Discussion
RWDlover said: The M3 is a tremendous car with no compromises and it does have an incredible engine.
The new M3 CANNOT really be classified a 'supercar' - it's heavy and lacks true steering feel. Apart from the blown engine issue (which is REAL, by the way), its brakes can't handle track work. It doesn't have the 'wow' factor that the true supercars have (even Porsche looks infinitely more sexy).
I realise you've just bought a fast (antique) Alpina and therefore you feel the need to defend your marque, but at the end of the day, an M3 is just a BMW 3-series with a nice (but suspect) engine and a Max-Power bodykit.
As a car dealer once told me - no young boy ever went to sleep looking at a poster of a 3-series BMW on his bedroom wall! At the end of the day, perhaps that's the best indication of a 'supercar'.
hand held high,
Didnt have a M3 but did have a 1999 M5 which had loads of problems. See BMW forum 'M5 Finally.' I live in the UK and not an amerkin.
M3 and M5 have the same vanos system I beleive.
snip from my post>
Im sure it was a lemon. It was bound to happen to me one day as Ive been very lucky with all other cars I have owned.
But as my first BMW and M5, unfortunatly lots of problems. I think it was 6 hire cars over 7 weeks of total repairs (at the garage being or waiting for repairs)
Failed vanos - common fault so I learn now but x 3 times to fix over 3 months.
Leaky O rings part of vanos I understand
various failed sensors leading to loss of power, stalling whilst driving,
wheel sensor failure loss of ABS DSC etc
leaky fuel injector. petrol all over engine. (should of taken up smoking) new injector
new fuel pump
new cats - two of.
warped front discs
trim falling off
buttons sticking
this was over a 9 month period every month a fault was fixed and then something new.
bonnet release failing
Wheel alignment checks as not going round corners corectly.
new rear suspension as movement somewhere (thus not consistant cornering)
and the final straw the rear the anti roll bar breaking whilst driving. - not fun I can bloody well say.
and a few other minor things. But when the car stalled whilst driving x 3 and loss of 95% power whilst driving ie safety matters this does not endeer me to BMW. (plus the anit roll bar breaking.)
This was via the approved scheem for a 2 yr car when I got it. !! under 35000 miles.
car has gone now and I am confident it is now actually fixed as before it was sold nothing went wrong for about 2000 miles. It even has the new M5 engine software installed now.
It was all covered under warranty and the new owner has the balance of the extended warrenty ie for a further 2 years. I even got cash compensation from BMW GB for the hassle and stress.
So sorry, not a fan of M5's at the moment. Although when it worked it was very fast mid to upper range, not a nimble car but could hold its own and was comfortable whilst waiting for BMW assist and it did look good. I thought it was good in the wet as well. Although it is a heavy car and the brakes have to work hard at times.
When the suspension was fixed it did go round corners better !! just my confidence and nearves was shot by then.
Despite the above Im sure if you get a good one it is lots of fun. When im older and memory has faded I may consider another BMW. Porsche have got my cash and is earning my loyalty at moment.
:smile:
>> Edited by superlightr on Wednesday 17th July 23:04
I think I will stick with the Porker
>> Edited by superlightr on Thursday 14th November 08:19
>> Edited by superlightr on Saturday 16th November 07:25
Didnt have a M3 but did have a 1999 M5 which had loads of problems. See BMW forum 'M5 Finally.' I live in the UK and not an amerkin.
M3 and M5 have the same vanos system I beleive.
snip from my post>
Im sure it was a lemon. It was bound to happen to me one day as Ive been very lucky with all other cars I have owned.
But as my first BMW and M5, unfortunatly lots of problems. I think it was 6 hire cars over 7 weeks of total repairs (at the garage being or waiting for repairs)
Failed vanos - common fault so I learn now but x 3 times to fix over 3 months.
Leaky O rings part of vanos I understand
various failed sensors leading to loss of power, stalling whilst driving,
wheel sensor failure loss of ABS DSC etc
leaky fuel injector. petrol all over engine. (should of taken up smoking) new injector
new fuel pump
new cats - two of.
warped front discs
trim falling off
buttons sticking
this was over a 9 month period every month a fault was fixed and then something new.
bonnet release failing
Wheel alignment checks as not going round corners corectly.
new rear suspension as movement somewhere (thus not consistant cornering)
and the final straw the rear the anti roll bar breaking whilst driving. - not fun I can bloody well say.
and a few other minor things. But when the car stalled whilst driving x 3 and loss of 95% power whilst driving ie safety matters this does not endeer me to BMW. (plus the anit roll bar breaking.)
This was via the approved scheem for a 2 yr car when I got it. !! under 35000 miles.
car has gone now and I am confident it is now actually fixed as before it was sold nothing went wrong for about 2000 miles. It even has the new M5 engine software installed now.
It was all covered under warranty and the new owner has the balance of the extended warrenty ie for a further 2 years. I even got cash compensation from BMW GB for the hassle and stress.
So sorry, not a fan of M5's at the moment. Although when it worked it was very fast mid to upper range, not a nimble car but could hold its own and was comfortable whilst waiting for BMW assist and it did look good. I thought it was good in the wet as well. Although it is a heavy car and the brakes have to work hard at times.
