E46 m3 collectability
Discussion
Yep I have a 54 plate facelift and one of my bearings spun on around 125k miles. Bent the crankshaft and cost £4K to fix, well gutted I hadn’t spent a grand changing the bearings as preventative maintenance!
Plenty of later cars than mine have had them go too. At the end of the day it’s a high revving powerful engine and the bearings are taking the brunt of that.
Plenty of later cars than mine have had them go too. At the end of the day it’s a high revving powerful engine and the bearings are taking the brunt of that.
Just to add some balance to the force, I had the rod bearings replaced by ETA Motorsport at about 130k miles, where probably the last 20k have either been on track or driven to and from track. They came out looking like new, but the car has had the privilege of more regular servicing and preventative maintenance including oil changes due to it's lifestyle.
Thinking my car was long in the tooth, I met another E46 M3 owner who was on 170k at Snetterton, his car was running sweetly.
I'm not sure catastrophic failure is a given for all engines, but programming the CSL warm up lights is probably a good failsafe (oil temp) rather than the standard water temp markers.
Thinking my car was long in the tooth, I met another E46 M3 owner who was on 170k at Snetterton, his car was running sweetly.
I'm not sure catastrophic failure is a given for all engines, but programming the CSL warm up lights is probably a good failsafe (oil temp) rather than the standard water temp markers.
reggie82 said:
Oh yeah I totally agree, it’s not a given the bearings will go, but if you compare the likelihood with outcome, it’s well worth doing in my opinion.
My thinking was they will fail at some point and I don't fancy facing the bill if they do. 
Plus buying on 76K as a keeper I know they will need doing during my ownership, so I might as well have the peace of mind of knowing they have been done!
And as my car has had 7 previous owners that increases the likelihood of the car getting given the beans before it was properly warmed up, which seems to contribute to bearing wear.
A nice, low mileage example will always make reasonable money. If you can get one in that condition they can give a lot of pleasure - but they are still old cars and demand upkeep. There always comes a point where expense can't be avoided – and if timing is wrong there can be a lot to shell out for.
Conceptually, I think they are peak BMW – and still plentiful enough to keep values down.
Conceptually, I think they are peak BMW – and still plentiful enough to keep values down.
I would say these are a sure fire banker to go up, as the pool shrinks through high cost repairs, those remaining will go up. Of course low milers more certaintity of reaching the levels of e30 M3, in another 20 odd years, but those with high miles but well maintained will appeal to those who want to drive it and not be worried about the speedo reading. Tempted especially by the classic combo of manual, coupe, no sunroof.
r4_rick said:
I would say these are a sure fire banker to go up, as the pool shrinks through high cost repairs, those remaining will go up. Of course low milers more certaintity of reaching the levels of e30 M3, in another 20 odd years, but those with high miles but well maintained will appeal to those who want to drive it and not be worried about the speedo reading. Tempted especially by the classic combo of manual, coupe, no sunroof.
Funny you say that as it's largely what led me to my Z4M Coupe with the same engine! Sunroof was never an option and they were only ever manual. Plus the UK only got about 600 of them, so they have rarity on their side.
But if you would ever need rear seats that is where the M3 fits the bill!
People who are saying they won’t hit e30 m3 prices haven’t considered what e30 m3s were selling for when 20 years old. I know there are far more of these but they do appeal to far more people.
A low mileage silverstone coupe was advertised for over £26k recently and it’s gone. If you had said that 5 years ago, you’d be laughed at.
I’d either want a low mikes car or one which had the underside refreshed as they’re showing signs of age.
Doing the subframe, removing the underbody components and refreshing/replacing where needed can cost several £thousand.
A low mileage silverstone coupe was advertised for over £26k recently and it’s gone. If you had said that 5 years ago, you’d be laughed at.
I’d either want a low mikes car or one which had the underside refreshed as they’re showing signs of age.
Doing the subframe, removing the underbody components and refreshing/replacing where needed can cost several £thousand.
Funny one the e46, because when you remove the engine what makes them so special?
By most counts a basic boxster is a better drivers car and a z4m has the same engine in a more exciting, rarer and lighter package. I appreciate the m3 is more practical but can a car really become a classic on everyday usability? Most classics seem to be very rare or good/outrageous with regards to a few things rather than a jack of all trades, but maybe I'm missing something?
By most counts a basic boxster is a better drivers car and a z4m has the same engine in a more exciting, rarer and lighter package. I appreciate the m3 is more practical but can a car really become a classic on everyday usability? Most classics seem to be very rare or good/outrageous with regards to a few things rather than a jack of all trades, but maybe I'm missing something?
thegermancarguy said:
People who are saying they won’t hit e30 m3 prices haven’t considered what e30 m3s were selling for when 20 years old. I know there are far more of these but they do appeal to far more people.
A low mileage silverstone coupe was advertised for over £26k recently and it’s gone. If you had said that 5 years ago, you’d be laughed at.
I’d either want a low mikes car or one which had the underside refreshed as they’re showing signs of age.
Doing the subframe, removing the underbody components and refreshing/replacing where needed can cost several £thousand.
supply vs demand - A low mileage silverstone coupe was advertised for over £26k recently and it’s gone. If you had said that 5 years ago, you’d be laughed at.
I’d either want a low mikes car or one which had the underside refreshed as they’re showing signs of age.
Doing the subframe, removing the underbody components and refreshing/replacing where needed can cost several £thousand.
E30 M3 - 5000 built worldwide
E46 M3 - 86000~
It's just not going to happen, and if it does it won't be in our lifetime. I think its a safe place to put your money (compared to any ICE car) but don't expect E30 M3 prices, EVER.
E30 m3s were cheap arrond 2006/2007. I bought one at a shade over 3k but it has taken best part of 12 years to get to where they are now. Who knows what crack pot laws will effect cars over the next 12 years. If you have any classic now just drive it and enjoy it will you can. You remember the cars you drove not the ones you parked up in case they made money.
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