Discussion
Over the past few years I have been running an E30 M3, that I modified pretty extensively for the track, but recent health issues have meant I am only able to work part time and I simply couldn't afford to have so much cash tied up in one car, so I had little option to sell and buy something a little cheaper. I had a budget of £15k, it needed to be quick, rear wheel drive and have a cool rating of 1k Megafonzies or more. In the end the choice was either Porsche 911/996 or BMW E46 M3? I checked the usual places to see what was available and pretty much the first M3 I saw was in my ideal specification. The first thing on the list being Laguna Seca blue paint, closely followed by CSL carbon airbox. Another bonus was the car was only an hour or so up the A30! Unfortunately, in the few days it took to sell my E30 the advert had ended and the seller was no longer keen to part with the car. Added to which the MOT had expired and it needed an Inspection 2 service. I can be quite persistent at times though and eventually the seller said he'd get an MOT done and we could decide from there, whether or not to proceed. Fortunately it passed, with no advisories and there was absolutely nothing of note in the MOT history check. There was also a video available from Reddish, who had carried out a thorough inspection of the car already, which included the boot floor and subframe mounts, all of which were perfect. Happy days!
So come last Saturday morning my Mrs and I headed off to Exeter. Her to go to Ikea, me to view the E46. As soon as it drove into view I was pretty much smitten. I love the chunky, aggressive look of a well sorted E46 M3 and Laguna Seca blue is definitely the best colour in my eyes. I checked all the obvious E46 problem areas and they were all fine. The paint wasn't quite as lustrous as it might have been and there was some light surface corrosion where the sill and front wing meet, but nothing that wasn't easily fixed. Overall it just had an honest, un messed with feel about it and things like the brand new matching set of Michelin were a clue to how well looked after the car was. The interior was even better than I had expected and I've always liked the back to basic feel of BMW interiors. (I don't want a branch of Maplin's to drive around in!) The condition is just lovely too. The test drive just confirmed what I had been thinking and I did what people always say you shouldn't and I bought the first car I had viewed. I then spent the next hour sat in Ikea's car park, reading through the service history and owners manual, while my Mrs went and bought 3 tons of tea lights.
The drive home was mainly A30 dual carriageway and the sun, which had kindly hung around for me to check the car out, made a hasty retreat to be replaced with heavy rain and grey skies. Laguna Seca blue looks awesome and moody with a grey backdrop. I did get to stretch the S54 a bit though and that carbon air box is just epic. It is hands down the best thing you can do for any normally aspirated M car but it's incredibly addictive, which isn't good for your fuel economy. Mind you, who buys an M3 for it's MPG figures?
Fortunately, there was still enough left in my budget to allow me to sort the few niggles with the bodywork. I also bagged myself some AP brakes, CSL type front lips, a front strut brace, wheel stud conversion and adjustable rear camber arms. I do want a set of either Intrax or Bilstein coilovers too if anyone has some sat in their garage?
Yes, I most certainly miss the E30 but the E46 M3 is a great car and I'm very lucky to have one. Anyway, a few pictures from the past couple of days. I'm really looking forward to seeing it after the bodywork and paint correction though.
Mark
So come last Saturday morning my Mrs and I headed off to Exeter. Her to go to Ikea, me to view the E46. As soon as it drove into view I was pretty much smitten. I love the chunky, aggressive look of a well sorted E46 M3 and Laguna Seca blue is definitely the best colour in my eyes. I checked all the obvious E46 problem areas and they were all fine. The paint wasn't quite as lustrous as it might have been and there was some light surface corrosion where the sill and front wing meet, but nothing that wasn't easily fixed. Overall it just had an honest, un messed with feel about it and things like the brand new matching set of Michelin were a clue to how well looked after the car was. The interior was even better than I had expected and I've always liked the back to basic feel of BMW interiors. (I don't want a branch of Maplin's to drive around in!) The condition is just lovely too. The test drive just confirmed what I had been thinking and I did what people always say you shouldn't and I bought the first car I had viewed. I then spent the next hour sat in Ikea's car park, reading through the service history and owners manual, while my Mrs went and bought 3 tons of tea lights.