When the suspension was fixed it did go round corners better !! just my confidence and nearves was shot by then.
Despite the above Im sure if you get a good one it is lots of fun. When im older and memory has faded I may consider another BMW. Porsche have got my cash and is earning my loyalty at moment.
:smile:
>> Edited by superlightr on Wednesday 17th July 23:04
I think I will stick with the Porker
>> Edited by superlightr on Thursday 14th November 08:19
>> Edited by superlightr on Saturday 16th November 07:25
RWDlover said: It seems odd how all the owners of these blown engines got together on this website.Are they all freinds.There have been no cases of blown engines in this country or any other,even in Germany the land of de-restriction.Fact is there is no real proof of this.
Beg to differ!!!!!
Was talking to a Service guy at my local BMW garage and he quoted at least 3 instances of engine failures in M3's, all replaced FOC under warranty. One car was on its third engine ......
Regarding engine reliability, the car in the review had to have a replacement engine @12,000 miles. I took it in for a service and asked them to investigate a slight rattle @ 3-4,000 rpm. They phoned me an hour later saying the regional service manager had listened to it and recommended a new engine. They wouldn't tell me what the problem was as the engine was shipped straight back to Germany.
Being BMW however, I was given a loan car for the weekend which my roofrack fitted, and had the car back to me within 5 days - all FOC. At the end of the day you accept that this is an engine designed close to the limits of what is achievable from a nomally aspirated engine, and there are therefore some risks. However, good customer service makes this bearable - unfortunately this is unlike the experience many have suffered at the hands of TVR.
Being BMW however, I was given a loan car for the weekend which my roofrack fitted, and had the car back to me within 5 days - all FOC. At the end of the day you accept that this is an engine designed close to the limits of what is achievable from a nomally aspirated engine, and there are therefore some risks. However, good customer service makes this bearable - unfortunately this is unlike the experience many have suffered at the hands of TVR.
Adam,
You mentioned that: 'at the end of the day, here is a car that has enough of a hooligan streak running through it that allows you to experience the thrill of a super-quick, great-handling car whenever circumstances allow, whilst leaving your (probably still-sleeping) partner safe in the knowledge that her outfit for tonight's dinner will still be crease-free when you arrive at your destination. That alone may justify it...'
Actually, I'll think you'll find that, at the end of the day, it's night.
You mentioned that: 'at the end of the day, here is a car that has enough of a hooligan streak running through it that allows you to experience the thrill of a super-quick, great-handling car whenever circumstances allow, whilst leaving your (probably still-sleeping) partner safe in the knowledge that her outfit for tonight's dinner will still be crease-free when you arrive at your destination. That alone may justify it...'
Actually, I'll think you'll find that, at the end of the day, it's night.
Just got to keep this thread going!
So 4 years after the launch how many of you have this car. Are there still engine problems or have they all been fixed now?
I've realise that I can get one of these now at a very good price LHD (and I live in France). I currently have a 350Z, so like to understand how they would compare.
Any opinions?
So 4 years after the launch how many of you have this car. Are there still engine problems or have they all been fixed now?
I've realise that I can get one of these now at a very good price LHD (and I live in France). I currently have a 350Z, so like to understand how they would compare.
Any opinions?
I have just got rid of my lovely TVR Cerbera speed six in favour of a 03 E46 M3 with all the toys including the SMG gearbox, after having the Cerbera for just under two years I spent well lost over 6k (brought tears to my eyes when I found the old bills)
The M3 has been awesome but in having it only two weeks some spineless person had keyed it but life goes on!
Sadly i miss the TVR but i will get the M3 sideways.....
The M3 has been awesome but in having it only two weeks some spineless person had keyed it but life goes on!
Sadly i miss the TVR but i will get the M3 sideways.....
dave286 said:
I have just got rid of my lovely TVR Cerbera speed six in favour of a 03 E46 M3 with all the toys including the SMG gearbox, after having the Cerbera for just under two years I spent well lost over 6k (brought tears to my eyes when I found the old bills)
The M3 has been awesome but in having it only two weeks some spineless person had keyed it but life goes on!
Sadly i miss the TVR but i will get the M3 sideways.....
The M3 has been awesome but in having it only two weeks some spineless person had keyed it but life goes on!
Sadly i miss the TVR but i will get the M3 sideways.....
That's great. congrats on resurecting an almost 5 year old thread
dave286 said:
I have just got rid of my lovely TVR Cerbera speed six in favour of a 03 E46 M3 with all the toys including the SMG gearbox, after having the Cerbera for just under two years I spent well lost over 6k (brought tears to my eyes when I found the old bills)
The M3 has been awesome but in having it only two weeks some spineless person had keyed it but life goes on!
Sadly i miss the TVR but i will get the M3 sideways.....
The M3 has been awesome but in having it only two weeks some spineless person had keyed it but life goes on!
Sadly i miss the TVR but i will get the M3 sideways.....
Nice of you to let us know and resurrect a 4 year old thead!
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