RE: BMW M3 (E46): You Know You Want To
Discussion
e21Mark said:
carinaman said:
I wouldn't have ticked the convertible and SMG boxes.
Convertible M3 always seem an odd choice to me. A bit like stiletto running shoes.carinaman said:
Is that Sepang? It's brilliant!The interior is a bit much and puts me off though...
e21Mark said:
carinaman said:
I wouldn't have ticked the convertible and SMG boxes.
Convertible M3 always seem an odd choice to me. A bit like stiletto running shoes.Sadly, BMW had to make them for the posers rather than the drivers....and they've sold shed loads as a result.
Same for the X5M and X6M.....
aeropilot said:
BMW had to make them for the posers rather than the drivers
Enough!Whilst a convertible M3 might not be the ultimate track weapon compared to a tintop, the upsides on a sunny day on the back lanes, when you really want to hear the S54 sing are a worthwhile compromise.
Undeniably handsome too.
Don't get the hate for the SMG box either, was good enough for the CSL...
David - Proud owner of a poser spec E46 M3
dave-the-diver said:
aeropilot said:
BMW had to make them for the posers rather than the drivers
Enough!Whilst a convertible M3 might not be the ultimate track weapon compared to a tintop, the upsides on a sunny day on the back lanes, when you really want to hear the S54 sing are a worthwhile compromise.
Undeniably handsome too.
aeropilot said:
BMW had to make them for the posers rather than the drivers
My brother in law got his E93 M3 purely so he could pose in it and he isn't ashamed to admit it either...the V8 does sound really good with the lid off though whereas in the Coupe you just cant hear it so in that regard it has a benefit.
What's people's views that these cars are now at least ten years old to 17 ish years.
Clearly miles on any of the examples available will be over 100k - do we have specific preventative/required maintenance for the E 46 M3 due to age to keep these great cars going or to be mindful from a cost perspective.
Clearly miles on any of the examples available will be over 100k - do we have specific preventative/required maintenance for the E 46 M3 due to age to keep these great cars going or to be mindful from a cost perspective.
Welshbeef said:
What's people's views that these cars are now at least ten years old to 17 ish years.
Clearly miles on any of the examples available will be over 100k - do we have specific preventative/required maintenance for the E 46 M3 due to age to keep these great cars going or to be mindful from a cost perspective.
17ish? Very much ish, as they were released in 2000!Clearly miles on any of the examples available will be over 100k - do we have specific preventative/required maintenance for the E 46 M3 due to age to keep these great cars going or to be mindful from a cost perspective.
Subframe mounts and cracking
Bushes!
Valve clearance adjustment
Lots of other bits and pieces
They aren't pennies to run or maintain, but nothing that is ludicrous.
MJ85 said:
17ish? Very much ish, as they were released in 2000!
Subframe mounts and cracking
Bushes!
Valve clearance adjustment
Lots of other bits and pieces
They aren't pennies to run or maintain, but nothing that is ludicrous.
Engine mountsSubframe mounts and cracking
Bushes!
Valve clearance adjustment
Lots of other bits and pieces
They aren't pennies to run or maintain, but nothing that is ludicrous.
Gearbox mounts
Air con condensor
All rubber
Wheels bearings all round
Airbag - what's the replacement life on these?
Apart from the common boot floor repair (and replacing subframe bushes while it was off, RTABs had already been done) mine hasn't wanted for anything out of the ordinary in the 2 years I've had it, and that's a 2002 SMG with 113k miles.
Just wear and tear stuff like brake pads/discs, and a couple of services inc. an Insp II with the valve clearances done. Not the cheapest thing in the world to run, but certainly not bad at all for what it is.
Even got a letter in the post last month for an airbag recall... At 13 years old
Just wear and tear stuff like brake pads/discs, and a couple of services inc. an Insp II with the valve clearances done. Not the cheapest thing in the world to run, but certainly not bad at all for what it is.
Even got a letter in the post last month for an airbag recall... At 13 years old
Welshbeef said:
What age will brake pipes need changing
I've got a 2001 E46 330 and it needed a brake pipe last year.I disagree about the costs of running an M3 (I've got an M Roadster as well, so I know the cost of running an M engine
). It depends on who does the labour. Inspection 2 at BMW = £1000+, Indy =£600ish, DIY = £150ish.M cars cost a lot in labour and specific parts prices are more expensive, but not extortionate. Use the TIS and the ETK to find the correct fluids and parts, then use Google to find them for a good price. DIY it and you can run the car for less than the price of a garage-maintained Ford Fiesta
.pingu393 said:
I've got a 2001 E46 330 and it needed a brake pipe last year.
I disagree about the costs of running an M3 (I've got an M Roadster as well, so I know the cost of running an M engine). It depends on who does the labour. Inspection 2 at BMW = £1000+, Indy =£600ish, DIY = £150ish.
M cars cost a lot in labour and specific parts prices are more expensive, but not extortionate. Use the TIS and the ETK to find the correct fluids and parts, then use Google to find them for a good price. DIY it and you can run the car for less than the price of a garage-maintained Ford Fiesta.
If you have space but a second "doner" car a scrap car it will save you a fortune and no doubt you will sell it on for something when you have finished with it. I disagree about the costs of running an M3 (I've got an M Roadster as well, so I know the cost of running an M engine
). It depends on who does the labour. Inspection 2 at BMW = £1000+, Indy =£600ish, DIY = £150ish.M cars cost a lot in labour and specific parts prices are more expensive, but not extortionate. Use the TIS and the ETK to find the correct fluids and parts, then use Google to find them for a good price. DIY it and you can run the car for less than the price of a garage-maintained Ford Fiesta
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