E46 M3: Buying, Ownership, Maintenance

[Manan^BMW]

Chaps,


I do realize this is a 318 forum, but just wanted to know if anyone had experience with buying, ownership, and maintenance of a E46 M3.

Also, please do share any tips, tricks, price range etc. while looking for one.


Thanks very much



With Regards,
M

[jca]

No ownership experience, but I read everything BMW. Buy the best one you can afford; don't go bottom feeding. M's will cost you more in insurance, and require more maintenance namely regularly scheduled valve adjustments. Also, any part specifically for M's will be more expensive. You can get the M handling experience with suspension upgrades to non-M models. Good luck.

[Manan^BMW]

Still a while away before I dive into the M zone. Just want to do proper homework beforehand so I wont have any surprises. Specially in terms of maintenance and parts.

Did I read a note of caution, perhaps even deterrence, at the end of your post?

Any specific portal out there where I can do a 'M for Dummies?'


Thanks very much



With Regards,
M

[macilona]

i would suggest you do a member search on this site for "slow ti" and try to send him a message. he was a very active and knowledgeable ti owner, who recently sold it to buy an e46 M3. if you can reach him, he may be able to give you some advice.

[Xer0]

I currently am employed as a BMW tech, E46 m3's amazing cars, but do require a bit of maintenance, look for oil leaks, especially from the Constant pressure valve on back of block toward transmission, super easy to replace, but often causes of leaks,

Be aware the S54 has its needs, for example if its a daily driver prepare for rough running engine in winter as winter fuel is watered down and will cause running issues, even with premium chevron.

By far one of my top 5 favorite cars to drive, but very easy to get one that needs alot of work if you dont know what your looking for, they can be very deceiving as far as what they may need if you dont know what to look for,

I have seen a few of these that are driven everyday with very high miles, and still run excellent, ( nearly 250 to 300k miles) but with true m-car ownership comes m-car pricetag. be prepared as part, maintenance and service are all much more costly that standard bmw models