E46 M3 Best spec?
Discussion
Am continuing my search for a sub £14k car, had settled on a 911 (964) but am beginning to think it will be too impractical and hard to find a good one at that price. Therefore am revisiting the venerable M3. Is there anything I should be aware of in terms of options, colours and so on when buying? were there any significant updates during it's lifespan? basically i guess I am asking what year, mileage and spec I should looking for, in the case of the M3 I want to spend a max of £11K, seems doable with what I have seen around. Any advice appreciated!
before you suggest it..I have done a search and found some useful info butnot quite what i was looking for as per above..
before you suggest it..I have done a search and found some useful info butnot quite what i was looking for as per above..
I've also been considering one.
Generally:
- There was an update in '04 which is sought after
- You'll want leather, and a premium is generally paid for Nav
- CS and CSL's are probably out of your price range, but again attract a small and large premium respectively
- There is quite a lot of debate around wheel sizes. 19's look better, but 18's give a better ride. Again, 19's will be more expensive.
- The e46 in general has issues with subframe failures. < 10 yrs old and BMW will fix failures for free. You'll want to make sure it's been done already or is sound.
- Coupe's are generally more expensive than Verts (and handle better)
Generally:
- There was an update in '04 which is sought after
- You'll want leather, and a premium is generally paid for Nav
- CS and CSL's are probably out of your price range, but again attract a small and large premium respectively
- There is quite a lot of debate around wheel sizes. 19's look better, but 18's give a better ride. Again, 19's will be more expensive.
- The e46 in general has issues with subframe failures. < 10 yrs old and BMW will fix failures for free. You'll want to make sure it's been done already or is sound.
- Coupe's are generally more expensive than Verts (and handle better)
yajeed said:
I've also been considering one.
Generally:
- There was an update in '04 which is sought after
- You'll want leather, and a premium is generally paid for Nav
- CS and CSL's are probably out of your price range, but again attract a small and large premium respectively
- There is quite a lot of debate around wheel sizes. 19's look better, but 18's give a better ride. Again, 19's will be more expensive.
- The e46 in general has issues with subframe failures. < 10 yrs old and BMW will fix failures for free. You'll want to make sure it's been done already or is sound.
- Coupe's are generally more expensive than Verts (and handle better)
- The wheels are difficult to keep looking new (so look for reconditioned), and you often find paint peel on the wing mirrors plus the normal road rash on the front.
How about this one (if you don't mind a vert): http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showthread.php?t=503...Generally:
- There was an update in '04 which is sought after
- You'll want leather, and a premium is generally paid for Nav
- CS and CSL's are probably out of your price range, but again attract a small and large premium respectively
- There is quite a lot of debate around wheel sizes. 19's look better, but 18's give a better ride. Again, 19's will be more expensive.
- The e46 in general has issues with subframe failures. < 10 yrs old and BMW will fix failures for free. You'll want to make sure it's been done already or is sound.
- Coupe's are generally more expensive than Verts (and handle better)
- The wheels are difficult to keep looking new (so look for reconditioned), and you often find paint peel on the wing mirrors plus the normal road rash on the front.
Seems the facelift was late '03, not '04 as I previously said.
yajeed said:
I've also been considering one.
Generally:
- There was an update in '04 which is sought after
April 2003, so most 03 and 53 plates will be updated. Quick ways to tell (assume coupe) - LED lights on the back (often added aftermarket), wider bootlid handle, silver grey/mystic blue paint. Lift bonnet and check build date to be sure.Generally:
- There was an update in '04 which is sought after
essayer said:
April 2003, so most 03 and 53 plates will be updated. Quick ways to tell (assume coupe) - LED lights on the back (often added aftermarket), wider bootlid handle, silver grey/mystic blue paint. Lift bonnet and check build date to be sure.
yup, just discovered that when looking at an advert (above). yajeed said:
How about this one (if you don't mind a vert): http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showthread.php?t=503...
Seems the facelift was late '03, not '04 as I previously said.
Would rather avoid drop tops... but thanks for pointing it out...Seems the facelift was late '03, not '04 as I previously said.
To quote an old PH thread:
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
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
yajeed said:
kchika said:
The facelift came in from March '03, not April. I know this because mine is a March '03 build and it's a facelift. £11-14k can get you into a CS or a very nice '04 (or even '05) low mileage example.
But his maximum spend is 11k for an M3 isn't it? Don't be so quick as to rule out the SMG - people who tend to bemoan it haven't owned one, much less driven one for more than 10 minutes. I have an E46 M3 SMG and at first I was apprehensive of it, but in all honesty, I much prefer it to the manual cars I've owned before.
Also, the M3 has had plenty of upgrades in its past, but buy on condition, and not on toys. Some upgrades can be found on older cars - for example mine is a 2003 (52) registered M3, but has the LED rear lights, the DICE system (and is facelifted too). If you find a well looked-after example that perhaps hasn't got folding mirrors or an MP3 CD player, is it really worth ignoring it and sifting through a sea of abused cars?
Also, the M3 has had plenty of upgrades in its past, but buy on condition, and not on toys. Some upgrades can be found on older cars - for example mine is a 2003 (52) registered M3, but has the LED rear lights, the DICE system (and is facelifted too). If you find a well looked-after example that perhaps hasn't got folding mirrors or an MP3 CD player, is it really worth ignoring it and sifting through a sea of abused cars?
