The M3 Saga Continues- Always get a Pre-purchase inspection kids

"GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo" (jackolson) 03/14/2014 at 20:41 • Filed to: The M3 Saga

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Today I took the E46 M3 I was looking at for a PPI and as it turns out the car is a big turd (to put it lightly). The mechanic took about thirty minutes and told me to "run away" from this car.

First off the rust is way worse than I or the dealer had thought and whoever tried fixing it (it wasn't the dealer) ended up just Bondo'ing over it in the quarter panels meaning its only a matter of time before it eats its way through. The brake rotors and lines would need to be replaced (to be fair I had expected that of the rotors). The worst was the rear end, The mechanic first asked if I felt any lurching taking off from a standstill which I had (felt like letting slack out of a rope) and then showed me that there was A LOT of play in the rear axles, the mechanic told me the whole rear end would probably explode meaning I'd have to replace everything and expected the job to be in the 5-7k range. The rust was a deal breaker and the eventual rear end problems put the proverbial nail in the coffin. Luckily the dealer was understanding and agreed to give me a call if they got any other cars.

However, I now am pretty sure that I can not look at any other cars. The M3 ticks every box for me, it is bloody amazing. (Except the shifter feels exactly like my dads Ford Fusion Sport)

Manuél Ferrari > GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo 03/14/2014 at 20:47

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I like to live dangerously. I bought my E46 M3 a year ago without getting a PPI done. Luckily I haven't had a single issue.

But I was also less likely to because I live in a no-rust state (CA) and the car only had 32K miles on it.

Yossarian > GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo 03/14/2014 at 20:47

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Spend the extra coin to get a really clean one. Something under 70k miles at least. Better off spending more now to buy a mint car than getting a POS and spending more later on.

GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo > Yossarian 03/14/2014 at 20:50

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Here's the kicker...this car had only 73,500 miles on it and it was in this rough of a shape. The mechanic said that I should look for one that was about 10 grand more because they tend to be the ones that aren't abused.

Blunion05 drives a pink S2000 (USER WAS BANNED FOR THIS POST) > Manuél Ferrari 03/14/2014 at 20:53

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Living in states that don't get snow is the best. I'm so glad I don't live anywhere even close to the north. (Checking in from Texas)

GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo > Manuél Ferrari 03/14/2014 at 20:53

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Lucky you, I live in CT and I'm not looking to fly or buy a car that I haven't physically seen which limits me to the north east. It's this great place where it snows 4 months a year and they put salt on the roadways so it will ruin your vehicle. Can you tell that I like it here?

Manuél Ferrari > Blunion05 drives a pink S2000 (USER WAS BANNED FOR THIS POST) 03/14/2014 at 21:00

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Yeah it would be so rough living in a state that gets snow. I prefer to buy cars used to save money. If I lived in a snowy state I would have to fly to CA or TX to get cars and drive them back.

I wouldn't mind doing that one day if I was buying a used exotic. But I don't want to drive across country to bring an M3 home...

Yossarian > GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo 03/14/2014 at 21:01

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Yea, be weary of low mileage M3s for a low price. Most likely abused, salvage, or replaced engine. These cars are easy to moneyshift, or shift into a lower gear than intended, and kill the engine.

$20,000-$22,000 is probably the realm of the best M3s.

Manuél Ferrari > GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo 03/14/2014 at 21:03

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Haha salty rounds for 1/3 the year sounds great for gearheads!!!

I know what you mean about not wanting to fly to pick up a car. It's hard because you risk flying out and not liking the car in person. I would only take that risk if I was buying something super expensive and having trouble finding the exact options I want in CA.

syaieya > GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo 03/14/2014 at 21:03

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I hold the philosophy that if the car is truely what you want, you'll sacrifice for it.

That being said, bondo doesn't really count as being part of the car. There are other M3's out there, just keep at it and one will show up for you.

GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo > Yossarian 03/14/2014 at 21:05

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The dealer wanted 19k for it, but no matter the price I was going to get a PPI to make sure it was a good car because the last thing I need when my commute is 60 miles (round trip) is a lemon.

Tom McParland > GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo 03/14/2014 at 21:06

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That sucks but at least the PPI saved you a lot of hassle.

awe46m3zcp > GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo 03/14/2014 at 21:07

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$S0K now or $10K later but with higher miles? The difference between a $15K M3, and a $25k M3 isn't $10K dollars. It's probably more like $20k in the long run.

GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo > syaieya 03/14/2014 at 21:09

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Yeah I was willing to deal with the slightly beat up interior and replacing rotors and pads myself but I am not willing to sink 5-7k (especially with the rear end being so messed up) into a 19k car when I can find a good one.

Patience is key with this search.

Yossarian > GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo 03/14/2014 at 21:09

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Whoa, CP. I think finding a local one for private sale on an e46 M3 forum is the best bet. Most of the people that have the mint cars are very meticulous when it comes to maintenance and repairs.

E46 Fanatics would be your best bet.

hnnng, only 39k miles.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php…

GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo > Blunion05 drives a pink S2000 (USER WAS BANNED FOR THIS POST) 03/14/2014 at 21:11

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Damn I've always wanted to move to Texas...or Arizona.

Blunion05 drives a pink S2000 (USER WAS BANNED FOR THIS POST) > GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo 03/14/2014 at 21:53

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Arizona sounds cool. And probably has less wild weather. Although if you can afford a bit higher expense in things, California would be nicer.

With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username > Blunion05 drives a pink S2000 (USER WAS BANNED FOR THIS POST) 03/14/2014 at 21:57

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Can confirm that Arizona is a car paradise. No rust; tons of old people selling cars they have babied since buying for themselves as retirement presents.

Blunion05 drives a pink S2000 (USER WAS BANNED FOR THIS POST) > With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username 03/14/2014 at 21:59

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That sounds great. Maybe I can find an old person who fell out of love with an S2000.

With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username > Blunion05 drives a pink S2000 (USER WAS BANNED FOR THIS POST) 03/14/2014 at 22:00

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It's possible. I got my Miata that way. At 85, the original owner just couldn't get his knees to bend to get in and out of it anymore.

Biggus Dickus (RevsBro) > GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo 03/14/2014 at 22:31

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I have to add in that I will be in the MP3 market in a year or two. Don't know if I want the E46 or E92.

However, my part time job is as a valet (Yes, let the hate begin) and I had the opportunity to get some time behind the wheel of a Dinan tuned E46 with straight pipes.

My god, it really does sound like god's own soundtrack and that I6 just begs to be revved faster and faster.

phenotyp > GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo 03/15/2014 at 03:09

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Sometimes PPIs aren't enough. Some things on the first 5ers I looked at were obvious, and immediate walk-aways. Some, not so much. Thankfully I didn't have any bodywork shit, just the leakiest seals anyone's ever seen. I haven't seen my 550 since the last week of January. Pretty much a total engine rebuild. No matter what you buy, buy a goddamn warranty. I'm just under 3 grand out of pocket on about 15 grand of work (and both glad and annoyed that I haven't been able to sell the MR2 yet).

In like a lamb, out like a LION! Motorsport is LIFE. > GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo 03/25/2014 at 12:19

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I almost purchased one about 6 months ago, but opted out after watching my buddy have major rear end, diff, and valve issues with his. Opted for a 335i 6speed RWD instead - not as pretty - but boy is it a better car! The hydraulic steering rack in my E92 takes the cake, and more power is only an $800 tune away! Good Luck!