Thread: What should I look out for e46 M3 "buying"

Hey guys im looking to get a e46 m3
what are some thing's to look out for...I come from a back round of high performance cars.I know the basics on what looks good and drives good and some thing on the M's..But like always every car has its ups and downs..
any info would be awsome thanks

Get the service records of the car and make sure all recalls have been done such as the rod bearing.
Check when the 1200mi service was done. This service should be done pretty close to 1200mi.
Do a proper PPI and have them check out the subframe mount and see if there are any cracks.
It would also be good to know how often the oil was changed on the car. BMW recommends 15k miles but properly maintained M3 should be done every 7k-8k miles.

Originally Posted by tsubasa650

Get the service records of the car and make sure all recalls have been done such as the rod bearing.
Check when the 1200mi service was done. This service should be done pretty close to 1200mi.
Do a proper PPI and have them check out the subframe mount and see if there are any cracks.
It would also be good to know how often the oil was changed on the car. BMW recommends 15k miles but properly maintained M3 should be done every 7k-8k miles.

What he said, especially the oil change part. Check for sludge build up..

Also be SURE and check the coolant system, in particular the stock radiator, which is plastic and has a long history of failures which affect not only main car operation, but secondary systems like AC. Leaks are pretty common. As always, it is better, barring a super well maintained garaged car, to look at ones from warmer states in the sunbelt to minimize rust possibilities. Good luck!

Personally, I wouldnt touch a car that was prior to the MY 2003.5. I had a 2004 and a 2006 Competition and they were pretty solid cars for the most part.
One important thing these guys didnt mention...HAVE THE SUBFRAM CHECKED. The subframe on the e46 m3 is ABSOLUTE GARBAGE FOR A 60k! There is a class action law suit still going on with BMW for the abismal sub frames.

Rear sub frame cracking.

Get a PPI before buying. inspection 1 and 2 and make sure they have records of everything they did on car. especially oil change.

check m3forum.net for more info on m3 or bimmerforums

You must check the front subframe and front rear A-Arm bushings. They may be gone and the A-arm will be bouncing around in there causing the camber to change in turns.

Also like TheShuke said there is a big ass lawsuit going on with the subframes on the E46 vehicles.

They are excellent cars otherwise. Good luck.

Originally Posted by Jonmartin

Rear sub frame cracking.

thanks guys i here thats a main thing on the m's

avoid m/y 2003, it was plagued with problems, and for 04 they did a lot of upgrades to the throttle body, throttle system etc