M3 E46 - What do I need to know?
Discussion
Hi all,
Just popping in as I'm fairly much decided an E46 M3 is the next weapon of choice when I've sold my current steed, having a £14-15k budget. The question is, what do I need to know?
Appologies if this topic's been done to death, so with that in mind, I've read through most of the recent topics on here to try and get a feel for things.
But have they told me everything a first time M3 buyer needs to know
Any pointers would be really welcome on things to look for, weaknesses etc.
So far I understand that:
running in sercvice is a must
suspension springs are prone to snapping, and wishbones/alternators are suspect
Vanos problems - what is vanos?
RTAB's - ???
SMG compression springs snapping (I quite fancy an SMG for some reason - how do you guys rate them?)
Sat Nav DVD mk4 is desirable
Inspection 2 service is costly
Facelifted car from March 03
How many different service types are there and at what intervals?
And regarding a BMW extended warranty, are they worth buying (£££) and is there an age limit for a car they will provide one for.
Any other pointers etc would be really appreciated.
cheers,
Leigh
Just popping in as I'm fairly much decided an E46 M3 is the next weapon of choice when I've sold my current steed, having a £14-15k budget. The question is, what do I need to know?
Appologies if this topic's been done to death, so with that in mind, I've read through most of the recent topics on here to try and get a feel for things.
But have they told me everything a first time M3 buyer needs to know
Any pointers would be really welcome on things to look for, weaknesses etc.
So far I understand that:
running in sercvice is a must
suspension springs are prone to snapping, and wishbones/alternators are suspect
Vanos problems - what is vanos?
RTAB's - ???
SMG compression springs snapping (I quite fancy an SMG for some reason - how do you guys rate them?)
Sat Nav DVD mk4 is desirable
Inspection 2 service is costly
Facelifted car from March 03
How many different service types are there and at what intervals?
And regarding a BMW extended warranty, are they worth buying (£££) and is there an age limit for a car they will provide one for.
Any other pointers etc would be really appreciated.
cheers,
Leigh
Three service types, rotate through a repeating cycle. Oil, inspection one, oil, inspection two. Intervals are either milage or every two years whichever is sooner. When the indicator is reset it says 15000, although in reality it's more like 12000. It's worked out by the amount of fuel used, if memory serves it's 2500 litres.
Warranty is worth it for peace of mind, I don't think there is an age limit, but I believe there is a milage limit at 100,000 miles. Price is increased at 60,000miles quite dramatically.
Warranty is worth it for peace of mind, I don't think there is an age limit, but I believe there is a milage limit at 100,000 miles. Price is increased at 60,000miles quite dramatically.
Running-in service at 1,200 miles.
After running-in, next service should be oil service, Inspection I, oil service, Inspection II...
VANOS is more of a problem with E36 M3 3.2 Evos.
VANOS is some sort of variable valve timing technology aimed to produce more torque and gas mileage at low RPM and more power at high RPM.
RTABs = rear trailing arm bushes, don't know if they are a weak point.
SMG = good but don't expect it to behave like a traditional automatic, sometimes a bit jerky, I personally prefer the manual transmission.
Yes Inspection II is expensive, expect to pay £800 to £1,200 from main dealers.
Also I believe there was some sort of engine component recall for 2001 to 2002 cars.
After running-in, next service should be oil service, Inspection I, oil service, Inspection II...
VANOS is more of a problem with E36 M3 3.2 Evos.
VANOS is some sort of variable valve timing technology aimed to produce more torque and gas mileage at low RPM and more power at high RPM.
RTABs = rear trailing arm bushes, don't know if they are a weak point.
SMG = good but don't expect it to behave like a traditional automatic, sometimes a bit jerky, I personally prefer the manual transmission.
Yes Inspection II is expensive, expect to pay £800 to £1,200 from main dealers.
Also I believe there was some sort of engine component recall for 2001 to 2002 cars.
