E46 M3 - what to look out for?

[Stitch]

Looking at a 2001 E46 M3 (manual) over the next couple of days that is for sale locally.

Car has done 70K-ish miles.

Does anyone have any advice on what I should be checking when I give the car a once over?

[SavillG]

check the bootwell for signs of corrosion. leaks can occur around rear light cluster with water ending up in the bootwell.

[Original Poster]

Suspension bushes as well I believe?

[AndyFinnen]

Hi Stitch,

I've been told the Subframes can crack if the car is tracked or abused. This is something that is covered by BMW regardless of age or mileage, but not if you've fiddled with the suspension. The same can be said about the Rear Springs.

I was forewarned before buying mine to make a point of checking:

Crankshaft Bearings,
Front Wheel Bearings,
Connecting Arm on the Front Anti Roll Bar,
Bushes,
Clutch (obviously)
Conrod Bearings (pre 03)
Door and Window Seals (sadly i need to replace mine!)

And apparently the auto dimming mirror can degrade in some way, (not sure what happens but apparently you'll know if its gone just by looking at it.)

I got an inspection done on mine, and was really pleased i did, the chap was fantastic. The AA and RAC offer this but do look private as they are nicer and sometimes more thorough.

Hope this helps,

[nottyash]

You have chosen the correct gtearbox so thats a good start.
Coil springs can snap but are cheap, suspension bushes can wear and are pretty expensive Mine failed its MOt with ony 40k miles on & cost me £300 for a new wishbone, check tyre wear too.
Discs and pads are pricey, check for judder at speed when braking on a test drive, about £400 I seem to remember.
Enjoy

[Yanto]

(yawn) another smg-phobe

[Great Pretender]

Yanto said:

(yawn) another smg-phobe

In fairness, I still wish mine was a proper manual, but It's bearable. SMG only really works when you're on it. The rest of the time it's st.

[ortontom]

at least theres an incentive for people who like SMG, there cheaper..

[Karl M3 CS]

I just bought an E46 M3 CS with SMG having gotten rid of my Subaru. The SMG is ace, every car should have it. When you are on it it is amazing, bullet fast and around town you just treat it as a manual with nice easy shifts. I'm very impressed.

[thehos]

can we resist from turning this into another smg vs manual thread? Thanks