M3 CS e46

[Em Speck]

Guys

I'm considering buying a 2006 cs, I've also considered a VW GTI 3 (2008). Now I do like the M3 as it's a true beast. But I'm aware that essentially I'm buying into a car that will attract £50k servicing/parts. I've been driving a VW golf TDI(which I cant fault)-this also was expensive to service at VW. Can anyone tell me firstly what I should look for on inspecting the car before buying and what are the annual running costs you guys have found for an average year. Thanks in advance.

[rotta]

cracking in bootfloor, rattling vanos, smg issues, valve clearences need doing at inspection 2 which is a large service £700ish i think, they need to be kept ontop of servicing wise but are a very solid car if properly maintained

[jayemm89]

Many many many buying guides for these out there. I don't believe the CS is different enough to have any unique issues.

[jayemm89]

To give you an idea, the servicing on these cars goes like this:

Running in service (1200 miles - VERY IMPORTANT)

Oil change

Inspection I

Oil Change

Inspection II

With brake fluid every two years. Oil changes/inspections are as per the car's service indicator (fuel use based, approx 12,000 - 18,000 miles) or every two years.

On an M3, off the top of my head, oil change is approx £300, Insp I is £600, Insp 2 is £900 (BMW Dealer prices) - indies will vary but make sure they don't skimp on doing the valve clearances on Insp 2

[mattcambs]

Have a look at the sticky threads on here:
http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=8

[Em Speck]

Thanks guys for your responses, much appreciated, I will get back to you if I have anymore questions which I'm sure I will !

[pidsy]

jayemm89 said:

On an M3, off the top of my head, oil change is approx £300, Insp I is £600, Insp 2 is £900 (BMW Dealer prices) - indies will vary but make sure they don't skimp on doing the valve clearances on Insp 2

even by BMW prices, those are steep.
there are some good deals at BMW at the moment, and good indy's will be a good bit cheaper than that.