E46 M3 convertible

[Steve Devaney]

May be looking for one of these over the next few weeks.
Would be looking at manual cars only with mileage below 70k but not too worried about model year.
I think I would prefer a dark colour with red or black leather or a red car with black leather. I would also consider other colour combinations if they 'work' for me!
FSH is a must and it needs to be very close to standard in all departments.
I know little about Vanos issues but I would be happy to have a professional inspection carried out by someone very competent with these cars.....
Anyone selling an excellent example?

[Cheib]

Good luck with your search.....there were very,very few red cars delivered so think that'll be a very hard combo to find!

[SS2.]

I've got a black / black [un-modded] E46 M3 cab which will be up for sale before the summer.

05 plate, 54k, 19" alloys, nav, heated seats, HK speakers, digital TV upgrade, etc - it's SMG though.

[Steve Devaney]

Thanks for your messages chaps,
Definitely manual only I am afraid but I am very prepared to consider alternative colour schemes.

It there a tell tale thing to look for with Vanos issues?

Anything else I should be looking for - I have heard about the diff ripping from its mounts in some cases.

[IATM]

SS2.]I've got a black / black [un-modded said:

E46 M3 cab which will be up for sale before the summer.

05 plate, 54k, 19" alloys, nav, heated seats, HK speakers, digital TV upgrade, etc - it's SMG though.

What sort of service history does the car have and is it carbon black?

[rev-erend]

Not heard of vanos issues on the E46. That seemed to be an issue with the previous 3 series.

You might want to search on rear sub frame mounting cracks - which is a serious issue for the E46 and BMW only give a ten year cut-off for warranty for this.

[Steve Devaney]

Sorry for the silly double posts - IPad issue I believe!

Are there any 'must haves' when looking at extras? I am not too fussed for music so whilst H K would be nice, it's not essential. Hard top not a priority but I do like heated seats.

What indicates genuine wheels - what stampings to look for?

I will be able to move relatively quickly for the right car that checks out under close scrutiny.

Edited by Steve Devaney on Thursday 16th April 13:02

[Stone Cold]

I think you will find a lot more info if you go to the M3Cutters site, they also will have cars for sale in there

Mines silver grey with black interior, hard top and all the extras, 06 with 70k miles completely standard but SMG and not for sale

By the way why so anti SMG? personally I love it, I know the pump is expensive when/if it goes but may be worth trying one you may be surprised

[SS2.]

IATM said:

What sort of service history does the car have and is it carbon black?

Full history. Mostly BMW from memory (I haven't got the book with me). I know the last service (oil change) was at an independent.

And yes, it's carbon black.

[Steve Devaney]

Stone Cold said:

I think you will find a lot more info if you go to the M3Cutters site, they also will have cars for sale in there

Mines silver grey with black interior, hard top and all the extras, 06 with 70k miles completely standard but SMG and not for sale

By the way why so anti SMG? personally I love it, I know the pump is expensive when/if it goes but may be worth trying one you may be surprised

Thanks SC,
I am not anti SMG, just always owned manual cars and would like to keep it that way. I am sure Auto is great but just something I have never really looked at.
I will try the cutters site and see what materialises but you can all keep this thread alive and keep me posted on your thoughts........

[rev-erend]

Worth looking at the CSL wheels and whether a car has them or not.

Standard wheels were 18 inch but many ticked box for 19inch option.

[Stone Cold]

Steve just to be clear the SMG on these cars is not an Auto, although it does have a not great auto mode. The actual gearbox is the same as the manual car the only difference is the clutch is electronically/pump operated rather than using the foot peddle and it really is quite addictive

[Steve Devaney]

Stone Cold said:

Steve just to be clear the SMG on these cars is not an Auto, although it does have a not great auto mode. The actual gearbox is the same as the manual car the only difference is the clutch is electronically/pump operated rather than using the foot peddle and it really is quite addictive

A bit like an old porsche tiptronic type box? Forgive my naivety, but I am only just starting my journey with these cars!

I still think I am 'strictly manual' but stranger things have happened!

[Steve Devaney]

Can someone please quickly cover servicing?
I always have an oil change / service annually on my cars even if I have only done say 500 miles. What are the factory schedules as I have enquired as to one particular car and it seems that servicing was closer to every three years / 10000 miles. Mid sixties on the clock but very few services in the book - should I run a mile or still consider it on the viewings list?
Thanks for your help in advance.

[SS2.]

Running in service.

Oil change.
Inspection 1.
Oil change.
Inspection 2.
Oil change.
Inspection 1.

and so on.

The interval between services depends on time and use - it's typically 2 years or 10k-12k between.

[Steve Devaney]

SS2. said:

Running in service.

Oil change.
Inspection 1.
Oil change.
Inspection 2.
Oil change.
Inspection 1.

and so on.

The interval between services depends on time and use - it's typically 2 years or 10k-12k between.

Ok so three year / 10k gaps is nothing too much to worry about then?
I am coming from an older classic that would have been scheduled for annual servicing so a we bit nervous to see three year gaps.
Oil change should be carried out as a matter of course on inspection 1 & 2 right?

[SS2.]

Steve Devaney said:

Oil change should be carried out as a matter of course on inspection 1 & 2 right?

Yes, amongst plenty of other items.

[Steve Devaney]

I live near Bristol and have heard good reports on Redish - even spoke to the owner James today to line up an inspection for the right car. He filled me with confidence so I hope to do him justice and secure something that he will give the nod of approval,

[Baz Tench]

My coupe has covered 138000 miles now. I've had the rear subframe checked by a recognised indie a few times in the three years I've owned it. Each time it has been given a clean bill of health.

Could be a little overblown?

Edited by Baz Tench on Thursday 16th April 23:30

[Steve Devaney]

Baz Tench said:

My coupe has covered 138000 miles now. I've had the rear subframe checked by a recognised indie a few times in the three years I've owned it. Each time it has been given a clean bill of health.

Could be a little overblown?

Edited by Baz Tench on Thursday 16th April 23:30

Would this be more likely in coupes being that they are more likely to have been tracked or is that just poppycock!?
anyway, I would expect this to be one of the main areas of checking prior to purchase.