HUNTING For My M3 Replacement
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2020
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I would guess that between TheBrice and his friend Julian that Groovs car is likely already sold.
OP, welcome to the group, even if you don't have a car in it yet. My brother had an older M5 that was a total money pit. I think he paid about $15k for it and over the course of the 3 years he owned it, bought it again in repairs.
At your budget, you're squarely in 997.1 territory I believe, especially if looking for an aerokit car. Because you'll be tracking it, my advice is to find an early 2005 997.1 C2S. You're specifically looking for an early build date car so you have the bad small IMS bearing and you'll want to replace that with The IMS Solution as soon as you take possession of the car. The values of these are depressed slightly because of the small bearing that fails, but the mid 05 through 08 cars that have few IMS bearing failures, have most of them on the track when running at sustained high rpms as the surface speed of the bearing exceeds its design spec. Doesn't happen as often on the street since high rpms are occasional and not sustained for long periods.
Other changes you'll want to make are the LN Engineering spin on oil filter adapter so you can use a metal canister filter and their Low temp thermostat. Also add the front center radiator for extra cooling and a deep sump. These changes are going to add up to probably $5k-$7k but will help prevent you from grenading the motor at the track. That means you're looking for a car in the mid 30s,which with current 997 values riding is going to be a little chsllinging to find, especially in white and with an aero kit. A base 3.6byiu can probably find in that range, but it won't likely have PASM and not too many base cars optioned with the aero kit. If you can move to the S, you'll get PASM, which by itself is just ok, but gives you the building blocks to add TPC's DSC controller making the suspension fully active and totally customizable, which you'll appreciate not only for street but in the track as you can program the 2 modes differently.
OP, welcome to the group, even if you don't have a car in it yet. My brother had an older M5 that was a total money pit. I think he paid about $15k for it and over the course of the 3 years he owned it, bought it again in repairs.
At your budget, you're squarely in 997.1 territory I believe, especially if looking for an aerokit car. Because you'll be tracking it, my advice is to find an early 2005 997.1 C2S. You're specifically looking for an early build date car so you have the bad small IMS bearing and you'll want to replace that with The IMS Solution as soon as you take possession of the car. The values of these are depressed slightly because of the small bearing that fails, but the mid 05 through 08 cars that have few IMS bearing failures, have most of them on the track when running at sustained high rpms as the surface speed of the bearing exceeds its design spec. Doesn't happen as often on the street since high rpms are occasional and not sustained for long periods.
Other changes you'll want to make are the LN Engineering spin on oil filter adapter so you can use a metal canister filter and their Low temp thermostat. Also add the front center radiator for extra cooling and a deep sump. These changes are going to add up to probably $5k-$7k but will help prevent you from grenading the motor at the track. That means you're looking for a car in the mid 30s,which with current 997 values riding is going to be a little chsllinging to find, especially in white and with an aero kit. A base 3.6byiu can probably find in that range, but it won't likely have PASM and not too many base cars optioned with the aero kit. If you can move to the S, you'll get PASM, which by itself is just ok, but gives you the building blocks to add TPC's DSC controller making the suspension fully active and totally customizable, which you'll appreciate not only for street but in the track as you can program the 2 modes differently.
Good lookin out sir!
Thread Starter
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From: South Shore of Massachusetts
Having had a troublesome e46 m3 years ago and having just sold my mint e92 m3 in part because of the dark cloud of engine failure that looms over that car (rod bearings), I know your pain. I would suggest jumping past the 997.1 for a 997.2 base. With the 997.1 you will still have that lingering feeling that something bad might be imminent (IMS, bore scoring, etc.).
For $40k you can definitely find a pdk 997.2 base car. You might be able to find a 6MT 997.2 base but it will have some miles on it. There is a decent looking one for sale now in the pca classifieds for sub-$40k but it has an accident, not sure how severe.
For $40k you can definitely find a pdk 997.2 base car. You might be able to find a 6MT 997.2 base but it will have some miles on it. There is a decent looking one for sale now in the pca classifieds for sub-$40k but it has an accident, not sure how severe.
Thread Starter
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Be careful with this one. This has been on the market for over a year.
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 35
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Hi All,
@andino found this ride for me. The black is actually growing on me and it has the aero mods I'd want. Car needs new clutch and IMS issue taken care since it's 05? Thoughts on this things?
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=286334421
@andino found this ride for me. The black is actually growing on me and it has the aero mods I'd want. Car needs new clutch and IMS issue taken care since it's 05? Thoughts on this things?
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=286334421
Race Car
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,190
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From: Bogota / Navarre Beach
Hi All,
@andino found this ride for me. The black is actually growing on me and it has the aero mods I'd want. Car needs new clutch and IMS issue taken care since it's 05? Thoughts on this things?
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=286334421
@andino found this ride for me. The black is actually growing on me and it has the aero mods I'd want. Car needs new clutch and IMS issue taken care since it's 05? Thoughts on this things?
