E46 M3 Owner Soon
Discussion
Ok so in one month i will be buying an M3. I have trawled the forums and articles for information.
Here is what i know so far.
Rod bearing issue should have been remedied if it hasnt most likely would have obliterated the engine already?
Subframe issues.. pretty hard to check underneath?? maybe ill unleash my maglite too. but can also lift up the boot lining and check in there?
I fully understand that these cars are approaching 10 years old so wear and tear is to be expected and doesnt bother me.
Now this question i guess will go to SMG owners only before i unleash some huge debate over which is better lol.
If you own an SMG would you ever go to manual and or do you regret going SMG??
As it stands im looking for a Blue, Black or silver with Black Interior. SatNav and Heated Seats
10K Budget.
I already know from reading over and over that condition and obvious signs of a car being well looked after is more important than mileage.
anything ive missed??
Here is what i know so far.
Rod bearing issue should have been remedied if it hasnt most likely would have obliterated the engine already?
Subframe issues.. pretty hard to check underneath?? maybe ill unleash my maglite too. but can also lift up the boot lining and check in there?
I fully understand that these cars are approaching 10 years old so wear and tear is to be expected and doesnt bother me.
Now this question i guess will go to SMG owners only before i unleash some huge debate over which is better lol.
If you own an SMG would you ever go to manual and or do you regret going SMG??
As it stands im looking for a Blue, Black or silver with Black Interior. SatNav and Heated Seats
10K Budget.
I already know from reading over and over that condition and obvious signs of a car being well looked after is more important than mileage.
anything ive missed??
Rod bearing issue should have been remedied if it hasnt most likely would have obliterated the engine already?
Not an issue, dont worry about it.
Subframe issues.. pretty hard to check underneath?? maybe ill unleash my maglite too. but can also lift up the boot lining and check in there?
Impossible to fully check with a maglite, car needs to be up on a ramp and rear end stripped down partially. The cracks are usually fine hairline cracks around the mounting points. Even BMW mechs miss them on inspection. You wont see them from above I'm afraid, unless the arse is hanging out the car.
I fully understand that these cars are approaching 10 years old so wear and tear is to be expected and doesnt bother me.
Normal wear and tear should be expected but there's still clean ones out there. Your first stop should be M3 Cutters.com for a clean well cared for example.
Now this question i guess will go to SMG owners only before i unleash some huge debate over which is better lol.
If you own an SMG would you ever go to manual and or do you regret going SMG??
I have an SMG car and love it. Adds something special to the car IMHO, blips on downchange, changes in 0.8s and has real mechanical feel to it, gives the car a real sense of occasion. Drive both see what you prefer but SMG takes a while to 'learn' before it can be driven smoothly. If the SMG pump goes, budget about 3k fitted from a dealer, mine went last year.
As it stands im looking for a Blue, Black or silver with Black Interior. SatNav and Heated Seats
10K Budget.
10k should get you the spec you want, buy on condition not on miles or age.
I already know from reading over and over that condition and obvious signs of a car being well looked after is more important than mileage.
As above
They are great cars, mine will be up for sale in a few months perhaps but thats if I can bring myself to sell it after spending 12k on her over the last 24 months
Not an issue, dont worry about it.
Subframe issues.. pretty hard to check underneath?? maybe ill unleash my maglite too. but can also lift up the boot lining and check in there?
Impossible to fully check with a maglite, car needs to be up on a ramp and rear end stripped down partially. The cracks are usually fine hairline cracks around the mounting points. Even BMW mechs miss them on inspection. You wont see them from above I'm afraid, unless the arse is hanging out the car.
I fully understand that these cars are approaching 10 years old so wear and tear is to be expected and doesnt bother me.
Normal wear and tear should be expected but there's still clean ones out there. Your first stop should be M3 Cutters.com for a clean well cared for example.
Now this question i guess will go to SMG owners only before i unleash some huge debate over which is better lol.
If you own an SMG would you ever go to manual and or do you regret going SMG??
I have an SMG car and love it. Adds something special to the car IMHO, blips on downchange, changes in 0.8s and has real mechanical feel to it, gives the car a real sense of occasion. Drive both see what you prefer but SMG takes a while to 'learn' before it can be driven smoothly. If the SMG pump goes, budget about 3k fitted from a dealer, mine went last year.