The drive home was mainly A30 dual carriageway and the sun, which had kindly hung around for me to check the car out, made a hasty retreat to be replaced with heavy rain and grey skies. Laguna Seca blue looks awesome and moody with a grey backdrop. I did get to stretch the S54 a bit though and that carbon air box is just epic. It is hands down the best thing you can do for any normally aspirated M car but it's incredibly addictive, which isn't good for your fuel economy. Mind you, who buys an M3 for it's MPG figures?
Fortunately, there was still enough left in my budget to allow me to sort the few niggles with the bodywork. I also bagged myself some AP brakes, CSL type front lips, a front strut brace, wheel stud conversion and adjustable rear camber arms. I do want a set of either Intrax or Bilstein coilovers too if anyone has some sat in their garage?
Yes, I most certainly miss the E30 but the E46 M3 is a great car and I'm very lucky to have one. Anyway, a few pictures from the past couple of days. I'm really looking forward to seeing it after the bodywork and paint correction though.
Mark
Thanks guys.
I'm thinking I might change the seats (after putting these in storage for safe keeping) for something like Recaro Speed. I'm not going to go as far with the mods as I did with the E30 and I think those Recaro are a nice compromise. I'm going to change the steering wheel for something like the MoMo 78 in 330mm, unless I get the OE one done by Royal? Also got some facelift rear lights as prefer the look of the LED's.
There's simply no such thing as a cheap M car. I know that from past experience. Right now I'm just getting as much out of my original budget as possible and future mods, like a colour coded rear cage, will just have to wait till I've saved enough to pay for them. Meanwhile I just intend enjoying the car as much as possible.
I'm thinking I might change the seats (after putting these in storage for safe keeping) for something like Recaro Speed. I'm not going to go as far with the mods as I did with the E30 and I think those Recaro are a nice compromise. I'm going to change the steering wheel for something like the MoMo 78 in 330mm, unless I get the OE one done by Royal? Also got some facelift rear lights as prefer the look of the LED's.
There's simply no such thing as a cheap M car. I know that from past experience. Right now I'm just getting as much out of my original budget as possible and future mods, like a colour coded rear cage, will just have to wait till I've saved enough to pay for them. Meanwhile I just intend enjoying the car as much as possible.
No I won't be selling the interior. As I said, it'll just go in to storage for safe keeping if I do swap the seats for something track orientated.
Reddish have a pretty good reputation when it comes to floor / subframe inspections so I'm pretty confident in their findings, although that's not to say I won't have the floor strengthened at a later date though.
Reddish have a pretty good reputation when it comes to floor / subframe inspections so I'm pretty confident in their findings, although that's not to say I won't have the floor strengthened at a later date though.
Thanks Scott.
Just off the phone with one of the dealers that serviced it back in the day. The good news is it had the main bearing shells done but they didn't know when or by who? I think I will have to just ring around all the dealerships who have stamped the history.
Also been reading about the 'goodwill' BMW offered in relation to the boot floor and subframe mounts. Evidently there are a couple of people who had repairs after the 10 year cut off point. I also saw that BMW USA accepted liability after being prosecuted down to the risk through the potential for a structural failure. It's definitely a job I want to get done one way or another as I want to replace the subframe bushes.
Just off the phone with one of the dealers that serviced it back in the day. The good news is it had the main bearing shells done but they didn't know when or by who? I think I will have to just ring around all the dealerships who have stamped the history.
Also been reading about the 'goodwill' BMW offered in relation to the boot floor and subframe mounts. Evidently there are a couple of people who had repairs after the 10 year cut off point. I also saw that BMW USA accepted liability after being prosecuted down to the risk through the potential for a structural failure. It's definitely a job I want to get done one way or another as I want to replace the subframe bushes.
helix402 said:
Main dealers used to change the big end bearings as a recall item, not the main bearings. The new car looks good.
