E46 M3 over 100,000 miles?
Discussion
Would I be crazy to consider an E46 M3 over 100k?
I currently run an E36 M3 EVO track car with some friends in a syndicate which has proven to be very reliable. I am looking for a new daily but am only looking to spend around £7k. I do very little mileage as work from home or sometimes commute to London on the train. As such I am thinking that a higher mileage car wouldn't be such a bad thing. I am considering one which is around 115k but has full BMW main dealer history. I am thinking of running it for a year or so and then possibly turning it into the E36 M3s replacement for track use.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated, especially from those running higher mileage E46 M3s. I am assuming if they are properly cared for that that they should continue to serve their owners well?
Many thanks in advance,
James.
I currently run an E36 M3 EVO track car with some friends in a syndicate which has proven to be very reliable. I am looking for a new daily but am only looking to spend around £7k. I do very little mileage as work from home or sometimes commute to London on the train. As such I am thinking that a higher mileage car wouldn't be such a bad thing. I am considering one which is around 115k but has full BMW main dealer history. I am thinking of running it for a year or so and then possibly turning it into the E36 M3s replacement for track use.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated, especially from those running higher mileage E46 M3s. I am assuming if they are properly cared for that that they should continue to serve their owners well?
Many thanks in advance,
James.
What model? SMG or manual - if SMG id be carefull if only because any issues with the box will be main dealer and expensive.
I ran a 330ci sport to 190k and it was perfect bar a little oil use. Needed a clutch, general servicing and a couple of set of front wishbone bushes (DIY fit) and thats it really. This included a number of trips to the ring and around europe so servicing is the key IMHO.
I would suggest changing the gearbox oil (sealed for life is b
ks!) as it made mine at 100k far smoother and Im sure extended its life! Diff oil to - their both DIYable.
I ran a 330ci sport to 190k and it was perfect bar a little oil use. Needed a clutch, general servicing and a couple of set of front wishbone bushes (DIY fit) and thats it really. This included a number of trips to the ring and around europe so servicing is the key IMHO.
I would suggest changing the gearbox oil (sealed for life is b
ks!) as it made mine at 100k far smoother and Im sure extended its life! Diff oil to - their both DIYable.Edited by S800VXR on Friday 19th November 15:49
My E46 m3 cab has covered 70k now and to be honest fells like it would do another 70k or more no problem.
At over 100k you would expect the suspension to be getting a bit tired,front and rear suspension arm bushes are a known weakness,rear springs also crack usually well before this mileage(mine went at about the 50k mark)so i would expect to see bills for this kind of work done.
If you are only planning on keeping the car for a year or so i would make sure tyres and brakes have plenty left as replacing the lot would cost you around £2k which dosent make much sense if the car is only worth £7k.
Other than that engines and gearboxes etc should still be sound providing it has been properly serviced,also with that kind of mileage it has probably covered a lot of motorway miles which is always better than running around miles.
Also look at the general condition of the car as this gives the best indication of what kind of life the car has had and how it has been treated.I looked at 3 cars previous to the one i ended up buying and they all had much lower mileage but were in worse condition(badly kerbed alloys etc) and im certain i made the right choice.
Best of luck.
At over 100k you would expect the suspension to be getting a bit tired,front and rear suspension arm bushes are a known weakness,rear springs also crack usually well before this mileage(mine went at about the 50k mark)so i would expect to see bills for this kind of work done.
If you are only planning on keeping the car for a year or so i would make sure tyres and brakes have plenty left as replacing the lot would cost you around £2k which dosent make much sense if the car is only worth £7k.
Other than that engines and gearboxes etc should still be sound providing it has been properly serviced,also with that kind of mileage it has probably covered a lot of motorway miles which is always better than running around miles.
Also look at the general condition of the car as this gives the best indication of what kind of life the car has had and how it has been treated.I looked at 3 cars previous to the one i ended up buying and they all had much lower mileage but were in worse condition(badly kerbed alloys etc) and im certain i made the right choice.
Best of luck.
Good info guys. Yep defo looking at a manual out of personal preference but have heard about the SMG issues before. I know a guy who used to sell a lot of E46 M3s and he said he only had issues with the SMG cars.
I guess if I have a good feeling about the car and it's got the correct history then it should be OK. Suspension isn't such an issue as after running the car a year or so and making the track transformation that will all change anyway...
James.
I guess if I have a good feeling about the car and it's got the correct history then it should be OK. Suspension isn't such an issue as after running the car a year or so and making the track transformation that will all change anyway...
James.
Hi James, I`m after the same car as you, for the same purpose of road and track. Is the one you`re after red?
I am after one as a second car for the quieter track days. I think they look like value now and wouldn`t be put off by high miles, just check history and condition.
I am after a non SMG, non sunroof, black interior, and darkish colour. looking to spend around 8 to 9K. I have been to see a couple if you want to PM me.
Cheers, Jon
I am after one as a second car for the quieter track days. I think they look like value now and wouldn`t be put off by high miles, just check history and condition.
I am after a non SMG, non sunroof, black interior, and darkish colour. looking to spend around 8 to 9K. I have been to see a couple if you want to PM me.
Cheers, Jon
10.5K cash and i might sell u mine lol!
52 plate carbon black with new low mileage (39k) engine fitted few months back, New hsd coilovers and ksport BBK less than 5 mths old and corbeau seats also fitted.
Also sitting on rota lightweight alloys and is carbon black manual but has sunroof which can easily be sorted.
52 plate carbon black with new low mileage (39k) engine fitted few months back, New hsd coilovers and ksport BBK less than 5 mths old and corbeau seats also fitted.
Also sitting on rota lightweight alloys and is carbon black manual but has sunroof which can easily be sorted.
We will happily do an inspection for you. Give us a call at www.classicheroes.co.uk
My E46 M3 had just over 159k when i sold it, didnt leak, smoke or feel any slower than my friends 35k-er. Never missed a beat in 20k miles i had it. Agree with the previous post, regular maintenance and a good car will be a better daily runner that a clean looking neglected low miler. Mine had the compulsory 2k oil change and recall on the big ends? Had full main dealer service history....miss that car 
Mines done 80k so far and I'm planning on keeping it for as long as possible, around the 100k mark you are looking at doing some preventative maintenance if you want to keep it for longer (even as a track only car) this thread has lots of good info: http://m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=190111
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