M3 E46 crank bearing failure.

[JonVTR]

'As for the engine itself, it's a tough unit. Some early cars suffered crank bearing failures, but all of these affected cars should have been repaired under warranty or had the engine replaced by BMW. The fault seemed to rear its head at around 30,000 miles, so any very low mileage early M3 should have its history file carefully inspected.'

^^ This is on Pheads Buying guide for the E46. ^^

The question.

We are looking at a 36k mile 2001 'early' car. Now when it states the 'history file' must be 'carefully inspected,' does this mean if we don't find any reference to a repair we walk away from the deal? Because with the car being 11 years old I doubt it’s still an under warranty repair?

And what does 'some' cars means, how do we spot if this one will be effected in future?

And if it isn’t something that can be repaired under warranty what’s the financial damage?

Edited by JonVTR on Wednesday 29th August 12:55

[Nedzilla]

Best bet is to get the cars details and check with BMW to see if the recall has been done.All cars should of been but it some might not have history to prove it.

[JCHill]

Nedzilla said:

Best bet is to get the cars details and check with BMW to see if the recall has been done.All cars should of been but it some might not have history to prove it.

+1

I remember having this (recall) work done on an M3 I had, but I honestly don't remember getting any paperwork from the dealer to back it up. As is today, all the history was recorded with BMW so if an owner can't prove the work I wouldn't walk away until you've at least tried to confirm the situation with BMW.

[benny.c]

I didn't get any paper work with my '02 regarding the recall but BMW confirmed it had been done. As the car you are looking at is an '01, have the boot floor/subframe checked by a good indy as the car will be outside the BMW "good will" period if it's found to have problems in this area.

[Pig Skill]

benny.c said:

I didn't get any paper work with my '02 regarding the recall but BMW confirmed it had been done. As the car you are looking at is an '01, have the boot floor/subframe checked by a good indy as the car will be outside the BMW "good will" period if it's found to have problems in this area.

Me neither but a quick call the the dealer and I got full confirmation.

As for the subframe then that is a major concern. See you are in cheshire - www.mprovesolutions.com

They will check it thoroughly

[JonVTR]

Thanks guys.

Will contact BMW with the registration to check if the crank bearing has been done!

I'm sure we can negotiate some 'good will' if the work needs doing even though its beyond the 10 year cut off, because of the low mileage.

I've heard of the cracked floor and will have it fully checked over before purchase.

[MMT]

Mines a 51 plate and before I bought it I got a letter from BMW confirming that all recalls were up to date. I had it inspected and was found to have early signs of cracks in the chassis. Because it was just outside the 10 year good will period I was told there was no chance of getting it repaired by BMW. I did however discuss the repair with Mprove solutions ^^ and negotiated quite a hefty purchase discount which enabled me to get the car sorted by Mprove. I've read a couple of threads recently on M3cutters of people also being turned down chassis repairs due to the car being just outside the 10 year period.
I would definitely take the car to have it inspected before parting with any money.