Buying an E46 smg m3 what to look for

[RetroTed]

Hi all, I'm sorry I know that this has most likely been done to death but here I am

I'm looking at an 2003 plate smg on tomorrow. Cars covered 120k good history new smg pump and service. Tje rod bearings and vanos haven't been touched
So what am I looking for in regards to boot floors, how and where to look, a working vanos and correct gear changes etc. I've asked for a cold start up when I turn up, should it be quiet or a slight mileage related rattle upon start up
All advice will be greatly appreciated
Looking forward to seeing it

[jon-yprpe]

Lift boot floor carpet - look for rust in the battery box and boot floor along the seams. That’s just for rust, get a specialist to check the RCAP
If it hasn’t been done.

If you can get it raised at the back look around the damper top mounts and condition generally.

Hand under the rear arch, what are the lips like, are they full of compacted mud, how is the inner arch above. Be wary of any rust bubbles on the outside, it will be worse inside.

Most importantly look under the sill covers if you can - look underneath around the jacking points if you can get the seller to remove the covers.

I learnt the hard way...