Thanks for that. I'm still getting up to speed on E46's as they're way more modern than I'm used to. Anyone know (or have a link) to what went on in relation to the subframe mounts 'goodwill' from BMW?
Thanks guys. All being well I should have it back on Monday although I figured we may as well stick it on the dyno while it's there. I had hoped to make the Sunday Service at BMW HQ on Sunday but there's no point rushing it.
I'm applying to the DVLA for the information they hold regarding previous owners and hopefully I can find out exactly who did what and when. As has been said, it's pretty clear someone spent a fair amount of cash.
Right now though, I'm just looking forward to getting it back and putting some miles on it.
I'm applying to the DVLA for the information they hold regarding previous owners and hopefully I can find out exactly who did what and when. As has been said, it's pretty clear someone spent a fair amount of cash.
Right now though, I'm just looking forward to getting it back and putting some miles on it.
SebringMan said:
They certainly can, but then which performance cars aren't? Compared to an E30 I'd hope it is cheaper! but then older diesels aren't always cheap to run, and even the M135s have their share of issues.
I, a few months ago went full-circle about what to do with my M3. Sell it for a pittance and buy an M135i with a warranty or just admit I'm lumbered with it.
I have also done 20,000 miles in my too since I bought it. For a 14 year old car, I've not done too badly, and most wouldn't have touched the RACP or big ends like I did. Just don't look at my garage section!
But this thread isn't about me. It's about a bloke who TBH, I'm still surprised sold his E30 M3. In a number of ways, I don't get why he sold it. However, in many others, I do. Having cash tied up in a car, and putting even more cash into a car cannot be fun at times. The only time I've been in that situation is probably when I had my Series 1 Escort RS Turbo. With it being a theft magnet also, I sold that for similar reasons, as in quite a bit of cash being tied up into it.
I do love the spec of your car! As I hinted in my thread, I came very close to buying an LSB Coupe in Ireland. But at the time, mine seemed alot better and far less tired than pretty much any M3 I saw. The interior, wheels and airbox are certainly a fantastic addition to that car.
Knowing you, this car will be sorted very nicely.
It's a shame you can't come up to the BMW SS, but there will always be next time. I plan to do the RR Weekender come March, but the M3 won't be going down.
The E30 going was just economics. My health means I can only work part time at best, plus my Mrs had lent me some cash toward its engine rebuild (despite her hating that “bloody red car”) and it becoming a bone of contention) so I simply couldn’t afford or justify keeping it. I was able to alleviate the financial concerns re work, pay her back and still be lucky enough to have a great M car on the drive. I, a few months ago went full-circle about what to do with my M3. Sell it for a pittance and buy an M135i with a warranty or just admit I'm lumbered with it.
I have also done 20,000 miles in my too since I bought it. For a 14 year old car, I've not done too badly, and most wouldn't have touched the RACP or big ends like I did
. Just don't look at my garage section!But this thread isn't about me. It's about a bloke who TBH, I'm still surprised sold his E30 M3. In a number of ways, I don't get why he sold it. However, in many others, I do. Having cash tied up in a car, and putting even more cash into a car cannot be fun at times. The only time I've been in that situation is probably when I had my Series 1 Escort RS Turbo. With it being a theft magnet also, I sold that for similar reasons, as in quite a bit of cash being tied up into it.
I do love the spec of your car! As I hinted in my thread, I came very close to buying an LSB Coupe in Ireland. But at the time, mine seemed alot better and far less tired than pretty much any M3 I saw. The interior, wheels and airbox are certainly a fantastic addition to that car.
Knowing you, this car will be sorted very nicely.
It's a shame you can't come up to the BMW SS, but there will always be next time. I plan to do the RR Weekender come March, but the M3 won't be going down.
Edited by SebringMan on Saturday 15th December 02:08
I plan fitting them when I finally go with coilovers.