I bought this for £14,950 in the summer:
-56k miles
-9 months of BMW warranty
-Silvergrey/Imola red leather
-16:9 DVD Nav/TV
-SMG
-19" alloys
-Facelift (post Sept-03) = LED rear lights, wider boot handle
-Electric folding mirrors
-4 virtually new Vredestein Ultra Sessantas
-Recently serviced
-FBMWSH
I'd imagine the money should get you a very similar car now.
With regards to your other questions:
running in sercvice is a must
Yup - a different type of oil is used in the engine/gearbox/diff for running in which must be changed at 1,200 miles. More info here: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
suspension springs are prone to snapping, and wishbones/alternators are suspect
Rear springs are prone to snapping, but aren't too expensive to have replaced. Don't know a lot about the alternator issues, wishbone issues are probably just wearing bushes which is common amongst e46s - can't see them needing replacing much more frequently than 50,000 miles or so though.
Vanos problems - what is vanos?
Variable Cam system - problems are rare on the e46 M3, more of an e36 M3 Evo problem.
RTAB's - ???
Rear trailing arm bushes. As with any bush I believe these get a bit worn over time. I assume it's a fairly easy job to replace them. I have replaced them on my e36 318iS with polybushes.
SMG compression springs snapping (I quite fancy an SMG for some reason - how do you guys rate them?)
I had a 330d manual for 3 years before my M3 and it was an absolute must for my M3 to have SMG. IMO, the SMG is very well suited to the aggressive M3 engine when pushed, however it is easy to drive smoothly around town with a bit of practice.
I always found the e46 manual boxes to be a bit sloppy so I fancied a change. I am certain that I made the right choice going for SMG. Auto-blipping on downchanges is great.
SMG is a very marmite thing. Some people love it, some hate it. Do note however that it will take some time to get used to the box (I.e. a few weeks). I hated auto mode at first, but now tend to use it around town - it's good when you get used to it. Always go for the paddles when driving 'properly' though.
SMG actually uses the same gearbox as the standard manual, with a few ancillaries and a pump to change the gears - so in reality it's not *that* complex. Pumps occasionally fail - not sure how much it costs to replace them, I've heard figures ranging from £300-£1,000 at an Indy and in excess of £2k from a dealer. The compression spring can fail - it's a £2 part, but you have to drop the gearbox to fit it. They are generally reliable systems but get a bit of a bad reputation a) from the e36 SMG box which was less reliable; and b) from poor problem diagnosis whereby an inexperienced garage will change the pump, ecu, etc before realising that is something as simple as a compression spring to fix it.
I think SMG is a great all round system - good in stop/start traffic and superb when going 10/10ths. It really adds to the frantic nature of the car when you really push it and think that going for a manual box is a bit of a backwards step. But then only you can decide this - be sure to test drive an SMG before going for one.
I believe it's worth going for regardless of potential issues, in the same way you would go for an M3 over a cheaper 330. I don't see it as an issue if you've got a warranty too.
(I'm rambling now, so will answer any specific SMG q's you have seperately
)
Sat Nav DVD mk4 is desirable
Yup - had this in my 330d and had to have it in the M3.
Inspection 2 service is costly
Yup - £800 or so at a dealer, but remember you will only need an Insp 2 every 4th service, so roughly every 60,000 miles. Insp 1 is around £650, oil service around £150.
Facelifted car from March 03
Yup - there was a very useful PH post a couple of years back which I'll quote:
Mar-01
• E46 Introduced to the UK
• Brushed Titanium replaced by Titan Shadow
• Business Radio with MD added (Europe)
Jun-01
• SMG-II Option Added (Europe)
• 19” Wheels Made Available (Europe)
Jul-01
• 19” Wheels made available (UK)
September 2001 (Model Year 2002)
• SMG-II Option Added (UK Only)
• Seat Width Adjustment Made Standard (UK Spec)
• SatNav Screen replaced with Wide Screen Model
• Auto-On Lights Added as Standard (UK)
• Individual Options permitted (UK)
• Standard Xenon lights upgraded to Bi-Xenon
• Black Gloss Interior trim discontinued (Replaced by Titanium shadow)
• Minidisc Option Added (UK)
Oct-01
• SMG Paddles Changed (Size & Colour of + and -)
Jan-02
• Minidisc / CD option combined with Nav/TV made possible.