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=286334421
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 35
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UPDATE:
NorCal Black C2S w/ 49K miles
I'm gonna look at this car this sunday, but I don't have a good feeling about it. 7 owners with so little miles?
Good news though, the owner is open to getting a PPI.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=286334421
SoCal White C2S w/ 89K miles
The white C2S in SoCal is still available and I'm having a friend check it out. This is my top choice!
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/...229279008.html
I'll keep you guys and gals posted!
NorCal Black C2S w/ 49K miles
I'm gonna look at this car this sunday, but I don't have a good feeling about it. 7 owners with so little miles?
Good news though, the owner is open to getting a PPI.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=286334421
SoCal White C2S w/ 89K miles
The white C2S in SoCal is still available and I'm having a friend check it out. This is my top choice!
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/...229279008.html
I'll keep you guys and gals posted!
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,870
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From: San Diego <->Knoxville
If you're looking for the "The car", I'd look towards a well trusted dealer. I doubt you'll find a Carrara white Aero kit 997 unless you keep waiting for one.
Even though Tim is an air cooled guy, he has some of the nicest water cooled 911's I've ever seen.
https://www.holtmotorsports.com/inve...-S-Cpe./740631
Even though Tim is an air cooled guy, he has some of the nicest water cooled 911's I've ever seen.
https://www.holtmotorsports.com/inve...-S-Cpe./740631
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Do you need a back seat? If not, you may want to give a 987.2 or 981 Cayman a hard look. You could get an extremely low mile example in the $40k range, and you could avoid all the potential IMS issues of a .1 car. The mid engine layout offers a usable trunk at each end for road trips. You may even find that you prefer the handling characteristics of the Cayman. Its also lighter weight, a bit easier on tires and brakes, which cuts down long-term track costs. Definitely drive one of each before choosing. Don't rule out the Cayman. They are incredible drivers cars, just like the 911...just a different flavor.
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Interesting thread. I bought a 718 B GTS in July after a fateful conversation with my wife. The cliff notes are as follows: when we met post my first divorce, I owed a near race dedicated Z3 which I competed in SCCA STR class nationally, and upon which I threw $15k trying to be the right car. Many Nat'l competitors did an intervention in 2014 as to why I was fighting with the dull knife in the gun fight. From 2015-2019, I own and drive an E92 M3 ZCP. Car was utterly fantastic but suffered one major BMW. The moment every BMW gets out of warranty coverage, there is invariably one or several built in obsolescent mega expense repair that haunts you. I babied, over maintained and love my car. Last year, I traded it in for a 2019 Honda Civic Type R. For all those that roll their eyes, car was utterly the best driving FWD car known to man. Problem was, that even if I was really fast at FWD, it was still FWD. Back to the discussion with wife. This year, I decide to bail on going to Nat'ls and confirm thought process with wife....she agrees. She subsequent to a spirit drive tells me she's simply not feeling the CTR, and kinda expected I'd want to drive a sports car in my "twilight years" of competing. I was blown away and explained the CTR was a responsible decision, great functionality, carry 4 adults, good resale, and she responded, is this what you want to race for the next 4 or 5 years. Right then, I knew she was calling me out. I didn't lie. She knew I loved a short wheel based roadster like my non-competitive Z3 but understood when I wanted something better. She asked why did you buy the CTR, and I responded it was the responsible decision, and responsible car, to wit she said "that's what my car is". I suspect there are any number of variants you can find to light your fire in the Porsche line.
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Thanks for chiming in! That's not bad considering all that you got done. At the core, what bothered me about my M3 is I spent a little more than what I bought the car for on repairs/ maintenance. Recently I asked myself "If I've spent this much on my BMW, why not bite the bullet and get a Porshce".
Appreciate you dropping this in here! I scoped out the post as soon as it went up and I was sad to hear the story. I'm wishing Groove a speedy recovery.
His car is pretty rad and it's the kind of car I wish to buy... but in white
. I'm banging my head because finding a white car is so much harder. Passing up on these other color cars in great shape is killing me on the inside
LOL!
-Unfortunately my trunk floor started to separate from the unibody (you can push the floor down and see the ground)
- Fixed every oil leak
- Power steering issues
- rod bearings
- valve adjustment
- miscellaneous issues here and there that average about $700 to fix
- most recently I replaced the driveshaft, diff, and everything attached to the diff
Appreciate you dropping this in here! I scoped out the post as soon as it went up and I was sad to hear the story. I'm wishing Groove a speedy recovery.
His car is pretty rad and it's the kind of car I wish to buy... but in white
. I'm banging my head because finding a white car is so much harder. Passing up on these other color cars in great shape is killing me on the insideLOL!
-Unfortunately my trunk floor started to separate from the unibody (you can push the floor down and see the ground)
- Fixed every oil leak
- Power steering issues
- rod bearings
- valve adjustment
- miscellaneous issues here and there that average about $700 to fix
- most recently I replaced the driveshaft, diff, and everything attached to the diff
BMW Class Action Settlement
Porsches can get very expensive. Color would be the last consideration for me. Hang out for a while and see just how much money the downside can be. Buy the best you can afford. .You'll have a great time.
