Guys need some E46 M3 advice quick!

"404 Name Not Found" (404namenotfound) 01/06/2017 at 23:13 • Filed to: None

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So going to pick up a 2004 coupe E46 M3 tomorrow. It has 80k miles and two owners. It has the SMG gearbox. Also has the following stuff done

Inspection II

Besian VANOS Repair

Turner Motorsport Weld-In subframe repair

CPV O-Ring

Chain Tensioner Seal

I would say the car is in pretty decent condition. Agreed upon price is 13k. Thoughts?

bob and john > 404 Name Not Found 01/06/2017 at 23:22

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Thoughts: you know you can turn that into a manual right?

404 Name Not Found > bob and john 01/06/2017 at 23:25

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I do. And I probably will if the SMG goes.

Svend > 404 Name Not Found 01/06/2017 at 23:26

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I’ve known a few people who have or had an E46 M3 coupe.

I can’t speak from experience of having one, but check all the buttons and options work, ask if the electrics have been altered such as car alarm, stereo, etc... check it’s service history.

One guy I know was incredibly lucky to get a non molested late 2003 model.

fintail > 404 Name Not Found 01/06/2017 at 23:34

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Install the turn signal option pack retrofit (virtually none came with this from the factory). It’s an easy job and makes the car a lot more enjoyable.

Junkrat aka Rick Sanchez: Fury Road Edition > bob and john 01/07/2017 at 00:24

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I see I am not need here. That’s always my first thought when I see a SMG for sale.

Tazio, Count Fouroff > 404 Name Not Found 01/07/2017 at 01:01

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You may be aware, but in case not — at that mileage it needs or soon will need complete cooling system maintenance including new radiatior, thermostat, water pump, expansion tank, coolant, and hoses.

Unless already changed, *immediately* replace water pump (ask how I know — x2, FML). Max service life for factory pumps — max — is 60k. Lifetime aftermarket pumps are available if you want to pony for one.

Soon it likely will need front end ball joints and control arm bushings, also rear trailing arm bushings.

I am personally more familiar with the E36 M3s but it also soon may need shocks/struts. All that other stuff above still applies either way.

Figure all this into your first six months’ ownership costs. Once done, tho, you’re good for another 80K miles, except water pump every 60K.

Sounds like a lot but the car will totally make you not care that you had to do it.

Maybe use this info for price negotiation?

Kind regards and best wishes

Keep us Opprised of how it goes!

jimz > 404 Name Not Found 01/07/2017 at 06:58

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Tazio, Count Fouroff > 404 Name Not Found 01/07/2017 at 13:24

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A more direct answer, maybe more likely what someone would’ve had in mind — if not wrecked out, ratted out, or rusted out, that sounds like NP.

Previous maintenance is what makes a used Bimmer a prince or a choad and from your post it sounds like the car’s been getting mileage-apporopriate maintenance from a guy who cares and understands what to do.

If you buy this car and do the maintenance, and it’s been maintained up till now, it may turn out to be one of your favorite cars *ev-er* :D

NYankee1927 > 404 Name Not Found 01/08/2017 at 01:31

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Good news first. I paid 16k for mine last March and have put ~7k into it (estimated with labor from shops, raw 3-4K in parts, I do all my own work) to make it rock solid. I have zero regrets. I think it is one of the best cars ever produced, and my only disappointment is I am putting tons of miles on it with my commute. I don’t ever plan on selling it. There will never be a car like it produced ever again.

Do an oil analysis if possible. I bought mine with 110k on the clock and it ended up needing new connecting rod bearings and the cam lobes are losing their finish. The previous owner lied about the type of oil used. These engines can only have the mandated Castrol TWS. I ended up having to do the bearings. It was a shitty job on my back with the car up on jackstands. These cars are known to need con rod bearing at 100-150k.

Also look at the tire, brake and all control arm bushings. These cars eat them and it easily adds up to a few grand.

Edit: that prices seems a bit low, unless there are no other maintainence records than those you listed. If it doesn’t have a full service history, I’d think long and hard about it. You cannot let any maintenance lapse with these cars, the kid who got the car from his dad almost managed to ruin mine in less than 10k miles of lack of maintenance.