Discussion
Hi,
I am looking to buy an E46 M3 (around 2004) but have never owned an M3 before and would be grateful for any advice.
I have seen a potential one at an independent dealer but was wondering if it would be better to stick to a BMW dealer? If using an independant dealer is it enough to do an HPI check and PPI or should I try and avoid this route (not sure I would be able to pick up many issues by inspecting the car myself).
Cheers
I am looking to buy an E46 M3 (around 2004) but have never owned an M3 before and would be grateful for any advice.
I have seen a potential one at an independent dealer but was wondering if it would be better to stick to a BMW dealer? If using an independant dealer is it enough to do an HPI check and PPI or should I try and avoid this route (not sure I would be able to pick up many issues by inspecting the car myself).
Cheers
Awesome car , i owned a cab for 4 years and it never missed a beat.
Lots out there , so you can afford to be picky.
Full Service History is a a must (good/recommended independent stamps are fine). if it has not had the 1200 mile service stamp, then walk away. i wouldn't worry too much about a BMW warranty , just get the car checked over and a good after market warranty if that's what you prefer.
Personally, once my BMW warranty ran out i banked the cash and it more than covered any issues i had with the car.
Check out a car with an SMG gearbox , i loved it , although i do understand why it's not for everyone. You need to see if you get on with it ok.
Lots out there , so you can afford to be picky.
Full Service History is a a must (good/recommended independent stamps are fine). if it has not had the 1200 mile service stamp, then walk away. i wouldn't worry too much about a BMW warranty , just get the car checked over and a good after market warranty if that's what you prefer.
Personally, once my BMW warranty ran out i banked the cash and it more than covered any issues i had with the car.
Check out a car with an SMG gearbox , i loved it , although i do understand why it's not for everyone. You need to see if you get on with it ok.
AZB said:
Many thanks. I think I'm already sold on the SMG gearbox.
Any idea of the best company for a PPI or all they all petty much the same, and any thoughts on the after sales warranties. (have been offered one by a company called customer protect).
Cheers
Stick with the BMW Warranty. There is none better.Any idea of the best company for a PPI or all they all petty much the same, and any thoughts on the after sales warranties. (have been offered one by a company called customer protect).
Cheers
I dont know what your budget is, but spend good money & get a nice one.
10k M3's are usually s
tters, you may get lucky, but chances are you won't.They're nice cars, but you already know that as you're looking to buy one 
The leather drivers seat bolsters tend to wear, a look at that is a good way to confirm a low miler.
I saw one with rust where the front wing joint the sills, so they're not immune, so have a good look.
They're also very very prone to snapping suspension springs, so get all of them checked.
Obviously they haven't been bought to have an easy life, so they'll have been given beans, give them a thorough check on all the bits and pieces that can have a hard life, bushes, tyres, wheels etc.
The leather drivers seat bolsters tend to wear, a look at that is a good way to confirm a low miler.
I saw one with rust where the front wing joint the sills, so they're not immune, so have a good look.
They're also very very prone to snapping suspension springs, so get all of them checked.
Obviously they haven't been bought to have an easy life, so they'll have been given beans, give them a thorough check on all the bits and pieces that can have a hard life, bushes, tyres, wheels etc.
E46 M3's are great cars, owned mine for 5 years now.
Servicing is between 10-15K miles depending on how you drive the car. trip computer tells you how many miles until the next service.
Oil Service £160+
Inspection I £620+
Inspection II £820+
Fuel consumption - 21 mpg average (30 mpg motorway cruising)
Tyres can cost from £600-1200 set depending on brand
Look out for the following:
RTAB - wear after 40-60K miles. fit new ones with limiters
SMG Relay - can burn out after a 50K miles, carry a spare one (£5)
SMG Pump - can fail after 60-70K miles (usually solenoid) expensive to fix (new pump £1200 + fitting)
Suspension - wears out, after 60K miles. Coilovers are a preferred replacement
Subframe - prone to cracks in the rear boot floor pan area
Brake Discs - can warp, £300 pair + fitting
Brake Calipers - Front calipers can seize
Wheel Alignment - needs checking that it's within tolerance
Seat Bolster - wears on the outside edge
Rear Springs - prone to failure (fit Eibach etc)
Alloys - Easy to kerb!!!
BMW parts are expensive but you can get cheap OEM parts from Bmminiparts
Servicing is between 10-15K miles depending on how you drive the car. trip computer tells you how many miles until the next service.
Oil Service £160+
Inspection I £620+
Inspection II £820+
Fuel consumption - 21 mpg average (30 mpg motorway cruising)
Tyres can cost from £600-1200 set depending on brand
Look out for the following:
RTAB - wear after 40-60K miles. fit new ones with limiters
SMG Relay - can burn out after a 50K miles, carry a spare one (£5)
SMG Pump - can fail after 60-70K miles (usually solenoid) expensive to fix (new pump £1200 + fitting)
Suspension - wears out, after 60K miles. Coilovers are a preferred replacement
Subframe - prone to cracks in the rear boot floor pan area
Brake Discs - can warp, £300 pair + fitting
Brake Calipers - Front calipers can seize
Wheel Alignment - needs checking that it's within tolerance
Seat Bolster - wears on the outside edge
Rear Springs - prone to failure (fit Eibach etc)
Alloys - Easy to kerb!!!
BMW parts are expensive but you can get cheap OEM parts from Bmminiparts
Edited by LJTS on Friday 3rd September 15:58
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