E46 M3 running, a rough gauge of parts costs
Discussion
Hi folks,
as one of the motors i am considering is an M3, i have looked into the ins and outs of running one, and i know they are a lot higher than say an equivelant 325 etc, however i was wondering what the rough parts would be for things i have seen go in my old mans E46 318Ci.
The most obvious things i would expect to see over say 3-5 years ownership would be brakes (discs and pads), suspension, specifically ball joints (which i know you can't get spereate, you need the whole arm etc) and regular oil changes\inspection of VANOS etc and of course good rubber as and when.
However other than these things, are there any other things that can require replacement that will be BIG bucks, i.e. over £1-1.5K a time etc
I can do most work myself, including suspension swaps and the like, having done it on many cars including dads E46, but its getting the parts that i am interested in, i.e. can you get high quality aftermarket parts, or are things like suspension arm,s a BMW dealer only option as its a 'M' car?
Also i am looking for a good buyers guide on the E46 M3, does anyone have a link to such a thing.
I have used the search on here, but works PC is being annopying and closing multiple windows!!!
Cheers Folks.
as one of the motors i am considering is an M3, i have looked into the ins and outs of running one, and i know they are a lot higher than say an equivelant 325 etc, however i was wondering what the rough parts would be for things i have seen go in my old mans E46 318Ci.
The most obvious things i would expect to see over say 3-5 years ownership would be brakes (discs and pads), suspension, specifically ball joints (which i know you can't get spereate, you need the whole arm etc) and regular oil changes\inspection of VANOS etc and of course good rubber as and when.
However other than these things, are there any other things that can require replacement that will be BIG bucks, i.e. over £1-1.5K a time etc
I can do most work myself, including suspension swaps and the like, having done it on many cars including dads E46, but its getting the parts that i am interested in, i.e. can you get high quality aftermarket parts, or are things like suspension arm,s a BMW dealer only option as its a 'M' car?
Also i am looking for a good buyers guide on the E46 M3, does anyone have a link to such a thing.
I have used the search on here, but works PC is being annopying and closing multiple windows!!!
Cheers Folks.
Try
www.m3cutters.co.uk
Wealth of knowledge on there and it will answer most, if not all of your questions.
In short, if you are handy with stuff like changing brake discs and suspension then there isn't much in the way of big stuff to worry about other than the rear subframe cracking, which if the car is under 10 years old BMW will sort out FOC. Some dealers are better than others, there is a whole thread on cutters devoted subframe cracks and how various dealers have dealt with it.
www.m3cutters.co.uk
Wealth of knowledge on there and it will answer most, if not all of your questions.
In short, if you are handy with stuff like changing brake discs and suspension then there isn't much in the way of big stuff to worry about other than the rear subframe cracking, which if the car is under 10 years old BMW will sort out FOC. Some dealers are better than others, there is a whole thread on cutters devoted subframe cracks and how various dealers have dealt with it.
Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff