Low mileage E46 M3

[rjm8282]

Hi all,

I'm thinking of buying a 2003 m3 that has only done 30.000 miles. The mileage seems very low, is there anything I should worry about or consider?

Thanks.

[krisdelta]

rjm8282 said:

Hi all,

I'm thinking of buying a 2003 m3 that has only done 30.000 miles. The mileage seems very low, is there anything I should worry about or consider?

Thanks.

Hi there - besides the usual checks (depending on if it's a pre / post facelift 2003), make sure it's had it's services on schedule (every 2 years or on the dash indicator), so it should have had or just be due it's 5th service - INSP II (the big one) if my counting is correct

It would be worth checking all the MOT's etc add up, I think you can check some of this online when you have the MOT infront of you on the VOSA website.

Check the A/c
Check the clutch isn't slipping (8 years and lots of little trips?)
Suspension bushes (thumping noises or "exciting" handling).

Can't think of anything else that might be fragile to low miles - but others may have some input.

My recommendation is to buy on condition rather than ultimate mileage - low mileage doesn't mean low running costs. For ref mine has done 70k and is still tight as a drum and has cost peanuts in two years.

Good luck!

[rjm8282]

Thank you very much for your feedback. How long do you reckon an M3's life span is? The reason why I ask because there are a few M3's that have around 70-80,000 miles but are in great condition.

My only fears are clutch life, SMG pump (I would like an SMG) and sub-frame issues?

[krisdelta]

Lifespan is really dependent on how it's used and cared for. Take care of the engine letting the oil warm through before using the revs etc and sticking to the service schedule make a real difference. Thorney motorsport ran one as a racer and that iirc had over 100k on it! Can't comment on smg as I am not personally a fan, but many are: bear in mind you only hear about the horror
stories! My stance running the M was to have £2k stashed away "just in case", but haven't had to touch it. Subframe issues are out there but if the car isn't modded BMW will replace / repair upto 7(?) years old. So in my book nothing to worry about. Vanos issues are pretty rare, and many indies can resolve issues for a fraction of the costs BMW might scare you into believing.

[krisdelta]

ps. Worth a quick search on the subframe thing - can't remember how long BMW cover it for. Plenty of 100k+ milers around, it's a large(ish) capacity engine that doesn't get too stressed so it's not like a tiny turbo unit in terms of longevity. M3Torque is a friendly spot for advice too.

[Mahogany]

M3cutters is pretty good for advice too.

I'm selling my SMG on there and on here if you're interested:

http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showthread.php?t=304...

[krisdelta]

The subframe coverage is 10 years.

[kenchinem]

Hi rjm8282,

I bought an 05 in 2008 and it has proved faultless. As one has said just drive it and see how it feels. A good thing to check is the front disks as they are expensive (£500) and at 30000 miles should still be relatively unworn.

If they are heavily worn then it's a good indication that it's had a hard life, as people don't tend to change them because of cost and hoping buyers won't notice.

Hope this helps mate.

Nem

[AngryApples]

kenchinem said:

Hi rjm8282,

I bought an 05 in 2008 and it has proved faultless. As one has said just drive it and see how it feels. A good thing to check is the front disks as they are expensive (£500) and at 30000 miles should still be relatively unworn.

If they are heavily worn then it's a good indication that it's had a hard life, as people don't tend to change them because of cost and hoping buyers won't notice.

Hope this helps mate.

Nem

Errr

Front discs arent £500 at a decent independent!

I'm assuming the OP wont be taking an 02' car to the main dealer?

[kenchinem]

AngryApples said:

Errr

Front discs arent £500 at a decent independent!

I'm assuming the OP wont be taking an 02' car to the main dealer?

Well my front disc's and pads were fitted by a decent independent, not by a main dealer. Granted they were BMW disc's but I was just trying to give the guy some advice, not start a debate on the price of brake disc's.

Nem

[Nedz]

kenchinem said:

AngryApples said:

Errr

Front discs arent £500 at a decent independent!

I'm assuming the OP wont be taking an 02' car to the main dealer?

Well my front disc's and pads were fitted by a decent independent, not by a main dealer. Granted they were BMW disc's but I was just trying to give the guy some advice, not start a debate on the price of brake disc's.

Nem

Ive just had front pads and discs fitted by my local indy(genuine bmw parts) £465 all in.