M3 Buying Advice

[thegolfather]

Hi Guys,

Looking at possibly getting an E46 M3 coupe or cab as an occasional car and just needed a heads up on the differences in MY and things to look out for before buying such as:

- key Maintenance "must haves"
- what to avoid
- spec / trim
- pitfalls and problems

many thanks
Kash

[Tilly]

big thing on resale of any M3 is that they had the running in service completed and stamped at circa 2k miles. If this hasn't been done, most people including traders walk away. Besides that, like any other car, most of the cars you'll find out there are spec'd with nav, H/K, 6CD etc etc. Just keep an eye on it being the usual BM service history blah blah

[Faz Carbon M3]

Key points to look for:

1200 mile running in service is crucial! (esp for any warranty work/recalls etc.)

Check the boot floor for any cracks as its getting all too common on pre 2004 cars. Thats not to say post 2004 cars don't suffer, but its just not as common.

If a convertible, check the boot for any water ingress as the roof on some can leak.

Check the roof goes up and down.

Check the sat nav, radio, tv etc works as the BM54 radio module can go (costs about £400)

Check the wheels for corrosion/acidic rash (the OEM 19s)

Bar the top two, the rest can be bargaining tools.

If its an SMG, check to see if the pump has ever been changed or the relay.

Make sure the servicing tallys up. ie. should be Running In, Oil service, Insp I, Oil, Insp II, Oil, Insp I etc. all at about 13000-15000 mile intervals.

Have a look at the service invoice to see whether the valves have ever been checked/adjusted (ie. shims and gaskets billed?)

I'm sure there's a few more.

Enough to get on with.

And buy on condition and not mileage!!

Good luck

[mystic sport]

As above, the 1200 mile service is essential. Also rear suspension top mounts will give a banging noise from the rear if failing and front suspension wishbones will knock when worn (normally need doing at 60k miles). Check the diff doesn't whine as well, usually fixed with thicker oil but occassionally needs a new unit.

[Purvesh]

Out of interest, what gets done at the 1200 mile service that is so critical? Valve clearance type stuff??

[Faz Carbon M3]

Out of interest, what gets done at the 1200 mile service that is so critical? Valve clearance type stuff??

change of oil grade to the normal stuff as engine has worn in