Jump to content
The mkiv Supra Owners Club

Thinking about buying an e46 M3!


RobD

Recommended Posts

Just wanted peoples thoughts on this, looking around I could pick up a half decent one for 10k! My little one is growing at such a rate now it's no longer possible to get her in the back comfortably! :( So looks like I need a bigger car, but obviously has to have some go to keep me entertained! :D

 

Have always liked the e46 shape, not overly worried about a higher mileage example either as they seem a good engine and it won't have loads of miles put on it each year as I only average 5 to 6k max now! :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 55
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Jake on here has one in estoril blue. He maybe worth a pm. Expensive to run and insure too. Have you had a quote yet??

 

I love them and we have looked at them many times but never found one that would make me part with my cash, plus I cannot get insured on one without a garage.....:(

 

H.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Jake on here has one in estoril blue. He maybe worth a pm. Expensive to run and insure too. Have you had a quote yet??

 

I love them and we have looked at them many times but never found one that would make me part with my cash, plus I cannot get insured on one without a garage.....:(

 

H.

 

 

No quotes as yet but will have a look, maintenance I'm not to concerned about, i get trade discount at my local BMW dealer and I can service it myself so that's no real concern.

 

I think there's a few people on here that's own/owned one before so hopefully get some input from them to :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There nice cars mate i thought of one myself before gettin the bike. The only downside i could see was the service bills but you have that covered mate imho it would meet your needs better at this point in your life with having the wee one. BUT insurance is a complete C##T for them.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There nice cars mate i thought of one myself before gettin the bike. The only downside i could see was the service bills but you have that covered mate imho it would meet your needs better at this point in your life with having the wee one. BUT insurance is a complete C##T for them.

 

Just been on compare the meercat and it's cheaper for a E46 than a TT tipronic.....:blink:

 

H.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My mate has had a few E46 M3's all good cars, very quick lots of fun, nice sound and handle like its on Rails.

 

However, the servicing is expensive, replacement brakes are very expensive (expect to pay over a grand for discs and pads), as are tyres (full set £900-1200) and any replacement parts. Its worth noting that the bottom end part of the rear springs tend to snap in their holders so get them checked before you buy (this happend on two of the E46 M3's he owned) Look through the service history and check to see that if you are getting one with an SMGII gearbox that there has been no trouble with the SMG control unit, to replace this it is very expensive. Also check to see if the VANOS system has had any issues, yet again if this fails (which is quite common in relation to E46 engine issues) is VERY expensive.

 

My mate with his last M3 was up to 85k miles when the car developed a Camshaft problem (which caused a VANOS Failure) and it was a shame as it was just out of warranty, he ended up part exchanging it to a BMW dealership for a CSL.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Have they come down in price that much? When I was looking at that price they were all high mileage for a performance car - ie, 60k+. Also, if you do your own servicing you could really knock value off the car as service history is essential on these.

 

That into consideration I'd love one, though about it many times. I'm looking to change my 330 now but I'll probably look to spend closer to 20k so I'm in the realms of the 135 and 645.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

An aristo is great for the money but doesn't really do it for me!

 

Got my heart set on an M3 now, I've always fancied one so would make sense to get one.

 

Admittedly the parts do sound dear, but like I said it's not going to be a daily driver as I don't need one, so hopefully not much will go wrong with it.

 

Will look into insurance costs now as the misses is at work and little one is asleep! :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've owned one in the States, they are amazing cars and I would love to in the future to own a few models..! Like I mentioned before the SMG is a bit dodgy manual is a lot more reliable, plus the SMG is super rough on the quicker setting, it sounds like the gear box is going to tear in half when changing gears...!

 

I've always said that for me to be fully satisfied I would need some Jap & German performance..! I've thought of buying an e46 lately but decided to hold up another 1yr or 2 and buy a e92 as they are coming down in price.

 

Also as you know and everybody knows parts are super expensive.! Your will always be cheaper buying aftermarket peformance parts..! For example a standard radiator made of plastic cost me 900 US dollars.

 

I would totally recomend it...! But after a while you will miss boost...!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

I would totally recomend it...! But after a while you will miss boost...!

 

No change there then! :D

 

Insurance quote has come in at £2168 with Bell who i'm insured with now, around the same price i was paying last year for my supra! :)

 

Going to compare the meerkat now and may phone adrian flux if they're open!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No change there then! :D

 

Insurance quote has come in at £2168 with Bell who i'm insured with now, around the same price i was paying last year for my supra! :)

 

Going to compare the meerkat now and may phone adrian flux if they're open!

 

Have you got a particular one in mind??:)

 

H.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It is a good thing all the BM cocks moved on to audi's isnt it for your sake... saying that though :p

 

Ill be totaly honest, id say they there ok at best. The engine is the best part of the car. The brakes are terrible, the suspension is a bit like jelly and it suffers the same thing ALL bm's do, the BMW clunk from the diff but thats my opionion. Although on the flip side it is alot more roomey and practicle. Im in no way saying there a crap car though :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

When you posting the thread for us to help shop for your new car?? ;)

 

I am worried that it's the same one that I'm looking at....:blink:

 

I have rang the number on the advert and there is no answer. I will be surprised if the one I want isn't sold. If it is the a VVTI tip is looking favourite.....:)

 

H.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Have you got a particular one in mind??:)

 

H.

 

http://autotrader.mobi/used-cars/advert/201024361489860/viewing-9?PHPSESSID=rurej6h7kb151ro3f5vbvf7tm2

 

http://autotrader.mobi/used-cars/advert/201023360728062/viewing-17?PHPSESSID=rurej6h7kb151ro3f5vbvf7tm2

 

Both of these I like although they have high mileage, both have full service history, the one with the csl wheels would be the one I'd go for ATM!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I wouldn't be looking at getting one until next year i'll have another years ncb and gives me time to do a little research on them first!

 

If I do end up getting one though I WILL NOT be joining the owners club! £45 a year membership fee! Fek that!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. You might also be interested in our Guidelines, Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.