E46 M3s - high mileage examples

[CHADROW]

The initial message was deleted from this topic on 16 March 2010 at 13:36

[Great Pretender]

I think the E46 has proved to be remarkably robust.

Main things to check are the rear trailing arm bushes (in fact all bushes), the diff mounts, brakes and suspension.

All will likely be in need of a refresh at that mileage.

[mat59]

Great Pretender said:

I think the E46 has proved to be remarkably robust.

Main things to check are the rear trailing arm bushes (in fact all bushes), the diff mounts, brakes and suspension.

All will likely be in need of a refresh at that mileage.

What he said ^. RTAB's often need replacing although not hugely expensive and a few hours labour to fit.

Mine is on 96k and going strong though I do expect that some bushes need repacing.

[mat205125]

mat59 said:

Mine is on 96k and going strong though I do expect that some bushes need repacing.

Mine past 96k over the weekend, and is good as gold. The suspension is pretty much entirely renewed by now, however.

Worn front bushes can mean that new lower arms are required, and they are NOT cheap!

[Boss Hogg]

CHADROW said:

Hello,
Im after an E46 M3 coupe pref manual and will be looking to get it with the next few months, what are your views on the high mileage cars, and would you consider any over 80k as high mileage.
I know they all say make sure the 1200 service is done and has a full history,

What other things should i look out for when looking at these.

Thanks again

Michael

Michael, mines at 90k and going for sale at the end of March due to new car arriving. 2005 model, every option except folding mirrors, great condition, 1 previous owner, let me know if want more details.

[AngryApples]

Mines at 88k ( I do a LOT of mileage - it was at 43k last April)

Solid as a rock, highly recommended (and thats on an SMG 04')

Had the front and rear bushes done last weekend at a reliable indy BMW specialist and that cost around £240 (great value I thought)

Just get a good independent inspection (something like RAC perfomance car inspection) on any car you go for

[mat59]

AngryApples said:

Mines at 88k ( I do a LOT of mileage - it was at 43k last April)

Solid as a rock, highly recommended (and thats on an SMG 04')

Had the front and rear bushes done last weekend at a reliable indy BMW specialist and that cost around £240 (great value I thought)

Just get a good independent inspection (something like RAC perfomance car inspection) on any car you go for

Which bushes did you have done?

[AngryApples]

mat59 said:

AngryApples said:

Mines at 88k ( I do a LOT of mileage - it was at 43k last April)

Solid as a rock, highly recommended (and thats on an SMG 04')

Had the front and rear bushes done last weekend at a reliable indy BMW specialist and that cost around £240 (great value I thought)

Just get a good independent inspection (something like RAC perfomance car inspection) on any car you go for

Which bushes did you have done?

Just seen this, sorry

FTAB and RTAB (I think!), all stock spec

[MattOz]

Drove a 2003 Cab at the weekend with 91.5k on the clock. Felt tight and relatively rattle free. Provided they've been maintained, mileage is only a number IMHO. Some U.S cars are the wrong side of 300k and still going strong.

[krisdelta]

I think Thorney have / had an E46 they race with over 100k, as with most well built things, change the oil regularly, allow it to warm up and service to schedule and you should be able to go well over 150k. Mine is 64k and still feels factory fresh.