February 2002 Changes
• M Racing Strut added to Coupe & Cab
March 2002 Changes
• Brushed Aluminium Interior Trim Added.
• M Rear Wing Spoiler option added (As on 330Ci Clubsport)
September 02 (Model year 2003)
• Cab Central Brake light made clear
• SatNav Control unit upgraded to DVD player.
• Bluetooth Phone Kit added.
• Interior buttons changed from printed to embossing.
• AUX Connections added to TV Unit
April 2003 Changes
• New LED Rear Lights Added
• Silver Grey Paint Added
• Mystic Blue Paint Added
• Steel Grey Discontinued
• Topaz Blue Discontinued
• SMG Logo removed
• Cabs now get "convenience opening"
• Climate Control Buttons changed
• Brushed Aluminium Interior trim added (UK)
• Boot lid handle changed
September 2003 (Model year 2004)
• SatNav CD replaced with DVD including TMC
• Le Mans blue added to Individual range of colours (UK)
September 2004 (Model year 2005)
• TV Module upgraded to digital
• Business CD Head Unit upgraded to play MP3
September 2004 (Model year 2005)
• M3 CS Model Added (Europe)
• Interlagos Blue Paint Added
April 2005 Changes
• Phoenix Yellow dropped
• Laguna Seca Blue dropped
• M3 CS model introduced (UK)
• Interlagos Blue Paint Added (UK)
• 3rd Point seat belt and headrest added
September 2005 (Model year 2006)
• CD Changer upgraded to play MP3
How many different service types are there and at what intervals?
As above: Oil, Insp1, Insp2. The pattern is Oil-Insp1-Oil-Insp2 and repeat. Intervals are roughly 15,000 miles.
And regarding a BMW extended warranty, are they worth buying (£££) and is there an age limit for a car they will provide one for.
It is about £800 for the full warranty, no excess PROVIDED that the car is under 60,000 miles. Above 60,000 and it gets close to £2k I believe. I am just over 60k now and need to renew in a couple of months. I will go for Warranty Direct if I go for anything.
-56k miles
-9 months of BMW warranty
-Silvergrey/Imola red leather
-16:9 DVD Nav/TV
-SMG
-19" alloys
-Facelift (post Sept-03) = LED rear lights, wider boot handle
-Electric folding mirrors
-4 virtually new Vredestein Ultra Sessantas
-Recently serviced
-FBMWSH
I'd imagine the money should get you a very similar car now.
With regards to your other questions:
running in sercvice is a must
Yup - a different type of oil is used in the engine/gearbox/diff for running in which must be changed at 1,200 miles. More info here: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
suspension springs are prone to snapping, and wishbones/alternators are suspect
Rear springs are prone to snapping, but aren't too expensive to have replaced. Don't know a lot about the alternator issues, wishbone issues are probably just wearing bushes which is common amongst e46s - can't see them needing replacing much more frequently than 50,000 miles or so though.
Vanos problems - what is vanos?
Variable Cam system - problems are rare on the e46 M3, more of an e36 M3 Evo problem.
RTAB's - ???
Rear trailing arm bushes. As with any bush I believe these get a bit worn over time. I assume it's a fairly easy job to replace them. I have replaced them on my e36 318iS with polybushes.
SMG compression springs snapping (I quite fancy an SMG for some reason - how do you guys rate them?)
I had a 330d manual for 3 years before my M3 and it was an absolute must for my M3 to have SMG. IMO, the SMG is very well suited to the aggressive M3 engine when pushed, however it is easy to drive smoothly around town with a bit of practice.
I always found the e46 manual boxes to be a bit sloppy so I fancied a change. I am certain that I made the right choice going for SMG. Auto-blipping on downchanges is great.
