E46 M3 Convertible

[foreverme]

Hi All,
Anything to watch with these? Thinking of chopping in our JCW mini as its getting too small for our growing kids, in my past i have had a coupe M3 and a CSL, i know about the problems with the sub frame , does this also affect the cab version..
thanks

[Bayerischer]

yes, as far as I know the sub-frame issue also affects the convertible (perhaps even more of an issue given the extra weight of the convertible). Try to get a late model (05) as I have heard that the problem is rarer in these

[foreverme]

thanks, looking for at the very least facelift, plus SMG

[SPORTSTER]

foreverme said:

Hi All,
Anything to watch with these? Thinking of chopping in our JCW mini as its getting too small for our growing kids, in my past i have had a coupe M3 and a CSL, i know about the problems with the sub frame , does this also affect the cab version..
thanks

Yes it affects all the E46 range cars from coupes to saloons to verts

[Bayerischer]

The only other thing I would add is to keep an eye on tyre wear. The rear trailing arm bushes on mine had gone and it started eating the rear tyres very quickly.

Otherwise, the things to look out for on the coupe would also apply - there should be buying guide on PH or M3 cutters.

[foreverme]

Bayerischer said:

The only other thing I would add is to keep an eye on tyre wear. The rear trailing arm bushes on mine had gone and it started eating the rear tyres very quickly.

Otherwise, the things to look out for on the coupe would also apply - there should be buying guide on PH or M3 cutters.

thanks, tried to create an account on M3cutters, but seems to think i am a spammer

[SebringMan]

If you have owned a few of them you will know what to look for.

Regarding the subframe it's not just an M3 Coupe problem, it's an E46 problem. I know of a 320i Coupe needing the floor welded up, as well as a 328i Touring. I think ETA Motorsport have said they have repaired all sorts, from 318ti Compacts to the M3.

For that reason I'm getting mine reinforced later on next month. I do occasionally browse the classifieds for one with a reinforced floor (the BMW replacement floors can still crack), but they either have other issues over mine or they are quite pricey.

As for issues they may have now from when you owned one? A few:

-Rusty wings, arches and mirror baseplates are one of them
-Big ends seem to be an issue but again there are some engines out there with big mileages too
-HGs as well, but the same as the top point.

Edited by SebringMan on Saturday 25th February 17:37