As it stands im looking for a Blue, Black or silver with Black Interior. SatNav and Heated Seats
10K Budget.
10k should get you the spec you want, buy on condition not on miles or age.
I already know from reading over and over that condition and obvious signs of a car being well looked after is more important than mileage.
As above
They are great cars, mine will be up for sale in a few months perhaps but thats if I can bring myself to sell it after spending 12k on her over the last 24 months
The E46 M3 comes from an era where M stood for "man". I have a manual and yes, the clutch is heavy...wife won't ever drive it. Then again I would never want her to drive it.
If you go manual get yourself a short shift kit. I have had mine a couple of months now and it has made the experience so much better. The manual box itself can be a bit notchy when cold. If the gearbox oil hasn't been changed you will want to have that done (it defo isn't oil for life).
Been fortunate to own a fair few decent cars including an E60 M5...the M3 is my favourite of them all.
Good luck with the hunt. You won't regret it.
If you go manual get yourself a short shift kit. I have had mine a couple of months now and it has made the experience so much better. The manual box itself can be a bit notchy when cold. If the gearbox oil hasn't been changed you will want to have that done (it defo isn't oil for life).
Been fortunate to own a fair few decent cars including an E60 M5...the M3 is my favourite of them all.
Good luck with the hunt. You won't regret it.
I have SMG and its great feature of the car.
If the condition is right i would go manual, but would prefer SMG.
Yes subframe is big issue. Under 10 yrs old, no mods, fsh and it should be free repair. I wouldnt buy a 10+ without it being proven no issue. BMW fix around 5k, reddish fix around 1k.
SMG pump goes, but i believe once replaced they are solid. Also i think they can be done for around 800 from an indy.
I also believe 2004 onwards has 12 yr anti corrosion warranty, and will have the csl ecu/dash lights meaning you can enable M-Track traction control if you so pleased.
If the condition is right i would go manual, but would prefer SMG.
Yes subframe is big issue. Under 10 yrs old, no mods, fsh and it should be free repair. I wouldnt buy a 10+ without it being proven no issue. BMW fix around 5k, reddish fix around 1k.
SMG pump goes, but i believe once replaced they are solid. Also i think they can be done for around 800 from an indy.
I also believe 2004 onwards has 12 yr anti corrosion warranty, and will have the csl ecu/dash lights meaning you can enable M-Track traction control if you so pleased.
BritishHam said:
Now this question i guess will go to SMG owners only before i unleash some huge debate over which is better lol.
If you own an SMG would you ever go to manual and or do you regret going SMG??
I'm on my 3rd E46 M3 (Currently a CS) and all have been SMG.If you own an SMG would you ever go to manual and or do you regret going SMG??
I think SMG is fantastic. Imho it adds to the whole M experience and makes the car feel and look that little bit more special. Whenever I have looked at E46 M3's I've only considered SMG ones.
BritishHam said:
It would appear so andrew lol.
I also have 10k and im looking for sensible miles with nice colour combo ie black leather only with sat nav and heated seats.
My plan is to put word around on here to tempt out any members considering moving on.
Good plan!I also have 10k and im looking for sensible miles with nice colour combo ie black leather only with sat nav and heated seats.
My plan is to put word around on here to tempt out any members considering moving on.
Anyone in the kingston, surrey areas need apply!
Don't rule out a high miles one ! As long as the Owner and the History file stack up !
And it Just has to be a manual. I drove one SMG and hated the thing. Plus its heavier, more to go wrong ( and expensive when it does go wrong ) and worse on fuel.
My December 2003 built , 2 owner, manual Coupe has now done 160 k. I bought it last December from another Dealer. I viewed and drove lots before I set eyes on this one. When i rang them, the Garage owner said " You wont be disapointed when you see it "
Well, I got to their Dealer ship in Sussex , and Shaun the owner had been true to his word , he said "wait here and ill bring her round "......., As soon as I saw it, WOW , i knew instantly that I had found the car I had been looking for, for so long. It literally bowled me over, ( only 3 other cars have had me so excited ,( My first of many R5 GT Turbos, my Original 3.0 CSL and my Griff 500 )
I would only consider 2 exterior colors, that lovely pre 2003 Metalic Grey or Carbon Schwartz . I also wanted a Red interior as black is just too gloomy and oppressive. And Kiwi is just , well... Very Different !
