Buying an E46 Convertible

[Go Around Thrust]

Hi souls,

I am new this site and new to the world of M3s(go easy on me). I want to get a manual convertible and I am going to view one or two this week. 9-10k budget between 80 to 100 k on the mileage

Just want a couple of pointers.

Is there anything to really look out for apart from engine gearboxe etc that an untrained M3 eye would not spot. I accept there will be costs but just want to reduce my chances of pumping money into one straight away after I buy one.

Just looking for a few of the gotchas associated with them that the more seasoned guys and gals would spot that I might not.

GAT

[Stingercut]

Il cut to the chase. Have a look at the detailed buyers guide on m3cutters.co.uk

I did and a few other specialist sites. I made a detailed bullet point checklist whe viewing any prospective car. Also if you ask on the site above an existing E46 M3 owner may be able to come along and help you inspect if they live nearby.

They are beautiful awesome cars. I love mine to bits. Sometimes it makes more sense to buy one that has been owned and cared for by a true enthusiast. It may cost a bit more but you are significantly less likely to buy a lemon.

Good luck and enjoy !

[Go Around Thrust]

Thank you very much. Had a test drive couple of weeks back (a mate has one) and been in love ever since!

Cheers.

[belleair302]

Check boot for water damage as the drainage holes are located here and do block up
Rear shock top mounts fail, listen for rattle when driving
Open and close the roof to make sure everything works. If it takes longer than 25 secs walk away.
Check all of the hoses leading into the radiator
On test drive listen for rattles from side windows
Make sure side windows drop as doors are opened and closed
Watch out for steering vibration, which could mean warped discs, worn lower front arm bushings etc.
Water pumps fail, a cheap and easy replacement and check water temp sits in the middle of the gauge
Look for accident damage, overspray around body panels and even panel gaps.
Has the clutch been changed
What tyres is is running on?

Hope this helps.

[Welshbeef]

Go Around Thrust said:

Thank you very much. Had a test drive couple of weeks back (a mate has one) and been in love ever since!

Cheers.

It's certainly a nice car to have during the warm weather.

Have you also tried an S2000 well worth doing before you decide would be up to 50% less to buy too. Understand if you'd want a 4 seater or had to have more power worth trying then you can discount it if it's not suitable. But that 9,000 rpm red line with 9,750rpm limiter is nice to hit top down

[Go Around Thrust]

I think anything less than an M3 would be settling for second best, its a matter of choice though but its the M3 for me.

Cheers for the replies guys.

[Welshbeef]

Go Around Thrust said:

I think anything less than an M3 would be settling for second best, its a matter of choice though but its the M3 for me.

Cheers for the replies guys.

You tried the S2000
Or Audi S4, C55 Amg compressor,C32 AMG supercharged

[MarkosGTV]

As mentioned, I'd open close the roof 3-4 times to make sure that's happy, I'd visually check the brakes and tyres as they can cost a lot to change, in a car park try some slow figure of 8 manouvres to make sure the diff isn't noisy, and I'd also check around the front of the rear wheel arches for rust caused by stone chips. Have a check in the boot as mentioned, lift the carpet for any water/rust as the boots can let in water sometimes. Check all the extras it has to to ensure they're all working, look at the rear view mirror to see if it has any spots on it which will mean the LCD dimming feature has failed/is failing.

Best of luck with it, they're a lot of car for the money nowadays!

[Welshbeef]

MarkosGTV said:

As mentioned, I'd open close the roof 3-4 times to make sure that's happy, I'd visually check the brakes and tyres as they can cost a lot to change, in a car park try some slow figure of 8 manouvres to make sure the diff isn't noisy, and I'd also check around the front of the rear wheel arches for rust caused by stone chips. Have a check in the boot as mentioned, lift the carpet for any water/rust as the boots can let in water sometimes. Check all the extras it has to to ensure they're all working, look at the rear view mirror to see if it has any spots on it which will mean the LCD dimming feature has failed/is failing.

Best of luck with it, they're a lot of car for the money nowadays!

Test to see if mirror dims finger over the back of te mirror it has a small sensor.
Replacing the mirror could be £500...

[C350]

Started looking / dreaming at these for a potential purchase in a few months time. Would never have considered a cab before but as a weekend car it seems to make more sense (noise, wind I the hair etc)

It would prob be this or a 996. Has anyone owned both? I'm a life long porsche fan but have owned a 968CS and M5 so have respect for both stables. The M3 appeals because its better for family use (got a 7&9 yr old) but I'm worried that it might not feel special enough. The best thing for both is the shear amount of choice.

[Trellis]

C350 said:

Started looking / dreaming at these for a potential purchase in a few months time. Would never have considered a cab before but as a weekend car it seems to make more sense (noise, wind I the hair etc)

It would prob be this or a 996. Has anyone owned both? I'm a life long porsche fan but have owned a 968CS and M5 so have respect for both stables. The M3 appeals because its better for family use (got a 7&9 yr old) but I'm worried that it might not feel special enough. The best thing for both is the shear amount of choice.

If you buy the right spec I think an E46 M3 Convertible can feel 'special' - mine is a rare individual colour with extended cream leather and all the toys. It looks stunning waxed up in the sun, and sounds great at full pelt through the lanes. No its not a Ferrari, but its 8/10ths of a F355/360 for relative peanuts. It does turn heads and feels special to sit in and drive.

Also - I prefer a really nice specced M3 Convertible over the 996 Cabrio - I personally think the 996 interior is dire.

[Welshbeef]

Trellis said:

If you buy the right spec I think an E46 M3 Convertible can feel 'special' - mine is a rare individual colour with extended cream leather and all the toys. It looks stunning waxed up in the sun, and sounds great at full pelt through the lanes. No its not a Ferrari, but its 8/10ths of a F355/360 for relative peanuts. It does turn heads and feels special to sit in and drive.

Also - I prefer a really nice specced M3 Convertible over the 996 Cabrio - I personally think the 996 interior is dire.

You don't buy a vert if your looking at going 10/10ths.
Frankly the E36 M3 Evo still looks good and fetching sensible money so E46 newer and better and not so much more cash to get one.

[Trellis]

Welshbeef said:

You don't buy a vert if your looking at going 10/10ths.
Frankly the E36 M3 Evo still looks good and fetching sensible money so E46 newer and better and not so much more cash to get one.

I didnt mean 8/10ths in that context. more the overall experience of performance, sound and 'x factor' vs a contemporary ferrari.

[Welshbeef]

Trellis said:

I didnt mean 8/10ths in that context. more the overall experience of performance, sound and 'x factor' vs a contemporary ferrari.

If it's sounds your after what about the S4 v8 vert?

[Trellis]

i'm not after anything!! i'm not the op!!!