There was an issue early on that could grenade the engine. Make sure the car you're looking at is not in that build range or if it is that the proper work has been done.
Mine was an 11/01 build(in the danger zone). I sold it before BMW had admitted they had a problem and extended the warranties. At the time if you had a 6 speed BMW would tend to blame the owner for over reving the engine and causing the engine to explode.
M 3 . M A D R U S S I A N . N E T