Last edited by Upscale Audio; Nov 19, 2020 at 01:52 AM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 35
Likes: 12
If you're looking for the "The car", I'd look towards a well trusted dealer. I doubt you'll find a Carrara white Aero kit 997 unless you keep waiting for one.
Even though Tim is an air cooled guy, he has some of the nicest water cooled 911's I've ever seen.
https://www.holtmotorsports.com/inve...-S-Cpe./740631
Even though Tim is an air cooled guy, he has some of the nicest water cooled 911's I've ever seen.
https://www.holtmotorsports.com/inve...-S-Cpe./740631
This would be a top contender. I'm afraid the reality is, you are correct on finding an aero car, especially on my budget.
Do you need a back seat? If not, you may want to give a 987.2 or 981 Cayman a hard look. You could get an extremely low mile example in the $40k range, and you could avoid all the potential IMS issues of a .1 car. The mid engine layout offers a usable trunk at each end for road trips. You may even find that you prefer the handling characteristics of the Cayman. Its also lighter weight, a bit easier on tires and brakes, which cuts down long-term track costs. Definitely drive one of each before choosing. Don't rule out the Cayman. They are incredible drivers cars, just like the 911...just a different flavor.
As for the 981, now we're talking! BUT I haven't found an S model in manual around my price range. They are fetching quite a premium! Understandably so.
Interesting thread. I bought a 718 B GTS in July after a fateful conversation with my wife. The cliff notes are as follows: when we met post my first divorce, I owed a near race dedicated Z3 which I competed in SCCA STR class nationally, and upon which I threw $15k trying to be the right car. Many Nat'l competitors did an intervention in 2014 as to why I was fighting with the dull knife in the gun fight. From 2015-2019, I own and drive an E92 M3 ZCP. Car was utterly fantastic but suffered one major BMW. The moment every BMW gets out of warranty coverage, there is invariably one or several built in obsolescent mega expense repair that haunts you. I babied, over maintained and love my car. Last year, I traded it in for a 2019 Honda Civic Type R. For all those that roll their eyes, car was utterly the best driving FWD car known to man. Problem was, that even if I was really fast at FWD, it was still FWD. Back to the discussion with wife. This year, I decide to bail on going to Nat'ls and confirm thought process with wife....she agrees. She subsequent to a spirit drive tells me she's simply not feeling the CTR, and kinda expected I'd want to drive a sports car in my "twilight years" of competing. I was blown away and explained the CTR was a responsible decision, great functionality, carry 4 adults, good resale, and she responded, is this what you want to race for the next 4 or 5 years. Right then, I knew she was calling me out. I didn't lie. She knew I loved a short wheel based roadster like my non-competitive Z3 but understood when I wanted something better. She asked why did you buy the CTR, and I responded it was the responsible decision, and responsible car, to wit she said "that's what my car is". I suspect there are any number of variants you can find to light your fire in the Porsche line.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 35
Likes: 12
UPDATE:
I am moving forward with the purchase of the vehicle. I couldn't find too many white 911's and this was the cream of the crop.
Had my friend inspect and he gave me the green light.
Moved on to get a PPI at AASE Motors in Fullerton and it passed.
No contaminants in the oil filter, no leaks, no over revs. Car had a fault for seat heaters and fog lights.
The BADS: 11 owners. I tried to dig for the car's history and here's what I had put together. The car was purchased before the recession in FL circa 2006. The dealer who acquired the car around 2008 probably had a tough time selling the car, so it bounced around on auction. 10 different states in 12 years. SHESH!
I will say that the owner didn't want to budge on price so she's coming home for $35k. I was hoping to get in around $32K. OH WELL
So what's next?
Pick up the car on saturday and drive HWY 1 all the way back to the Bay.
Prep the car for the track
Race it in December
Ride off to the sunset
I'll take pics and post it when I pick it up!
I am moving forward with the purchase of the vehicle. I couldn't find too many white 911's and this was the cream of the crop.
Had my friend inspect and he gave me the green light.
Moved on to get a PPI at AASE Motors in Fullerton and it passed.
No contaminants in the oil filter, no leaks, no over revs. Car had a fault for seat heaters and fog lights.
The BADS: 11 owners. I tried to dig for the car's history and here's what I had put together. The car was purchased before the recession in FL circa 2006. The dealer who acquired the car around 2008 probably had a tough time selling the car, so it bounced around on auction. 10 different states in 12 years. SHESH!
I will say that the owner didn't want to budge on price so she's coming home for $35k. I was hoping to get in around $32K. OH WELL
So what's next?
Pick up the car on saturday and drive HWY 1 all the way back to the Bay.
Prep the car for the track
Race it in December
Ride off to the sunset
I'll take pics and post it when I pick it up!
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 167
Likes: 115
From: STL - MO
Congrats on the purchase and looking forward to pics of your road trip back to the bay! Also, keep in mind that when owners move and register the vehicle in different states CarFax will register a new owner. Might be the case with your car's history.
