E46 M3 for the track

[pantera chris]

Hi all. I currently own a RX7 FD which I have been tracking on and off for 3 years. I am considering moving to an e46 M3 primarily due to reliability.

I will be looking for a 6sp manual (non-SMG) under 100k miles, preferably between 60-80k. I have read a fair bit about the dreaded rear subframe cracks and I will certainly only buy one that has evidence of having this job done or the subframe strengthened.

Apart from a complete service history, is there anything else to be looking out for on these, bearing in mind it will most likely be stripped out for track use.

Cheers,
Chris

[Gibbo205]

My subframe has a small crack, will be getting my welded and resin re-inforced in September.

They all crack at somepoint, so if its not being re-inforced get it inspected before purchase as if there is a crack the repair job is £1500-£2000.

Vanos should be checked by removing rocker cover gasket, change the vanos / hub bolts and check it all over and do the shims at same time, not too expensive but good for peace of mind, especially on a track car.

[pantera chris]

Thanks for the advice. Any easier way of checking the Vanos other than taking the engine apart? I doubt a selling would be to happy if I turned up with my socket set! Does it make a knocking noise or anything else to watch out for?

Thanks

[e36er]

The vanos bolt failure will make a rattling sound. I had a quick look for examples on YouTube, this was the best I found - http://youtu.be/iB5Tpb0DFt8

It happened to mine, the cost for replacing the bolts was £500. Sounds expensive, but someone not in the know would replace the whole unit which costs considerably more.

[pantera chris]

Very helpful, thanks!

[oxam]

the subframe job is not that hard and definitely not 1.5-2k The reinforcement plates are 120 USD from the states...yes it involves taking off the whole rear subframe but if you gonna track the car you will have to change all the bushings anyway. I would say all in shall be done in less than a day (if the guy knows what he is doing)

[oxam]

also pre-facelift cars have the old DSC so if you hold the button for 15 secs it completely switches off the traction control