ETA - Just got the video from Reddish where they did an RACP check back in February. Overall the news was pretty good with them saying it is one of the better cars they've inspected. The rear internal cavity is perfect. The other internal cavity showed 2 tiny cracks in the corner of the factory mig welds but described as 'super good underneath' and just needing the front strengthening plates doing. Underneath the left rear of the subframe panel has a tiny crack just starting that'll need stop drilling, welding and a strengthening plate there also. The right front mount is all good, although there's likely to be a cracked spot weld. The only other thing of note is the V brace has corroded, as it's thin steel anyway, so it'll make sense to replace it. So, overall I'm pretty happy but it's convinced me that now is the time to rectify things.
I plan to look into the additional rear brace and possibly replacing the OE V brace with a better aftermarket one?
ETA - Just got the video from Reddish where they did an RACP check back in February. Overall the news was pretty good with them saying it is one of the better cars they've inspected. The rear internal cavity is perfect. The other internal cavity showed 2 tiny cracks in the corner of the factory mig welds but described as 'super good underneath' and just needing the front strengthening plates doing. Underneath the left rear of the subframe panel has a tiny crack just starting that'll need stop drilling, welding and a strengthening plate there also. The right front mount is all good, although there's likely to be a cracked spot weld. The only other thing of note is the V brace has corroded, as it's thin steel anyway, so it'll make sense to replace it. So, overall I'm pretty happy but it's convinced me that now is the time to rectify things.
I plan to look into the additional rear brace and possibly replacing the OE V brace with a better aftermarket one?
Edited by e30m3Mark on Saturday 15th December 15:33
I still think I'm pretty fortunate to have any M3 and the E46 is definitely my next favourite after the E30.
It's due back from ARM today, once it's had a 4 wheel alignment and new tyres on the front. Hopefully it'll be going back just after New Year and have the boot floor strengthened, along with fitting a rear brace from PS Design, who do some great E46 upgrades.
It's due back from ARM today, once it's had a 4 wheel alignment and new tyres on the front. Hopefully it'll be going back just after New Year and have the boot floor strengthened, along with fitting a rear brace from PS Design, who do some great E46 upgrades.
MDMA . said:
Looking very nice. Quick question regarding the brakes. Never known AP to have the G hook going against the forward motion (if that makes sense?). Are the disks on the right side?
Honest answer, I don't know. Just checked Google images and as is typical for the internet, there are plenty of cars with them facing either way. The vent grooves are correct though and I think that matters more. My facelift LED rear lights arrived today, complete with factory wiring, but I heard a rumour that I may need a facelift light switch module too?
Thanks guys. They actually came with the correct loom adaptor, so should be plug n play.
Just waiting on the call from ARM to say it's back from alignment and ready to collect. Shame about the awful bloody weather though!
Hopefully found some KW V3's although thinking I may hold out for Ohlins or Intrax?
Just waiting on the call from ARM to say it's back from alignment and ready to collect. Shame about the awful bloody weather though!
Hopefully found some KW V3's although thinking I may hold out for Ohlins or Intrax?
Really pleased with the overall stance and noticeably less tram-lining with 235's up front. Although this picture doesn't do it justice, the paintwork came up pretty well with a machine polish and there's zero corrosion on the front wing / sill now. I also fitted CSL corner splitters which make the front just a little more aggressive without being OTT.
I'm just going to enjoy it for a few weeks and then it'll go back to ARM for the boot floor strengthening and rear turret bracing. Although the engine seems fine, I'm wondering if I should send an oil sample off for a health check?
I'm just going to enjoy it for a few weeks and then it'll go back to ARM for the boot floor strengthening and rear turret bracing. Although the engine seems fine, I'm wondering if I should send an oil sample off for a health check?
Edited by e46m3Mark on Wednesday 19th December 09:33
Thanks for the positive comments guys.
I must admit I'm really happy with how the E46 is looking and the performance is still pretty impressive. Especially when you consider it's almost 17 years old now! It's much livelier than the example I drove a couple of years back but that's most likely down to the 4:1 diff' and the noise the airbox makes. I've read some comments online, where people say about the airbox being a 'pointless modification' or for people with 'more money than sense' but I absolutely love it and it was a 'must have' item for me.
