Is there anything problematic with the E46 M3's? Like crappy trannies like the 2nd gen TLs CLs.

Anything I should look out for? Certain year's I should avoid?

Thanks for any assistance.

 

Search bimmerfest or E46fanatics forums. Should be a ton of info on the E46 ///M3.

 

the only real bad thing i hear dof them is the rear subframe tearing where the shocks and suspension hooks up. i think it was reinforced on the later models. search m3forum.com and e46fanatics.com. the problem is not to common but it happens if your aggressive with the car.

generally the 2003.5 and up are better then the previouse years. new rear tails and other things that were changed and added.

 

^^ Werd, get a more recent models. No new car is without bugs, and the M3 had a bunch. The original engines were prone to blowing for some reason, that was quickly addressed.

 

werd i forgot to mention that, there was some issue with the head gasgets it think, i don't remember. i did some extensive research when i thought about buying one 6 months ago and remember most of it.

if m3forum.com deosn't work try m3forum.net , sometimes one works and the other doesn't

 

No expert here...but, wasn't there some issue with the engine literally blowing up as well...?


That being said, I absolutely love this car. I'd get one in white with red interior, please.

 

bastard that is the combo i have wanted for the past couple years...

the problem with the engines blowing up had to do something with a bearing which was ceasing up... i believe in involved only SMG versions around 2002 but i could be wrong. There was a related recall i believe...

 

yup i believe that was it, 2001-2002 maybe even late 2003 there was an issue with a bearing seizing and blowing the motors, they called all motors to have it done and was fixed after 2003.

 

There are going to be alot more maintenence issues and related expenses with those cars compared to an Acura. Oil changes are $100 (uses some special weight oil IIRC), The BMW "inspections" are quite costly on that model...I think I heard $1200 somewhere

 

Anybody here thinking of getting a new one? Wonder what kind of wait time.

 

I vote Crazy Sellout...

 

i don't know your budget but look into a slightly used C55 AMG.

 

After his sunk cost in mods, he might as well have.

 

That...or he's the next candidate to get the 335Cxi...

 

Maybe if i paid retail for everything........

 

Who pays retail anymore?


New M3 will def pull full MSRP and then some.

 

The oil is 10W-60. That stuff is not cheap. And "Inspections" are not cheap because a valve adjustment is required at each one.

 

Inspections are roughly every 30k and are expensive at the dealer 1K+, not nearly as bad at a good Indy.

Oil is expensive as well $60+ for oil and filter, roughly every 15k.

I am partial to 2003.5 and beyond. The cars are not cheap to maintain but the majority of engines (particulary when you get larger than 3L) which have over 100hp/L are as or more expensive to maintain.

 

no offence new C63>new M3

 

Your reasoning?

 

what cost more maintaning (for service parts) ?


bmw or mercedes ?

 

I think it's almost the same...they are both luxury car.




___________________
Adding acura accessories of my car...

 

Number 63 > Number 3

 

If your planning on SMG, make sure to get SMGII.

 

And your reasoning for this? The M3 has always been the benchmark in this class, don't expect that to change.

The C63 might be faster in a straight line (not by much though), but that is probably about it.

 

What other SMG was there for the M3.

 

Different car IMO. And honestly, I bet the C63 will not handle as nice as an M3.

And on that note, the OP is asking about the old M3 anyhoo...which also gets another checkmark for better looks.

 

2008 C6 w/4LT package > C63 and oh, about $10k cheaper

 

-cosign


it is fair to say it is common knowledge that the M3 is the benchmark period

 

One of the Supra tuner/shops I know (HPF) in Calif has seriously moved into moding Bimmers with their turbo kits. Here's a video one of HPF"s customers, his new M3 has their turbo kit on it; about 425rwhp on pump gas and 600rwhp on racegas

http://youtube.com/watch?v=QAe9B6cIuGA

 

they just redid both the C class and 3 series.
#1. I my opinion the 3 series looks better EXCEPT the M3 vs C63.
#2. Benz Amg line has always been known as Torque monsters
the new C63 running 0-60 in 4.5 seconds.
#3. Hp numbers M3 414 hp vs 457 hp of the Benz
yes i admit the old C class AMG were stright line bullets but AMG went all in on this new C63 and i think this is gonna be a real M3 fighter i think it will finally turn and brake like a M3.

 

E90's been on sale for almost two years, hardly "just redid"

1. Styling is highly subjective.
2. Agreed.
3. Benz is heavier which negates hp advantage.

Personally, I find rowing the gears more fun in a true sports sedan than slushbox, but that's just my

It will be fun to see the RS4, M3, LS-F, C63 comparos. Amazing how Acura is missing from the picture.

 

Well, if it makes you feel better, Infiniti is kinda missing too...?

 

So owning a 2000 M5 wouldent be a good idea if a person lives 3 hours from a dealer and gets it serviced by an independent? Are M5's relatively reliable? Not breaking down all the time?

 

its up to you but i wouldn't own a car that takes specialized dealers trainer and you live 3 hours from the dealer.

 

Bumping this...

Apparently you can buy a full service warranty 6 years/100,000 which would include oil changes, changing brakes etc for CPO BMWs.

Is this true?

 

Yes and you can extend the 4/60 service package car you already own.