Help please...M3

[cammy]

I am about to buy a second hand M3 imminently i.e. end of the month, a 2002 model. A need a more subtle car for my work (i currently have a cerbera), and space for my 7 month old boy but still serious oomph. I would appreciate some info from you guys regarding common faults, things to look for, general cost of servicing (hidden costs) and comments on manual or SMG.

All comments will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[M3EVO]

If I remember correct there were issues with the early cars regarding the valves sticking and hitting pistons which required the engine replacing under warranty. Can someone else confirm this or was I sleep reading BMW Car magazine again. I suppose look for track abuse/ hard road abuse/ crash damage. I dont know of anyone complaining of Vanos/track control bush failure however it is still early days.

Nice car, shame I can't afford to upgrade yet.

[steve.holmes]

Great car, huge fun and a good family compromise. I am having tyre probs (see posting) only other issue was broken throttle pedal (?) they seem a bit fragile.

[Droid42]

Have had mine for nearly two years now. The only major fault I've suffered in all that time was from a manufacturing fault (grains of sand in an oil channel) rather than from any design fault.

There was a batch of engines towards the end of 2001 which allegedly suffered most of the highly-publicised engine failures. This was apparently due to a manufacturing fault (out of tolerance part). My engine was an early one (May 2001) and has been utterly bullet-proof for all of its 39,000 miles. This includes a few trackdays too.

There have been occasional teething problems with SMG with some hydraulic failures but they seem to be the exception rather than the rule.

No other major problems as far as I'm aware.

Go to www.bm3w.co.uk for the best E46 M3 information.

Ian.

[Zod]

I'm on my second (the first was stolen by some utter W&*@#ers - story is at www.bm3w.co.uk) and have had no problems apart from a handbrake that needed tightening.

My first was a manual and the second is SMG. I wouldn't really recommend one over the other as each has advantages and disadvantages and the car is fantastic with both.

Come and join us at bm3w for more advice.

PS this is my first post at PH, so hello

>> Edited by Zod on Saturday 8th March 22:28

[cammy]

Just bought a brand new Silver M3 yesterday,it had to done! Delivery before the end of the month and I can't wait!