Although I haven't given the brakes any kind of real workout, the AP's immediately felt way stronger than the OE callipers. The rear pads had been pretty low too though, so I had new ones fitted at the same time. The only other thing I want to do now is fit the LED rear lights I have sat here as what budget I do have left will go on the rear floor strengthening next month. Eventually I want lightweight seats, rear cage, PSD rear brace and a carbon roof but that lottery win needs to come along first.
I must admit I'm really happy with how the E46 is looking and the performance is still pretty impressive. Especially when you consider it's almost 17 years old now! It's much livelier than the example I drove a couple of years back but that's most likely down to the 4:1 diff' and the noise the airbox makes. I've read some comments online, where people say about the airbox being a 'pointless modification' or for people with 'more money than sense' but I absolutely love it and it was a 'must have' item for me.
Although I haven't given the brakes any kind of real workout, the AP's immediately felt way stronger than the OE callipers. The rear pads had been pretty low too though, so I had new ones fitted at the same time. The only other thing I want to do now is fit the LED rear lights I have sat here as what budget I do have left will go on the rear floor strengthening next month. Eventually I want lightweight seats, rear cage, PSD rear brace and a carbon roof but that lottery win needs to come along first.
Felix79 said:
Are you going to be going down a kinda CSL+ route with this build Mark?
I am. The only mechanical changes I might make are to fit Schrick cams and a lighter flywheel / uprated clutch but it won't be for a while. I'll stay NA too, as I simply can't afford a supercharger or turbo. It's hardly slow as it is though anyway. I'll definitely be going with lighter seats, rear cage & harnesses eventually too.So far best I've managed is 24mpg I think?
MikeGoodwin said:
I did that with my E92 M3 (made a list just like that), goes to show where the weak points of the car are although its weight was the issue more than anything... partly why I sold it.
Your E46 looks great. Still even all these years later they look fantastic.
It was a list like that which made me discount an E46 M3 initially. If I was going to have one, it would mean spending close to the cars purchase price on making it the car I actually wanted, assuming I could find a corrosion free manual in laguna seca blue to start with? I was just incredibly fortunate that a car in my perfect spec' came up for sale and luckier too, that it was near Exeter. In an ideal world it would have had the boot floor done but Reddish inspected it and it's one of the best they've seen. I'm having it done in a few weeks though anyway and am fitting a PSD rear turret brace just to be certain.Your E46 looks great. Still even all these years later they look fantastic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_smpjpJ5NM&fe...
DoubleTime said:
Not asking on your own specifics Mark, but in your opinion, what sort of ballpark figure are "good" E46 M3's changing hands at now?
The prices are so all over the place regarding asking price its difficult to gauge what you might need to spend to dip your toes in a half decent one....
I'm referring to manual coupes btw. No personal interest in verts or smg cars.
I'm sure there are far more knowledgable people than I but, from my own experience, I would say you'd be looking at anywhere between £9k and £11k for a decent manual example with good history. There are a couple of nice cars on the E46 M3 owners UK FaceBook page including one which just needs a little bit of cosmetic love for £8.5k. I think it's just a case of looking at as many cars as you can. Mind you, I bought the first one I saw but mainly because it was highly unlikely I'd find another in the same spec. The prices are so all over the place regarding asking price its difficult to gauge what you might need to spend to dip your toes in a half decent one....
I'm referring to manual coupes btw. No personal interest in verts or smg cars.
Nunga said:
Did I read correctly you’ve got a 4.1 diff? Can you go further with info on the rebuild? It’s probanly the best upgrade, or at least equal to the carbon airbox, for the M3.
It was done by a previous owner but there's plenty of info on Cutters. It's a great mod' though and certainly livens up performance. ETA - Plenty of info here https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threads/best-place-...
Edited by e46m3Mark on Saturday 22 December 16:46
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