However, finding either of the above exterior colors , a manual box AND red leather was like trying to get a Date with Kelly Brooke . So, i found someone breaking an 04 model and bought the complete Red interior, which I am slowly fitting when I get the time.
I really love my M3, but No car is perfect and the M3 is far from perfect, it's way too heavy for a start ( 1580 KGs I believe) The front seats are just unbelievably lardy ( Honda Integra R Recaros are a planned fitment ) and ime leaving out the complete rear seats, to save some weight ).
it just doesn't need a 6 speed box, ( I'm sure it would be a quicker car with 5 gears ) first gear is just waaaaay too short and the gear change isn't particularly nice ( first to second ).
the heater controls are awfull , the electricery operated rear quarter windows are just laughable and there is no way these cars are putting out a claimed 330 plus Bhp.
However, it's just got to be the Best handling rwd car I have driven, throw it into a corner and it just takes it in its stride, the steering feed back is excellent and one recent, fast cross country trip ( In the wet on Contis ) was just fantastic
I can see me hanging on to my M3 for a long time.
And it Just has to be a manual. I drove one SMG and hated the thing. Plus its heavier, more to go wrong ( and expensive when it does go wrong ) and worse on fuel.
My December 2003 built , 2 owner, manual Coupe has now done 160 k. I bought it last December from another Dealer. I viewed and drove lots before I set eyes on this one. When i rang them, the Garage owner said " You wont be disapointed when you see it "
Well, I got to their Dealer ship in Sussex , and Shaun the owner had been true to his word , he said "wait here and ill bring her round "......., As soon as I saw it, WOW , i knew instantly that I had found the car I had been looking for, for so long. It literally bowled me over, ( only 3 other cars have had me so excited ,( My first of many R5 GT Turbos, my Original 3.0 CSL and my Griff 500 )
I would only consider 2 exterior colors, that lovely pre 2003 Metalic Grey or Carbon Schwartz . I also wanted a Red interior as black is just too gloomy and oppressive. And Kiwi is just , well... Very Different !
However, finding either of the above exterior colors , a manual box AND red leather was like trying to get a Date with Kelly Brooke . So, i found someone breaking an 04 model and bought the complete Red interior, which I am slowly fitting when I get the time.
I really love my M3, but No car is perfect and the M3 is far from perfect, it's way too heavy for a start ( 1580 KGs I believe) The front seats are just unbelievably lardy ( Honda Integra R Recaros are a planned fitment ) and ime leaving out the complete rear seats, to save some weight ).
it just doesn't need a 6 speed box, ( I'm sure it would be a quicker car with 5 gears ) first gear is just waaaaay too short and the gear change isn't particularly nice ( first to second ).
the heater controls are awfull , the electricery operated rear quarter windows are just laughable and there is no way these cars are putting out a claimed 330 plus Bhp.
However, it's just got to be the Best handling rwd car I have driven, throw it into a corner and it just takes it in its stride, the steering feed back is excellent and one recent, fast cross country trip ( In the wet on Contis ) was just fantastic
I can see me hanging on to my M3 for a long time.
neutral 3 said:
Don't rule out a high miles one ! As long as the Owner and the History file stack up ! .....
...the heater controls are awfull , the electricery operated rear quarter windows are just laughable and there is no way these cars are putting out a claimed 330 plus Bhp.
Well if you buy a car that's done 160k miles, the chances are alot of that bhp will be lost. Mine made 340bhp on the dyno at Evolve before tuning. So buying a high miler does have a big impact on the ///M experience. ...the heater controls are awfull , the electricery operated rear quarter windows are just laughable and there is no way these cars are putting out a claimed 330 plus Bhp.
BritishHam said:
What spec are you after andrew? Im down brighton way so not a million miles.
Brighton is fine. Simple really. Not black, manual, would like heated seats and less than 90k if I were to put a number on it. Would like the car to be clean as I can't be arsed with paint work again. Oh and a boot floor in one piece! Ideally 2003 onwards too.
I have looked at 2 down this way both silver black interior no sat nav or heated seats in either. One is up for 6k at highdown motors which had thump in first when pulling away also looked to have bilsteins on the back. Drove ok and interior was pretty tidy. Would leave you 4k to straigten it out. The other was 7k at tempest4cars needs new discs and pads but did say they would replace if needs be. They had also touched up the bolster. Has anyone ever used a AA 150 point inspection service before?
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