Need Help - thinking of buying an 03-04 M car...

[stieger]

Hi folks,

I've been checking out the ebaymotors site lately, and it seems like a 2003 or 2004 M can be had for about $20K with around 30K miles.

Is there any large differences between the 03 and 04 that would help me make up my mind?

My main interest is maintenance - when is the major tune up due, and what's the cost? Any maintenance nightmares?

I'm asking because I'm coming off an Audi Lease, and their maintenance is pretty expensive - the 60K service is about $2,000...

I've driven an 06-07 M35, and was impressed by the solidity of the car, and it had "some" power. I'd assume the 4.5L of the M makes the M35 seem like child's play (???) Is there much difference between the new M35 and the 2003-04 M with 4.5L?

Thx for the help!

Stieger

[lswaidz]

Mechanically they're identical.

However, the 04's had more chrome in the interior (borrowing more parts from the Q45). Also, 04's usually came with the tech package. That package is far more rare in the 03's.

[stieger]

what's the maintenance costs on these cars? When do they need a tune up, and do you know the general cost? Just curious...