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Any advice on BMW M3


SupraMan Mk4

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Just seen a rolling road print out in the piles of paperwork for a 2002 E46 M3 (343bhp from new) that I have just left a deposit on and it appears a fair few of the horses have bolted. (print out now shows 313bhp) I appreciate its 10 years old and has done over a 100k, but its still hard to look at.

 

I know losing horsepower is to be expected, but does this seem a tad excessive? I'm thinking possible Valve clearance issue?

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Have you seen any service history? These vehicles like to be pampered with good quality parts- so if slightly thrashed and not correctly looked after then the drop you mention is probably about right also look into engine management because if the vehicle has been well maintained then you can get your horses back plus some more with with correct chipping.

Best of luck with your new purchase from a fellow BMW owner

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Well I have seen the service history regarding the stamps in the booklet, but not many physical sheets. All apart from the most recent are BMW dealership stamps. So I may give them a call once Ive picked it up, give them the Vin and reg and see if they can provide me with info on what was actually done on these services and try to put together the missing pieces on what may be outstanding/overdue.

 

What BMW do you have?

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Did you know you can buy a genuine pre stamped service book for just about all the major dealers if you know where to look with the relevant service documents. Only way to be sure is to ring up the place that did the service to check their records before you part with your cash.

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It could be a particularly cruel dyno, though it's more likely to be an issue with the car. It maybe just needs a good service, though I'd be insisting on a leak down test and a check for any potential VANOS issues.

 

These cars can break your wallet.

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Well I have seen the service history regarding the stamps in the booklet, but not many physical sheets. All apart from the most recent are BMW dealership stamps. So I may give them a call once Ive picked it up, give them the Vin and reg and see if they can provide me with info on what was actually done on these services and try to put together the missing pieces on what may be outstanding/overdue.

 

What BMW do you have?

 

Currently have 330d msport convertible 245bhp / 540 nm which is my day to day work car so had to choose diesel over petrol because of miles travelled. Previoulsy had 5 series 530 which also never skipped a beat and they are good cars if well looked after. As another poster said if its a wrong un then it will cost you money - bit like my supe of late but thats another story.

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It could be a particularly cruel dyno, though it's more likely to be an issue with the car. It maybe just needs a good service, though I'd be insisting on a leak down test and a check for any potential VANOS issues.

 

These cars can break your wallet.

 

Ive put this up on a few forums, and the general feedback I have got so far is - it may need a decent service with decent parts, valve clearance, VANOS issue, or to get a leak down test done, most of which you have covered above.

 

I'm hoping its none of the major elements mentioned above, but if it is, I'm assuming this would be covered under warranty (with the garage I purchased it from through Warrantywise) If I were to get it looked at by a specialist after I take delivery?

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Ive put this up on a few forums, and the general feedback I have got so far is - it may need a decent service with decent parts, valve clearance, VANOS issue, or to get a leak down test done, most of which you have covered above.

 

I'm hoping its none of the major elements mentioned above, but if it is, I'm assuming this would be covered under warranty (with the garage I purchased it from through Warrantywise) If I were to get it looked at by a specialist after I take delivery?

 

You probably are covered, but don't ASSUME anything when it comes to third party warranties, check the fine print.

 

I would get it checked before you take delivery. I know it's a hassle, but it's really best to get these things sorted first.

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One thing to look for is the initial first 1500 mile service. You'll struggle to sell it again if it's not got it. Alot of people say if it's not been done then there is a much higher chance the engine will fail or have major problems, all those off the 'M' forums wouldn't buy one if it's not got that vital stamp!

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My E36 Evo is 320hp and eats E46's aaaaaalllllllllll day :D

 

My friend used to say that, but then came up against an E46 when I was sat in the car, and the E36 got slaughtered.

 

I still prefer the E36 though, it's a nice compromise between the luxury E46 and the holy grail, but raw E30.

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One thing to look for is the initial first 1500 mile service. You'll struggle to sell it again if it's not got it. Alot of people say if it's not been done then there is a much higher chance the engine will fail or have major problems, all those off the 'M' forums wouldn't buy one if it's not got that vital stamp!

 

It has that, I also made sure it was in there.

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You probably are covered, but don't ASSUME anything when it comes to third party warranties, check the fine print.

 

I would get it checked before you take delivery. I know it's a hassle, but it's really best to get these things sorted first.

 

I called and spoke to warrantywise and asked if the things mentioned above are covered under warranty on the silver policy (The one the garage has taken out) and it is all covered. So ill get a professional inspection done during those 3 months to cover myself and put my mind at rest.

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Warrantywise are very good from what I've seen, we used to sell their warranties through work. A customer had a BMW 535d and had an injector fail, warrantywise paid out for 6 new injectors, and also replaced the glow plugs and glow plug relay under warranty!! Not that bad I don't think!

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I would look at the VANOS unit, from my knowledge they do tend to wear..

 

They are expensive, if your warranty can pay, rather change it..

 

This is a very useful buyers guide here:

 

http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showthread.php?t=28569

 

Check for all the things already mentioned, along with one of the most crucial failures, which is the rear subframe. It's all about history, history history. Make sure the recalls and guarantee work have been carried out aswell.

 

I've owned an e46 m3 and loved it. But for peace of mind I'd strongly recommend getting a pre purchase inspection done at a BMW specialist.

 

If you've any questions feel free to pm me.

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My friend used to say that, but then came up against an E46 when I was sat in the car, and the E36 got slaughtered.

 

I still prefer the E36 though, it's a nice compromise between the luxury E46 and the holy grail, but raw E30.

 

Oh I can assure you it eats 'em. And i have a witness in the shape of my mate who almost cried when he couldn't keep up. Lol Love the look of the E46 though.

 

Vanos units are around £1200 fitted I think, and they do fail. Mine was £1200 when it was done 20 odd thousand miles ago anyway. Just wish someone would buy mine so the Supe can have some love!

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I called and spoke to warrantywise and asked if the things mentioned above are covered under warranty on the silver policy (The one the garage has taken out) and it is all covered. So ill get a professional inspection done during those 3 months to cover myself and put my mind at rest.

 

WARNING!! I used to work for a warranty company, and we only EVER paid out for failure of a component which causes a mechanical break down. Wear and tear items (which you can pretty much include anything) were never paid out, nor consequential damage. Failire of a headgasket caused by a faulty water pump = A water pump and labour according to the book time to replace said water pump.

 

Just check the small print on a warranty dude. Not worth the paper they're written on!

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