e46 m3

[gaz1234]

finally bought one of these.

is there anything i should be checking on an 54' plate manual (i know its a bit late...)?

[Nords]

Std stuff as mentioned elsewhere. BMW Warranty? First service at 1200 miles plus or minus 500 or so...

[scottri]

Rear springs have a habit of snapping so worth checking them.

[BalhamBadger]

Check the buyer's guide on M3 Cutters - gives a list of things to look for.

[tjw110]

Coupe or vert? What were you driving before?

[gaz1234]

ah yes, know about the springs and running in....
was in a 330..

[The Ferret]

You may want to check that your subframe hasn't cracked.

And if it has, get it down to the local dealer (less any modifications) for a free replacement.

Other than that its mainly consumables, if it's been well looked after it should be very reliable.

[ritch7]

the biggest thing to check on these cars is the to see if subframe is ok and has no cracks, this is a common problem on these cars.

[gaz1234]

how do i check this myself?
will bmw check it for free?

[Davidonly]

Get it checked by an Indy, up to 10-years old and un-modified is fully covered but for some reason BMW dealers seem unable to spot the issue for you!

Mine was OK 12months ago when last checked at 51k miles (04 plate). I hope it does crack actually then I can keep it for another 5 years knowing a new subframe is fitted.

[DMT84]

Rear trailing arm bushes. Get them replaced and a limiter kit fitted. Bushes should be changed every 15,000 miles or so to keep the back end feeling tight, most owners don't. As said, check for any cracking on the rear springs as well, the originals were ridiculously fragile.

[gaz1234]

DMT84 said:

Rear trailing arm bushes. Get them replaced and a limiter kit fitted. Bushes should be changed every 15,000 miles or so to keep the back end feeling tight, most owners don't. As said, check for any cracking on the rear springs as well, the originals were ridiculously fragile.

this?
which does?
http://www.cslregister.com/forum/showthread.php?t=...

[gaz1234]

Davidonly said:

Get it checked by an Indy, up to 10-years old and un-modified is fully covered but for some reason BMW dealers seem unable to spot the issue for you!

Mine was OK 12months ago when last checked at 51k miles (04 plate). I hope it does crack actually then I can keep it for another 5 years knowing a new subframe is fitted.

do different alloys mean standard?

[Davidonly]

gaz1234 said:

do different alloys mean standard?

You mean aftermarket wheels = non-standard? I don't know really, but if offsets are standard and they are 18 or 19 inch should be OK...?

[gaz1234]

Davidonly said:

You mean aftermarket wheels = non-standard? I don't know really, but if offsets are standard and they are 18 or 19 inch should be OK...?

yea 19" csl's