SMG is a very marmite thing. Some people love it, some hate it. Do note however that it will take some time to get used to the box (I.e. a few weeks). I hated auto mode at first, but now tend to use it around town - it's good when you get used to it. Always go for the paddles when driving 'properly' though.
SMG actually uses the same gearbox as the standard manual, with a few ancillaries and a pump to change the gears - so in reality it's not *that* complex. Pumps occasionally fail - not sure how much it costs to replace them, I've heard figures ranging from £300-£1,000 at an Indy and in excess of £2k from a dealer. The compression spring can fail - it's a £2 part, but you have to drop the gearbox to fit it. They are generally reliable systems but get a bit of a bad reputation a) from the e36 SMG box which was less reliable; and b) from poor problem diagnosis whereby an inexperienced garage will change the pump, ecu, etc before realising that is something as simple as a compression spring to fix it.
I think SMG is a great all round system - good in stop/start traffic and superb when going 10/10ths. It really adds to the frantic nature of the car when you really push it and think that going for a manual box is a bit of a backwards step. But then only you can decide this - be sure to test drive an SMG before going for one.
I believe it's worth going for regardless of potential issues, in the same way you would go for an M3 over a cheaper 330. I don't see it as an issue if you've got a warranty too.
(I'm rambling now, so will answer any specific SMG q's you have seperately
)Sat Nav DVD mk4 is desirable
Yup - had this in my 330d and had to have it in the M3.
Inspection 2 service is costly
Yup - £800 or so at a dealer, but remember you will only need an Insp 2 every 4th service, so roughly every 60,000 miles. Insp 1 is around £650, oil service around £150.
Facelifted car from March 03
Yup - there was a very useful PH post a couple of years back which I'll quote:
Mar-01
• E46 Introduced to the UK
• Brushed Titanium replaced by Titan Shadow
• Business Radio with MD added (Europe)
Jun-01
• SMG-II Option Added (Europe)
• 19” Wheels Made Available (Europe)
Jul-01
• 19” Wheels made available (UK)
September 2001 (Model Year 2002)
• SMG-II Option Added (UK Only)
• Seat Width Adjustment Made Standard (UK Spec)
• SatNav Screen replaced with Wide Screen Model
• Auto-On Lights Added as Standard (UK)
• Individual Options permitted (UK)
• Standard Xenon lights upgraded to Bi-Xenon
• Black Gloss Interior trim discontinued (Replaced by Titanium shadow)
• Minidisc Option Added (UK)
Oct-01
• SMG Paddles Changed (Size & Colour of + and -)
Jan-02
• Minidisc / CD option combined with Nav/TV made possible.
February 2002 Changes
• M Racing Strut added to Coupe & Cab
March 2002 Changes
• Brushed Aluminium Interior Trim Added.
• M Rear Wing Spoiler option added (As on 330Ci Clubsport)
September 02 (Model year 2003)
• Cab Central Brake light made clear
• SatNav Control unit upgraded to DVD player.
• Bluetooth Phone Kit added.
• Interior buttons changed from printed to embossing.
• AUX Connections added to TV Unit
April 2003 Changes
• New LED Rear Lights Added
• Silver Grey Paint Added
• Mystic Blue Paint Added
• Steel Grey Discontinued
• Topaz Blue Discontinued
• SMG Logo removed
• Cabs now get "convenience opening"
• Climate Control Buttons changed
• Brushed Aluminium Interior trim added (UK)
• Boot lid handle changed
September 2003 (Model year 2004)
• SatNav CD replaced with DVD including TMC
• Le Mans blue added to Individual range of colours (UK)
September 2004 (Model year 2005)
• TV Module upgraded to digital
• Business CD Head Unit upgraded to play MP3
September 2004 (Model year 2005)
• M3 CS Model Added (Europe)
• Interlagos Blue Paint Added
April 2005 Changes
• Phoenix Yellow dropped
• Laguna Seca Blue dropped
• M3 CS model introduced (UK)
• Interlagos Blue Paint Added (UK)
• 3rd Point seat belt and headrest added
September 2005 (Model year 2006)
• CD Changer upgraded to play MP3
How many different service types are there and at what intervals?
