Looking at maybe an M3.. The most I can afford without being unwise is a 2009 or 2010.

I heard in 2012 they got big time into safety and took a lot away? (tilting headrests is an example).

I'm not sure what changed in the model years, but I know the tail lights changed sometime and the iDrive. Those are my 2 biggest concerns. I've heard pretty bad things about the old iDrive. I only want to buy a 2010 if it has some big added option, It's just a lot more money than a 2008 or 2009.

 

The iDrive changed between '08 and '09. The '09 and on is a much friendlier version.

 

i'd agree with the above, go with the better idrive...i have an 11 and it is totally intuitive, which is a big change from earlier versions. even my wife's 11 audi system seems more difficult to use...otherwise i don't know of any substantive changes as the car was pretty darn great from the getgo.