E46 M3 SMG PURCHASE
Discussion
The search function is your friend for all you need to know about E46 buying check points, and SMG points.
To add my opinion, however, at the lower end of the price range I would prefer a car that might have a few more miles on it, however is in excellent mechanical condition with a wad of history with it.
Before I bought mine, I was looking at cars with 50-60k miles on them, and little more history than the book with a few stamps for routine maintenance. Many were smothered in "dealer slime" all over the dash and the tyres, and showed evidence of paintwork, without any invoices. I thought my search would never end.
I ended up with my E46 with more miles on it than I initially intended, however it was a very solid and honest car with a filing cabinet full of invoices and bills for every nut and bolt. As many tales of SMG ownership will report, it had needed the SMG actuators and pumps renewing .... This cost the previous owner £3000 (with some other bits and a service) 6 months before I bought the car ..... I'd rather that, than face that bill myself with a lower mileage car.
Running costs are not cheap, and some parts can be scary money (I recently suffered a £500 bill for a new altenator), however my car is approaching 95k miles now and it is tight as a drum, and drives brilliantly. The AP brakes all round go on this weekend
These cars are reliable if they are cared for and all issues are addressed immediately by professionals. Buy one that has been treated like that, and do the same yourself, and you'll be fine ..... Phil Mitchell under the arches, glooping oil from an unmarked drum, is NOT where an M Car needs to be maintained!!!
Most importantly, get some pictures up of your purchase!
To add my opinion, however, at the lower end of the price range I would prefer a car that might have a few more miles on it, however is in excellent mechanical condition with a wad of history with it.
Before I bought mine, I was looking at cars with 50-60k miles on them, and little more history than the book with a few stamps for routine maintenance. Many were smothered in "dealer slime" all over the dash and the tyres, and showed evidence of paintwork, without any invoices. I thought my search would never end.
I ended up with my E46 with more miles on it than I initially intended, however it was a very solid and honest car with a filing cabinet full of invoices and bills for every nut and bolt. As many tales of SMG ownership will report, it had needed the SMG actuators and pumps renewing .... This cost the previous owner £3000 (with some other bits and a service) 6 months before I bought the car ..... I'd rather that, than face that bill myself with a lower mileage car.
Running costs are not cheap, and some parts can be scary money (I recently suffered a £500 bill for a new altenator), however my car is approaching 95k miles now and it is tight as a drum, and drives brilliantly. The AP brakes all round go on this weekend
These cars are reliable if they are cared for and all issues are addressed immediately by professionals. Buy one that has been treated like that, and do the same yourself, and you'll be fine ..... Phil Mitchell under the arches, glooping oil from an unmarked drum, is NOT where an M Car needs to be maintained!!!
Most importantly, get some pictures up of your purchase!
Hi Guys, i have owned an 02 SMG convertable for the last 3 years. It had 40,000 on the clock when i got it and has 51000 today and it still gives me a buzz when i get it out the garage.
The only advise i would give would be make sure you drive an SMG before you buy its an aquired taste.
By the way dont pay 13K for a high miler mine is up for grabs at offers near £14K
The only advise i would give would be make sure you drive an SMG before you buy its an aquired taste.
By the way dont pay 13K for a high miler mine is up for grabs at offers near £14K
joegillett said:
i am in exactly the same position as this and i am struggling to make a decision. is there any way of being certain your not buying a nightmare?
nothing is certain, full service history and lots of receipts, i'd imagine warranty will be hard to find at the £13k price bracket.98k on the clock but looks a cracker, not SMG though...I'm looking for aN E39 M5 but saw this and starting thinking M3.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1478686.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1478686.htm
Edited by Andyt25 on Monday 1st March 21:14
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