Looking to buy e46 m3 have some questions....
Discussion
Im looking at spending around 7 to 8 grand. Its been my dream car since i was a teen and im looking to live that dream.
A few questions ...
What is the the problem where the underbody needs to be welded i remember reading about it somewhere and it sounds quite problamatic?
Why does it seem that the soft tops are cheaper than coupes im wouldnt mind a soft top but are they more prone to problems hence cheaper?
Ive seen several of 03/04 plates around this price with about 60000 miles when most atthis price range seem to be 02/03 plates with 70000/90000 miles. Is this just a case of extras?
Whats an smg gearbox and how does it compare with a manual?
Whats it like on b roads?
Thanks
A few questions ...
What is the the problem where the underbody needs to be welded i remember reading about it somewhere and it sounds quite problamatic?
Why does it seem that the soft tops are cheaper than coupes im wouldnt mind a soft top but are they more prone to problems hence cheaper?
Ive seen several of 03/04 plates around this price with about 60000 miles when most atthis price range seem to be 02/03 plates with 70000/90000 miles. Is this just a case of extras?
Whats an smg gearbox and how does it compare with a manual?
Whats it like on b roads?
Thanks
Edited by tom2019 on Wednesday 21st August 07:44
Im looking at spending around 7 to 8 grand. Its been my dream car since i was a teen and im looking to live that dream.
A few questions ...
What is the the problem where the underbody needs to be welded i remember reading about it somewhere and it sounds quite problamatic?
Subframe cracks
Ive seen several of 03/04 plates around this price with about 60000 miles when most atthis price range seem to be 02/03 plates with 70000/90000 miles. Is this just a case of extras?
Germans tend to sell cars with a base spec and then you have to upgrade them. There will probably be a big variation in spec of those cars. Thing is, who wants a 12 year old satnav. Have a look for bluetooth, heated seats etc..
Whats an smg gearbox and how does it compare with a manual?
Sequential Manual Gearbox. This does not have a clutch pedal but a computer controlled pump that will change gear as and when you press the paddle or push the stick up and down. It has a launch control mode and matches speed (blips) on downshifts. It takes some getting used to because unlike a standard auto that uses a torque converter that smoothens out gear changes you will be managing the biting point with the throttle (took me around 6 months to get used to it coming from a 4 speed auto Supra)
The SMG uses the standard manual box and is renowned for the pump going. This can be around £1200 to replace, however you may find that the pump isn't always the source of the failure and so cheaper repair options are available (salmon relay comes to mind). The SMG may also be easier on the clutch giving you more life. I've done over 55k miles myself in my SMG and it's gone over 100k with no pump\clutch issues.
Whats it like on b roads?
When the suspension is all sweet then it's good. In the last 5 years I've had 2 sets of front mounting arms (plus bushes), 2 sets of rear springs, rear shocks and rtab's.
Although the car will set you back 7-8k beware of maintenance costs. In the last month my inspection2 cost me £900 (admittedly at BMW), front brakes £600, mounting arms, bushes, rear pads, alignment @ indie £800 plus insurance!
A few questions ...
What is the the problem where the underbody needs to be welded i remember reading about it somewhere and it sounds quite problamatic?
Subframe cracks
Ive seen several of 03/04 plates around this price with about 60000 miles when most atthis price range seem to be 02/03 plates with 70000/90000 miles. Is this just a case of extras?
Germans tend to sell cars with a base spec and then you have to upgrade them. There will probably be a big variation in spec of those cars. Thing is, who wants a 12 year old satnav. Have a look for bluetooth, heated seats etc..
Whats an smg gearbox and how does it compare with a manual?
Sequential Manual Gearbox. This does not have a clutch pedal but a computer controlled pump that will change gear as and when you press the paddle or push the stick up and down. It has a launch control mode and matches speed (blips) on downshifts. It takes some getting used to because unlike a standard auto that uses a torque converter that smoothens out gear changes you will be managing the biting point with the throttle (took me around 6 months to get used to it coming from a 4 speed auto Supra)
The SMG uses the standard manual box and is renowned for the pump going. This can be around £1200 to replace, however you may find that the pump isn't always the source of the failure and so cheaper repair options are available (salmon relay comes to mind). The SMG may also be easier on the clutch giving you more life. I've done over 55k miles myself in my SMG and it's gone over 100k with no pump\clutch issues.
Whats it like on b roads?
When the suspension is all sweet then it's good. In the last 5 years I've had 2 sets of front mounting arms (plus bushes), 2 sets of rear springs, rear shocks and rtab's.
Although the car will set you back 7-8k beware of maintenance costs. In the last month my inspection2 cost me £900 (admittedly at BMW), front brakes £600, mounting arms, bushes, rear pads, alignment @ indie £800 plus insurance!
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