E46 M3 facelift engine changes? reliability?
Discussion
Hi everyone,
Looking at a few E46 M3's, admittedly at the lower end of the market ~8K
Does anyone have any knowledge of the pre-53 plate models being any less reliable with regards to the engine itsself? I notice that there are new BMW part numbers for the facelift versions engine components (VANOS etc)
Thanks!
Looking at a few E46 M3's, admittedly at the lower end of the market ~8K
Does anyone have any knowledge of the pre-53 plate models being any less reliable with regards to the engine itsself? I notice that there are new BMW part numbers for the facelift versions engine components (VANOS etc)
Thanks!
Rod bearings were changed however early models should have had a recall done to change to the later type anyway. Vanos bolts did change too although I believe this was after production on all models had stopped. Certainly, on my 55 plate I had the older type before I changed them.
I have seen talk of 05 models onward having an uprated head gasket which is less prone to failure but not certain on how true this is. 05 onward are supposed to have got csl manifolds or something too, although having been in and driven my own and a mates 04 model I can't feel or hear any difference.
Although mine is a facelift model, reliability wise it has been very good. In the 15k I've covered in it the only engine related problem I have had (touch wood!) is a 38 quid coil pack and even then the car still limped home on 5 cylinders.
I have seen talk of 05 models onward having an uprated head gasket which is less prone to failure but not certain on how true this is. 05 onward are supposed to have got csl manifolds or something too, although having been in and driven my own and a mates 04 model I can't feel or hear any difference.
Although mine is a facelift model, reliability wise it has been very good. In the 15k I've covered in it the only engine related problem I have had (touch wood!) is a 38 quid coil pack and even then the car still limped home on 5 cylinders.
Edited by jb2410 on Friday 18th March 19:54
jb2410 said:
Rod bearings were changed however early models should have had a recall done to change to the later type anyway. Vanos bolts did change too although I believe this was after production on all models had stopped. Certainly, on my 55 plate I had the older type before I changed them.
I have seen talk of 05 models onward having an uprated head gasket which is less prone to failure but not certain on how true this is. 05 onward are supposed to have got csl manifolds or something too, although having been in and driven my own and a mates 04 model I can't feel or hear any difference.
Although mine is a facelift model, reliability wise it has been very good. In the 15k I've covered in it the only engine related problem I have had (touch wood!) is a 38 quid coil pack and even then the car still limped home on 5 cylinders.
Thanks, so would the recall be noted in the manual or is it a case of taking a bit of a chance?I have seen talk of 05 models onward having an uprated head gasket which is less prone to failure but not certain on how true this is. 05 onward are supposed to have got csl manifolds or something too, although having been in and driven my own and a mates 04 model I can't feel or hear any difference.
Although mine is a facelift model, reliability wise it has been very good. In the 15k I've covered in it the only engine related problem I have had (touch wood!) is a 38 quid coil pack and even then the car still limped home on 5 cylinders.
Edited by jb2410 on Friday 18th March 19:54
Looks like I'll have to buy one based on condition and the pre/post facelift issue will have to be an afterthought
I'd say there'd be something in the history or failing that if you contact a BMW dealer they should be able to verify the work was carried out.
To be honest save for led rear lights and a slightly different bootlid handle there's very little difference in pre/post facelift imo. As you say, buy on condition and you'll not go far wrong.
There are a lot of stories of hgf cropping up nowadays though, they don't mix water and oil where it goes so no mayo in the oil etc to look out for, it presents more as pinking under load at low rpm in a high gear. There are odd scare stories about vanos too but it's one of those things, you only ever hear the bad stories on the internet.
If you're not going in expecting to run it on a shoestring and you get a good one you'll not regret it. Fantastic cars and especially engines
To be honest save for led rear lights and a slightly different bootlid handle there's very little difference in pre/post facelift imo. As you say, buy on condition and you'll not go far wrong.
There are a lot of stories of hgf cropping up nowadays though, they don't mix water and oil where it goes so no mayo in the oil etc to look out for, it presents more as pinking under load at low rpm in a high gear. There are odd scare stories about vanos too but it's one of those things, you only ever hear the bad stories on the internet.
If you're not going in expecting to run it on a shoestring and you get a good one you'll not regret it. Fantastic cars and especially engines
^^^ This!
Not cheap to run or maintain, but the pull in any gear, noise, 8,000 rpm lunacy = Big grins!
Plus great chassis and a sub 9 BTG in mediocre hands, the fact it'll embarrass much more modern machinery means a top buy... IF you get a good un! Some will have you believe the head gasket/vanos/subframe/bearings etc will fail as soon as you buy one. As usual, this is not true. Some go, some don't. As has been said, buy on condition and service history - get it inspected if you're unsure!
Google E46 M3 buyers guides, M3cutters is a good source.
Not cheap to run or maintain, but the pull in any gear, noise, 8,000 rpm lunacy = Big grins!
Plus great chassis and a sub 9 BTG in mediocre hands, the fact it'll embarrass much more modern machinery means a top buy... IF you get a good un! Some will have you believe the head gasket/vanos/subframe/bearings etc will fail as soon as you buy one. As usual, this is not true. Some go, some don't. As has been said, buy on condition and service history - get it inspected if you're unsure!
Google E46 M3 buyers guides, M3cutters is a good source.
I'm another victim of a failed HG. That was after doing all my research, getting a car with all the important stuff seemingly right, buying from an experienced seller.... 2,000 miles later and it started rattling.
Fortunately I'm blessed with a knowledgeable local E46 M specialist, so it's being tended to as we speak. Whoever buys my car when I sell it is going to be a lucky bugger!
Fortunately I'm blessed with a knowledgeable local E46 M specialist, so it's being tended to as we speak. Whoever buys my car when I sell it is going to be a lucky bugger!
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