buyers guide for E46 M3
Discussion
Hi guys,
looking for some info here - near the end of the year im looking to change my car and the M3 is a possibility.
I would only have 8 to 9k to spend so would be looking at the lower end of the market.
I wouldnt want a SMG, just the normal manual.
What are the main things to look out for and avoid.
Ive read vanos being the main, do they have timing chains? are head gaskets robust? what about diffs and gearbox and clutch?
I think for the money im spending id be looking at an 02 with 100k on the clock..
looking for some info here - near the end of the year im looking to change my car and the M3 is a possibility.
I would only have 8 to 9k to spend so would be looking at the lower end of the market.
I wouldnt want a SMG, just the normal manual.
What are the main things to look out for and avoid.
Ive read vanos being the main, do they have timing chains? are head gaskets robust? what about diffs and gearbox and clutch?
I think for the money im spending id be looking at an 02 with 100k on the clock..
I just sold a 2003 (52) Manual Imola red car with 78000 miles on for £8000. It needed front discs as they were juddering a bit, but other than that it was a good car.
Brakes are costly and tend to last 35000-45000 miles.
Some suspension arms can perish however I believe you can now just purchase the rubbers instead of the whole arm.
I had changed the clutch in mine, as it was notchy and difficult selecting 1st when cold. Its a common problem, not actually the clutch but was changed when it was apart. Its caused by rust on splines through lack of use.
Tyres can be costly, its not worth skimping on them, and if a seller has, then I would avoid.
Scares about subframe cracks, there are companies offering resin injection now though.
Have alook on M3cutters website, lots of info on there, thats where I bought mine from for £9000 about a year ago with 70000 miles on.
Brakes are costly and tend to last 35000-45000 miles.
Some suspension arms can perish however I believe you can now just purchase the rubbers instead of the whole arm.
I had changed the clutch in mine, as it was notchy and difficult selecting 1st when cold. Its a common problem, not actually the clutch but was changed when it was apart. Its caused by rust on splines through lack of use.
Tyres can be costly, its not worth skimping on them, and if a seller has, then I would avoid.
Scares about subframe cracks, there are companies offering resin injection now though.
Have alook on M3cutters website, lots of info on there, thats where I bought mine from for £9000 about a year ago with 70000 miles on.
Ive heard of a few head gaskets, and there is a diff in a local garage off a car which failed. BMW said it happens and its a new diff as components not sold seperatly.
They have a chain, and no Vanos issues on the E46, although there is a cheap filter in the vanos unit which can be easily changed to prevent problems.
They have a chain, and no Vanos issues on the E46, although there is a cheap filter in the vanos unit which can be easily changed to prevent problems.
MitchT said:
chrisdurham said:
Ive read vanos being the main...
I've never heard of vanos being an issue on the E46.Cheers guys.
BOOT FLOOR! have been reading some of these posts! looks horrific. I am wondering how common it is and from what ive read you cant really see unless you drop the diff.
Do BMW only cover cars less than 10 years old? this sounds similar to the issues ive read re the Z3m boot welds and diff bracket.!
BOOT FLOOR! have been reading some of these posts! looks horrific. I am wondering how common it is and from what ive read you cant really see unless you drop the diff.
Do BMW only cover cars less than 10 years old? this sounds similar to the issues ive read re the Z3m boot welds and diff bracket.!
chrisdurham said:
Cheers guys.
BOOT FLOOR! have been reading some of these posts! looks horrific. I am wondering how common it is and from what ive read you cant really see unless you drop the diff.
Do BMW only cover cars less than 10 years old? this sounds similar to the issues ive read re the Z3m boot welds and diff bracket.!
There's a chap up north who will strengthen and reinforce the offending area for around £500. Seems well worth it if you're buying a keeper.BOOT FLOOR! have been reading some of these posts! looks horrific. I am wondering how common it is and from what ive read you cant really see unless you drop the diff.
Do BMW only cover cars less than 10 years old? this sounds similar to the issues ive read re the Z3m boot welds and diff bracket.!
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