As above: Oil, Insp1, Insp2. The pattern is Oil-Insp1-Oil-Insp2 and repeat. Intervals are roughly 15,000 miles.
And regarding a BMW extended warranty, are they worth buying (£££) and is there an age limit for a car they will provide one for.
It is about £800 for the full warranty, no excess PROVIDED that the car is under 60,000 miles. Above 60,000 and it gets close to £2k I believe. I am just over 60k now and need to renew in a couple of months. I will go for Warranty Direct if I go for anything.
thehos said:
options!, these affect the price loads, look under the rdio/sat nav for a row of buttons
Agreed, you don't pay *that* much of a premium any more for options either now - if you consider the huge cost that some of them were when new (e.g. £2.5k sat nav).I drew up a spec list and waited for the perfect car to come along. Mine was:
[b]Must have/be:
Black or Silver Grey paint
16:9 Navigation
SMG gearbox
Red/Orange/Lime green/Cream leather interior
Harmon Kardon
Should have/be:
Sunroof if coupe
Facelift (LED rear lights)
19" alloys
Under 60,000 miles
Can be:
Coupe
Cabrio[/b]
Other desirable options are:
-Electric folding mirrors (mine has these)
-Heated seats
-Electric rear blind
Edited by NickXX on Thursday 7th January 21:03
Wow, thanks for the replies 
There is quite a bit to digest and will end up re-reading them many times I think.
Nick, your car looks fantastic and if I can find one as nice I will be a happy chappy. Thanks very much for your comprehensive posts and any more advice, if there can be any more, is most welcome.
I know I need to drive an SMG to find out for myself, I really hope I enjoy it.
.
cheers,
Leigh
There is quite a bit to digest and will end up re-reading them many times I think.
Nick, your car looks fantastic and if I can find one as nice I will be a happy chappy. Thanks very much for your comprehensive posts and any more advice, if there can be any more, is most welcome.
I know I need to drive an SMG to find out for myself, I really hope I enjoy it.
.
cheers,
Leigh
heres mine, advert pic bought in july 09, kw v3's, Ap brakes all round, full Milltek, and a few other non standard extras, plus "every extra" except rear blind. As said above choose a spec YOU want and look for that car, it will turn up, sometime!
Edited by thehos on Friday 8th January 08:16
Edited by thehos on Friday 8th January 08:20
thehos said:
heres mine, advert pic bought in july 09, kw v3's, Ap brakes all round, full Milltek, and a few other non standard extras, plus "every extra" except rear blind. As said above choose a spec YOU want and look for that car, it will turn up, sometime!
Great mods there - do you track it?NickXX said:
A load of really useful stuff that I agree with.
Good post Nick, almost worthy of a sticky and I am with you on SMG 100%. In full attack mode it adds loads to the experience for me. Flipping paddles high up in the revs, the throaty rev, the gear slamming home violently and then the metallic yowl as the S54 goes mental again is where all the fun is for me. It's a different car entirely compared to when I'm pottering about.If only I had a CSL....
NickXX said:
thehos said:
heres mine, advert pic bought in july 09, kw v3's, Ap brakes all round, full Milltek, and a few other non standard extras, plus "every extra" except rear blind. As said above choose a spec YOU want and look for that car, it will turn up, sometime!
Great mods there - do you track it?running in service is a must
Old Wives Tail. Used by BMW to wriggle out of warranty claims
suspension springs are prone to snapping, and wishbones/alternators are suspect
Common Problem! Fit Eibach or similar
Vanos problems - what is vanos?
vanos problems mainly E36
RTAB's - ???
Rear Trailing Arm Bushes - They wear & need replacing!
SMG compression springs snapping (I quite fancy an SMG for some reason - how do you guys rate them?)
spring cost £2, but you have to lower gearbox to replace :-(
Sat Nav DVD mk4 is desirable
Yes!
Inspection 2 service is costly
£700+
Facelifted car from March 03
Yes!t
Old Wives Tail. Used by BMW to wriggle out of warranty claims
suspension springs are prone to snapping, and wishbones/alternators are suspect
Common Problem! Fit Eibach or similar
Vanos problems - what is vanos?
vanos problems mainly E36
RTAB's - ???
Rear Trailing Arm Bushes - They wear & need replacing!
SMG compression springs snapping (I quite fancy an SMG for some reason - how do you guys rate them?)
spring cost £2, but you have to lower gearbox to replace :-(
Sat Nav DVD mk4 is desirable
Yes!
Inspection 2 service is costly
£700+
Facelifted car from March 03
Yes!t
LJTS said:
Probably!
But I've not found any information on the Internet to prove that missing the 1200 mile service will destroy the engine
I think the thing is, different viscosity fluids are used in the engine, gearbox and diff during running in. I think the consensus is that it's not a good idea to have them in the car for much longer than the 1,200 mark.But I've not found any information on the Internet to prove that missing the 1200 mile service will destroy the engine
On a side note, the LSD in the M3 makes it brilliant for getting around in the snow
. It's been getting a lot less stuck than my 318 has been.gotta disagree with Nick..the M3 has been a right useless lump in the snow - smg makes it all the harder without the fine clutch control...
to OP - give the potential car a good test drive, excessive fishtailing/instability at the back under power will usually mean RTABs are on their way out, only last 40,000 if the car is driven hard
make sure the wheels are nice and shiny...many get refurbed by cowboys, only a handful of companies can recreate the diamond-cut effect
the TV's on pre-05 cars dont work anymore unless they've been upgraded
to OP - give the potential car a good test drive, excessive fishtailing/instability at the back under power will usually mean RTABs are on their way out, only last 40,000 if the car is driven hard
make sure the wheels are nice and shiny...many get refurbed by cowboys, only a handful of companies can recreate the diamond-cut effect
the TV's on pre-05 cars dont work anymore unless they've been upgraded
cringle said:
gotta disagree with Nick..the M3 has been a right useless lump in the snow - smg makes it all the harder without the fine clutch control...
to OP - give the potential car a good test drive, excessive fishtailing/instability at the back under power will usually mean RTABs are on their way out, only last 40,000 if the car is driven hard
make sure the wheels are nice and shiny...many get refurbed by cowboys, only a handful of companies can recreate the diamond-cut effect
the TV's on pre-05 cars dont work anymore unless they've been upgraded
Thanks cringle. What is required to upgrade the TV to allow it to receive a digital broadcast?to OP - give the potential car a good test drive, excessive fishtailing/instability at the back under power will usually mean RTABs are on their way out, only last 40,000 if the car is driven hard
make sure the wheels are nice and shiny...many get refurbed by cowboys, only a handful of companies can recreate the diamond-cut effect
the TV's on pre-05 cars dont work anymore unless they've been upgraded
C2look said:
cringle said:
gotta disagree with Nick..the M3 has been a right useless lump in the snow - smg makes it all the harder without the fine clutch control...
to OP - give the potential car a good test drive, excessive fishtailing/instability at the back under power will usually mean RTABs are on their way out, only last 40,000 if the car is driven hard
make sure the wheels are nice and shiny...many get refurbed by cowboys, only a handful of companies can recreate the diamond-cut effect
the TV's on pre-05 cars dont work anymore unless they've been upgraded
Thanks cringle. What is required to upgrade the TV to allow it to receive a digital broadcast?to OP - give the potential car a good test drive, excessive fishtailing/instability at the back under power will usually mean RTABs are on their way out, only last 40,000 if the car is driven hard
make sure the wheels are nice and shiny...many get refurbed by cowboys, only a handful of companies can recreate the diamond-cut effect
the TV's on pre-05 cars dont work anymore unless they've been upgraded
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1429046.htm
Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff