M5 (F90) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/bmw/m5-f90) (2018 to 2024) - [All buying guides](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides) ## Latest BMW M3 news - [Used BMW market runs warm for the M3 and cool for the X6 M](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/news/bmw-market-report-october-2026) (Oct 31, 2026): Of 1,873 BMWs for sale, 534 are rated great or good deals, with big discounts on older M3s and a 2025 M8 Competition. [All car news](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/news) ## E9x M3: common questions ### What is the best E9x M3 to buy? A 2011 or later E92 coupe with the Competition Package is the pick. BimmerBench favors the manual, while Squeezed prefers the DCT. Rod bearing invoices make any of them easier to buy. ### What goes wrong with the E9x M3? Rod bearing wear is the big one, followed by failing throttle actuators, idle control valves and VANOS codes. Rear bushings wear, early DCT oil pans can leak, and a clutch job requires a new flywheel. BMW considers oil consumption of up to 1 litre per 1,000 km normal. ### Is the E9x M3 reliable? Mostly, with the rod bearings as the main caveat. Specialists treat bearing replacement as preventive maintenance and describe the car as expensive to maintain, though some original bearings pass 150,000 miles. NHTSA also lists 5 recall campaigns to check by VIN. ### How much does it cost to run an E9x M3? Squeezed puts maintenance at $2,000 to $4,000 a year. Rod bearing replacement is around $2,500 to $4,000 depending on the shop. Machines With Souls puts an idle control valve at about $800. ### How much is a used E9x M3? Asking prices for the 153 cars we track for sale right now run from $15,378 to $149,990, with a median of $34,398. Model year, version, mileage and history move the price most; the prices by model year and fair values on this page show where a car should sit. ### Has the E9x M3 been recalled? NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns filed for the 2008 to 2013 model years as of Oct 31, 2026, the latest for air bags. Not every car was affected, so check the VIN of any car you're considering at nhtsa.gov/recalls. --- Source: Luxury Car Deals, https://www.luxurycardeals.com/. Prices are live asking prices from US dealer listings in our latest scan, not sale prices. Cite as "BMW M3 (E90, E92, E93) buying guide", Luxury Car Deals, https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/bmw/m3-e9x (updated Oct 1, 2026). Site map for assistants: https://www.luxurycardeals.com/llms.txt.