Owning an E46 M3 in London
Discussion
I am thinking of changing my car as I'm looking for something a little more practical than a TVR.
Seeing the values of second hand E46 M3's is tempting me although I'm a bit put off becuase I had owned a E36 328 sport and some tw4t nicked the bumpers off it (a common problem I understand).
I therefore was wondering if similar problems exisit with the E46? What are other owners doing on these mean streets?! Is a car cover a worthwhile investment? If so, where from?
Seeing the values of second hand E46 M3's is tempting me although I'm a bit put off becuase I had owned a E36 328 sport and some tw4t nicked the bumpers off it (a common problem I understand).
I therefore was wondering if similar problems exisit with the E46? What are other owners doing on these mean streets?! Is a car cover a worthwhile investment? If so, where from?
Stolen bumpers are a problem unfortunately as they are very easy to remove when you know what you are doing. I think I've read on here that there is a "fix" whereby you can put additional bolts through it to make it alot more difficult to remove.
Also watch for the car being up on bricks in the morning, especially if you have CSL alloys on there.
Great isn't it, you can't even enjoy the fruits of your labour with the fear that you may come down one morning to find some nice expensive bits have been stolen.
Also watch for the car being up on bricks in the morning, especially if you have CSL alloys on there.
Great isn't it, you can't even enjoy the fruits of your labour with the fear that you may come down one morning to find some nice expensive bits have been stolen.
I suppose it depends on where abouts in London, and how the car is used.
I had been considering an E46 M3 as well last year, but, for the same reasons of paranoia, living in London, my attention has turned towards a 135i instead, as it's 80% of the car I need 98% of the time.....if that makes sense
I had been considering an E46 M3 as well last year, but, for the same reasons of paranoia, living in London, my attention has turned towards a 135i instead, as it's 80% of the car I need 98% of the time.....if that makes sense
I think it depends on the area and where you park.
I used to park the first of mine on the street in SW London. Just around the corner from my house was a small cul-de-sac which I managed to park on most days. It was quiet, out of the main footflow and I am pleased to say I didnt have any bother with it at all.
I know mates that have had cars up in nice areas of Clapham but had a lot more bother than me, mainly as they were in the way of drunks walking home.
Bascially, judge it based on where it will be parked. They're desirable cars, but I wouldnt say they are significantly more attractive to criminals than an awful lot of cars on the streets of London.
Good luck!
I used to park the first of mine on the street in SW London. Just around the corner from my house was a small cul-de-sac which I managed to park on most days. It was quiet, out of the main footflow and I am pleased to say I didnt have any bother with it at all.
I know mates that have had cars up in nice areas of Clapham but had a lot more bother than me, mainly as they were in the way of drunks walking home.
Bascially, judge it based on where it will be parked. They're desirable cars, but I wouldnt say they are significantly more attractive to criminals than an awful lot of cars on the streets of London.
Good luck!
I live in East London so perhaps car crime is a little more common.
I've had my current car in a garage but this isn't practical and its expensive! It is very annoying that these crime issues have to influence what you buy, but there we are.
At the moment, I'm deciding between Z3 M Coupe (look amazing!) or perhaps the convertible. but the E46 is better value. Are there as many problems with these?
I've had my current car in a garage but this isn't practical and its expensive! It is very annoying that these crime issues have to influence what you buy, but there we are.
At the moment, I'm deciding between Z3 M Coupe (look amazing!) or perhaps the convertible. but the E46 is better value. Are there as many problems with these?
drumo said:
I live in East London so perhaps car crime is a little more common.
I've had my current car in a garage but this isn't practical and its expensive! It is very annoying that these crime issues have to influence what you buy, but there we are.
At the moment, I'm deciding between Z3 M Coupe (look amazing!) or perhaps the convertible. but the E46 is better value. Are there as many problems with these?
I would do some searches on here an also go and look at M3Cutters.co.uk - there's loads on information on there!I've had my current car in a garage but this isn't practical and its expensive! It is very annoying that these crime issues have to influence what you buy, but there we are.
At the moment, I'm deciding between Z3 M Coupe (look amazing!) or perhaps the convertible. but the E46 is better value. Are there as many problems with these?
I've got a cab E46 and other than the things you'd watch for on a coupe, I dont think there's anything major to look out for. In my epxerience, the roof has been very good - no leaks and the mechanism has never missed a beat.
Great car though. Happy hunting!
aeropilot said:
I suppose it depends on where abouts in London, and how the car is used.
I had been considering an E46 M3 as well last year, but, for the same reasons of paranoia, living in London, my attention has turned towards a 135i instead, as it's 80% of the car I need 98% of the time.....if that makes sense
wouldn't it be 100% of the car you need 98% of the time and 80% of the car you need 2% of the time?I had been considering an E46 M3 as well last year, but, for the same reasons of paranoia, living in London, my attention has turned towards a 135i instead, as it's 80% of the car I need 98% of the time.....if that makes sense
amirzed said:
aeropilot said:
I suppose it depends on where abouts in London, and how the car is used.
I had been considering an E46 M3 as well last year, but, for the same reasons of paranoia, living in London, my attention has turned towards a 135i instead, as it's 80% of the car I need 98% of the time.....if that makes sense
wouldn't it be 100% of the car you need 98% of the time and 80% of the car you need 2% of the time?I had been considering an E46 M3 as well last year, but, for the same reasons of paranoia, living in London, my attention has turned towards a 135i instead, as it's 80% of the car I need 98% of the time.....if that makes sense
amirzed said:
aeropilot said:
I suppose it depends on where abouts in London, and how the car is used.
I had been considering an E46 M3 as well last year, but, for the same reasons of paranoia, living in London, my attention has turned towards a 135i instead, as it's 80% of the car I need 98% of the time.....if that makes sense
wouldn't it be 100% of the car you need 98% of the time and 80% of the car you need 2% of the time?I had been considering an E46 M3 as well last year, but, for the same reasons of paranoia, living in London, my attention has turned towards a 135i instead, as it's 80% of the car I need 98% of the time.....if that makes sense
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