I know it will have been covered a few times on here, but can anyone provide any pointers towards a buyers guide for the E46 M3 Cab please?

Seriously considering one.

 

don't bother, buy my 330ci instead, i want an m3 now lol!
subframes!!!!
then inspection 2 is a must, good brakes as they are expensive to replace.
listen for vanos rattle, easy to fix yourself or costly at a dealer.
smg gearboxes can be expensive when they go wrong, but very good when they work.
manuals are rare, but weight saving and less expensive/prone to failure.

this is pretty much what i've found out so far, but the 330 would have to go first and flog the 206 we have sat on drive too, only driven a couple, but not the best condition so didn't part with my cash.
there are a lot of dogs out there at average prices, cheap ones so far have been shite, dear ones are just that.

 

get yourself over to www.m3cutters.com

 

Cheers for the info, just registered on M3 forum.

Gotta shift my Mondy first and in no panic to buy one so will have a good browse. Thought the insurance would be steep, but can't fall off for 328 FC.......lol.

 

Are they all 4 seaters, or did they do a 5 seat version?

 

Came up on the insurance quote as 5. What makes you think they are 4 seaters?

 

Buy the best you can afford is good advice as everything is expensive on them, cheap ones around 6k are cheap usually because there a bag of turd and have been abused and neglected, good ones start around about 8k. As said look at m3cutters and the buying guides on there, everyone on there is friendly and helpful usually

 

99.9% sure M3's are 4 seaters, I have been interested for years in the cab, however prices remain strong and they are expensive to run.

With that in mind you have the floor cracking issue to keep in mind, the famed VANOS issue and make sure the brakes and tyres are good as replacements are hugely expensive.

Also there was a main bearing recall in pre 03 models.

Also, as said beware of the SMG models which suffer with pump issues, and that's like £1500 to sort! The gearbox itself is the same.

Martin

 

I'm looking for a manual only, never fancied any sort of SMG/PDK to be honest.

After looking at some ads this morning they are indeed a 4 seater, you might squeeze 3adults in the back but only 2 child seats (which is why i'm looking at them).

 

Try and go for an 04 plate or newer....As IF it has a sub frame/boot floor issue then BMW will 99.9% repair it FOC as a good will gesture as its a VERY publisised issue and they are aware of it. If its under 10 years this will apply. They like to see BMW Service history with it or at least specialists. I know a few people that have had this done.

Its always worth getting it checked prior to buying the car as its a good negotiating point. I had mine checked and all was fine so BMW put it in writing and i had it as proof for the buyer.

Alot of people sell these when they need discs and pads all round and rear tyres......Thats how i got mine at such a good deal.
To replace the discs and pads all round with genuine parts it was £500 (Genuine ATE discs from GSF/ECP are what they fit OE)....so not that dear really...people think they are alot dearer but shop around and you can be the one with the better deal.

Rear tyres for mine were £450...They were Bridgestone RE050's to match the front.....again not really that dear when you look at the car.

Rear exhaust clamps always rot away and fall apart...you can see this through the passenger rear arch....... If BMW wanted to replace these clamps then they will say the only way is a new centre section and rear exhaust at £1200..........Every M3 owner who goes on M3Cutters with this issue have replaced them with Peugeot Clamps at £6.......And they fit alot better. I have done a write up on the cutter site for it.

Vanos issues can be prevented with £15.........buy changing the Vanos filter that takes about 30 seconds and 9/10 times has never been changed and if full of gunk.

 

Cheers Tiff.

I've had a couple of Boxsters in the past and the parts prices you mention above seem very similar (tyres/brakes etc), like you say, people are terrified of them but most service jobs can be done for reasonable £'s by a decent DIY mechanic.

Plenty around for sale it would seem. Any mileage related issues? I'm trying to find one under 50k ideally, and won't actually put that many on it in reality.

 

As long as there looked after, milage isnt an issue tbh.......

I know of a 55plate M3 CS with about 56k on it if your interested.......

 

Only if its a manual rag top.

 

Get an e39 m5 instead

 

ive got a e46 328i. not an m3 I know but its a lovely car and fast and smooth on the motorway. the m3 is the daddy though and in a league of its own. still the vanos/subframe issues apply. my favourite bmthough would be the m5 of similar era. other than the issues that have been well covered the e46 is a good car. also keep the inside lip on the rear arches clean as they hold crud and can cause corrosion if not kept clean regular.

 

Make sure its had its 1200 mile running in service as you will struggle to move on when the time comes

 

They are very tempting, i looked myself. Just the e46 m3 is more sporty.
The m5 is a thirsty bugger too, but loads more power.

 

I'm after a soft top, so the M5 is out.

 

I'm an e46 m3 owner and there's plenty of good pointers here.
www.m3cutters.co.uk is the place to go.
The only thing I would add is to google for BMW customer service no. They can tell you off the reg. no. whether its been through any recalls and what the main dealer service history looks like (helps tally with the service book too).
Generally I'd make sure it's had a recent insp 2 service (or budget accordingly. Vanos, front brakes and rear subframe mounting points on the body are the main key points to scrutinise. If its done 60k + miles the broken rear springs and worn out rear trailing arm bushes are prob not far away either. No big dramas to replace either (& springs go alot at any age it seems),, but car will feel vague at best or be lethal in the wet.
Lastly if it's your daily, budget for winter tires come October, or take the Bus if it snows!
I love mine btw, don't let these things put you off! Try and get the best spec you can (eg digital tv, sat Nav etc) & enjoy.
Cheers
Iain

 

What sort of Mpg can you achive on an 80mph ish motorway run? I do 85 miles a day but I'm getting bored of the 530d

 

I would see 28/30mpg on a run going steady...

 

Most of the main issues have been covered here...but had mine for 2 years now and LOVE it.... any excuse to have the roof down..Decent power and very easy to drive.

 

Mine's been great fun....

Probably too high mileage for you at 94k, but its for sale in a few weeks....

Blue, grey leather, hardtop, SMG etc....

So much fun with the sun out!