Prospective E46 M3 owner - question
Prospective E46 M3 owner - question
Author
Discussion

georgejoshington

Original Poster:

417 posts

188 months

Thursday 21st February 2013
quotequote all
I currently own an E46 330ci, and have been looking to upgrade. Test drove a lovely M3 today, and one thing I immediately noticed was that the clutch 'bite point' was a lot lower than in my car - I stalled it first time I tried to set off.

Now, I know there's plenty of differences between the regular 3er and the M, but was wondering whether this was one of them, or whether perhaps it was a sign of a clutch problem.

Also, to CS owners - is it normal for the alacantra(?) on the steering wheel to flake off?


Johnky1990

140 posts

164 months

Thursday 21st February 2013
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Can't comment on the clutch bit, sorry

Alcantara steering wheel, yes it'll eventually come off if you use the car as daily.

If it's BMW manufacturer quality, it'll last a few years but if it's aftermarket, some would last 3months to 1year.

Alternative way would be to cover the 9, 3o'clock area with knappa leather and the rest with alcantara.

hope that helps

neutral 3

8,177 posts

196 months

Friday 22nd February 2013
quotequote all
Could be a clutch problem if its biting very low off the floor. Check the history file to see if or when it has had a clutch. I havnt yet been able to put many miles on my one, but I have stalled it a few times due to the clutch.

ortontom

583 posts

287 months

Saturday 23rd February 2013
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CS all the way my friend, it should have a alci handbrake too. Clutch yes sounds low, does it slip?

georgejoshington

Original Poster:

417 posts

188 months

Saturday 23rd February 2013
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Nope, no apparent slipping - car felt absolutely fine. Fine enough for me to have bought it, in fact! M3 CS incoming!

Stingercut

217 posts

193 months

Saturday 23rd February 2013
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Thums up to the thinking mans E46 M3 coupe, unless you want to invest in a CSL.

georgejoshington

Original Poster:

417 posts

188 months

Saturday 23rd February 2013
quotequote all
Stingercut said:
Thums up to the thinking mans E46 M3 coupe, unless you want to invest in a CSL.
Would love a CSL but not going to ruin one by using it as a daily!

2skiddy

293 posts

242 months

Saturday 23rd February 2013
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Hi, Could be a sign of the clutch coming to the end of its life. Had a similar problem on mine a coupe of years ago. I did get the clutch slave bled and that got a bit of crap and a slight amount of air out as I don't think it had been bled in a thousand years prior to me acquiring it. This DID improve it slightly, enough to not have to replace clutch, flywheel, etc. Car now sold, but lots of good memories.

blondini

477 posts

204 months

Sunday 24th February 2013
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I went from a 330Ci to an M3 and the clutch was noticeably different.

georgejoshington

Original Poster:

417 posts

188 months

Sunday 24th February 2013
quotequote all
Cheers for the responses, I'm sure it's fine really, just different! Arranging a big RAC check prior to completion anyway so if there's anything about to go pop i'll know about it!

MMT

598 posts

212 months

Monday 25th February 2013
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You can get the steering wheel re trimmed by Jack at Royal Steering Wheels. Loads of people on M3cutters used him with nothing but great reviews.
http://royalsteeringwheels.com/
Also, mines an SMG so doesn't affect mine, but I have read quite a few threads where they recommend the rubber hydraulic clutch hose is replaced with a solid stainless steel one and removal of the clutch delay valve CDV. Neither are deal breakers, but possibly worth looking into at some point.
Good choice on the CS, hope it all checks out ok.

161BMW

1,823 posts

191 months

Tuesday 26th February 2013
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What is the spec and any photographs of the CS ?

georgejoshington

Original Poster:

417 posts

188 months

Tuesday 26th February 2013
quotequote all
161BMW said:
What is the spec and any photographs of the CS ?
Carbon Black, manual, silverstone leather. 40k miles. Lovely. Will get some pics after I pick it up!

cerb4.5lee

42,679 posts

206 months

Tuesday 26th February 2013
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georgejoshington said:
161BMW said:
What is the spec and any photographs of the CS ?
Carbon Black, manual, silverstone leather. 40k miles. Lovely. Will get some pics after I pick it up!
Good stuff thumbup look forward to the piccies.

161BMW

1,823 posts

191 months

Wednesday 20th March 2013
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Bump any photographs of this BMW Park Lane M3 CS :-) ????

Mr Wolf

252 posts

163 months

Friday 22nd March 2013
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Its usually a high biting point that signifies a worn clutch - they self adjust the biting point and then gradually get higher as wear progresses beyond an adjustable range. On a sensibly driven car >100k on a clutch

A worn clutch pipe will likely be the culprit - they stretch and expand when warm and struggle to operate the clutch fully. A good bleed and replacement hose will be the ticket

georgejoshington

Original Poster:

417 posts

188 months

Friday 22nd March 2013
quotequote all
161BMW said:
Bump any photographs of this BMW Park Lane M3 CS :-) ????
Have been too busy driving it to post any pics!

Summary of my last few weeks - An M3 CS is an awesome car. BMW Park Lane would have trouble organising a proverbial in a brewery.