DIY servicing on a E46 M3
Discussion
Hi, I am thinking of buying an E46 M3 after owning many BMWs, I have always serviced my cars myself using genuine parts and oils. Do you guys think if I serviced an M3 myself it would affect the resale value greatly in say two or three years time? Would it put you off buying one? Thanks for your answers.
Are you planning to buy at the bottom end of the price range, or right up near the top?
If it's the latter then you'll crucify the value of the car, however less so at the bottom of the market.
Unless you have the necessary tools, experience, and access to trade price parts, I'd suggest finding a friendly indy for your annual service. I do a lot of the "consumable" side of servicing myself (e.g. brakes, tyres) as well as spot repairs that might be required, however like to keep a receipt from my Indy for the annual service too.
If it's the latter then you'll crucify the value of the car, however less so at the bottom of the market.
Unless you have the necessary tools, experience, and access to trade price parts, I'd suggest finding a friendly indy for your annual service. I do a lot of the "consumable" side of servicing myself (e.g. brakes, tyres) as well as spot repairs that might be required, however like to keep a receipt from my Indy for the annual service too.
I wouldn't have a problem with it if you were to keep detailed service records and use good parts. As suggested though, buy one further towards the bottom of the Market.
If you check what is involved in a insp 2 on an M3 it's all pretty straight forward maintenance except for adjusting valve clearences, and you could always get an Indy to that!
If you check what is involved in a insp 2 on an M3 it's all pretty straight forward maintenance except for adjusting valve clearences, and you could always get an Indy to that!
Ignore any naysayers, they are just mortally wounded by the fact that they know little more about how their cars works than their wife, and resent having no choice but being serverly shafted every single time the car goes wrong!
Just make sure you keep every receipt, use the reset tool so the OBC still knows whats going on etc.
At the age the E46 is getting, you are likely to sell it onto another enthusiast, rather than some rich idiot who just wants the top of the range 3er. If you can answer questions like what were the valve clearances when you last checked, what vicoscity of oil being used, without too much difficulty then it should be ok.
Some people will run a mile from the idea from a DIY car, but there are many out there who respect and look out for it. Just dont do a bodge job!
Just make sure you keep every receipt, use the reset tool so the OBC still knows whats going on etc.
At the age the E46 is getting, you are likely to sell it onto another enthusiast, rather than some rich idiot who just wants the top of the range 3er. If you can answer questions like what were the valve clearances when you last checked, what vicoscity of oil being used, without too much difficulty then it should be ok.
Some people will run a mile from the idea from a DIY car, but there are many out there who respect and look out for it. Just dont do a bodge job!
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