The only real difference in the facelift is the LED lights...
Most pre facelifts have them on now anyway, so no real difference. Everything else is pretty much the same.
There was chat about engines on the post facelifts, but there was a recall for this and sorted. So no big deal.
Defo buy on condition and what you want. I went to see plenty of 2003+ low mileage examples which ended up being dogs or having little spec. In the end, i ended up paying a good bit less for a 2002 car which full spec and a bit more mileage. This car was in 100x better condition than the others....... i urge you to do the same.
11k will buy you some nice examples. Best to look on the owners clubs instead of pistonheads, generally they are better priced and better spec'd cars and reasonable prices. Have a look, i know mine is up on these clubs for sale at MUCH less than the 11k you have there, along with quite a few others post AND pre facelift cars with low mileage.
SMG, dont rule it out. I love mine, Soooo good on open roads and on blasts. Its not as good as a proper auto in town, and its not as good as a manual either. Not the best, but definatly livable, and you get used to it, and are soon able to drive it properly in town.
http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showthread.php?t=503...
http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showthread.php?t=496...
http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showthread.php?t=485...
As for spec, best ones... SatNav, leather (pretty much all have full leather), 19's and heated seats seem to be the main ones i would be looking for.
Most pre facelifts have them on now anyway, so no real difference. Everything else is pretty much the same.
There was chat about engines on the post facelifts, but there was a recall for this and sorted. So no big deal.
Defo buy on condition and what you want. I went to see plenty of 2003+ low mileage examples which ended up being dogs or having little spec. In the end, i ended up paying a good bit less for a 2002 car which full spec and a bit more mileage. This car was in 100x better condition than the others....... i urge you to do the same.
11k will buy you some nice examples. Best to look on the owners clubs instead of pistonheads, generally they are better priced and better spec'd cars and reasonable prices. Have a look, i know mine is up on these clubs for sale at MUCH less than the 11k you have there, along with quite a few others post AND pre facelift cars with low mileage.
SMG, dont rule it out. I love mine, Soooo good on open roads and on blasts. Its not as good as a proper auto in town, and its not as good as a manual either. Not the best, but definatly livable, and you get used to it, and are soon able to drive it properly in town.
http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showthread.php?t=503...
http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showthread.php?t=496...
http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showthread.php?t=485...
As for spec, best ones... SatNav, leather (pretty much all have full leather), 19's and heated seats seem to be the main ones i would be looking for.
My take on options:
Nav Even with 2012 maps on mine, I find my Garmin better
H/K Got it on my 330i but not on my M3. Don't feel too much of a difference tbh. Even the standard audio system on my dad's Audi A6 (C6) sounds 100 times better.
Heated seats Wonderful, most cars have them anyway
Rear sunblind Rare as hen's teeth, but prone to failure (comes up and won't go back down)
Sunroof, 18s vs 19s, colours and trims Personal preference... I wanted M Alcantara on my M3 but in over four months of searching I've only seen two cars with those seats for sale. One wanted crazy money and the other's been f
ked around.
Like others have said, buy on condition. I would buy on a well cared for low-spec car rather than a fully loaded one with all the toys but with patchy history.
Nav Even with 2012 maps on mine, I find my Garmin better
H/K Got it on my 330i but not on my M3. Don't feel too much of a difference tbh. Even the standard audio system on my dad's Audi A6 (C6) sounds 100 times better.
Heated seats Wonderful, most cars have them anyway
Rear sunblind Rare as hen's teeth, but prone to failure (comes up and won't go back down)
Sunroof, 18s vs 19s, colours and trims Personal preference... I wanted M Alcantara on my M3 but in over four months of searching I've only seen two cars with those seats for sale. One wanted crazy money and the other's been f
ked around.Like others have said, buy on condition. I would buy on a well cared for low-spec car rather than a fully loaded one with all the toys but with patchy history.
Does this seem a bit pricy? 2006 CS but mileage is not low..
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3663404.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3663404.htm
jackpe said:
Does this seem a bit pricy? 2006 CS but mileage is not low..
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3663404.htm
Out of interest to all but mainly to the OP:http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3663404.htm
Would you honestly prefer to be driving around in a BMW M3 than a Porsche 911??
Naturally if you need to fit adults in the back the M3 would win.
jackpe said:
Does this seem a bit pricy? 2006 CS but mileage is not low..
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3663404.htm
It looks very nice. The seller seems pretty genuine too. The price seems about right.http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3663404.htm
Mileage is fairly irrelevant to me (I've just bought one on 127k), so as everyone else has said, buy on condition and service history.
I think the later ones on 06 plates fall into the higher rfl bracket, if that bothers you. I could be wrong on that one though....
jackpe said:
Does this seem a bit pricy? 2006 CS but mileage is not low..
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3663404.htm
Slightly o/t, but in that advert the seller says that BMW bolted two i6 engines together to create the V12 in the McLaren F1. Is this true? Obviously, it's not going to be the S54, but that's an interestingly useless bit of trivia.http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3663404.htm
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