E46 Bmw M3 - Anybody Got One?

[Alan_M 66 1 Cars]

Thinking of jacking in the 205 and going for an M3.

Was wondering if anybody on here has or had one, and could pass on prospective running costs. I've got a rough idea but would like a few more real-life costs.

 

And I know M means money.

[stu8v 68 1 Cars]

My mate has one

 

Check around the rear subframe for the usual cracks, costly to repair as you have to drop the back end.

 

Steer clear of the semi-auto.

[Simes 248 2 Cars]

Try Dino, he's got one and has had for ages.

[mowflow 67]

I have a Z4 M which has the same engine along with a load of other shared parts. The engines are pretty reliable although there are a few well documented issues like the vanos, water pump and of course the rear sub frame as mentioned above. It's also worth avoiding the SMG if possible.

 

As you say, they are not cheap to run. You can expect low 20s in terms of MPG and even routine servicing can be scary. My last inspection 2 which did not involve replacement of any major parts cost over £900 and that was at an indie rather than BMW. More complicated than a 205 to work on obviously but I suppose you could fix most things yourself. However, the trouble being that an M car without a well documented history is worth a toffee apple due to everyone knowing the potential costs if they buy a rotter.

 

They are great cars to drive, makes an awesome sound, have a great feel good factor and that feelling of relentless cceleration. However, the old issue of a car that once cost £50k still having £50k car bills even when it's depreciated down to £10k rings true. A lot of these cars have been abused by the wrong type of owners over the last few years (partly why I bought a Z4, as it's less of a chav magnet). It's worth taking time and even spending a little more to get a good one.

[stufarri 98 3 Cars]

I had a 2003 M3 cab and it was a great car with no real expenditure over 30K miles except servicing and tyres.

 

Indie costs are reduced but still high, mpg wise if you drive it hard mid-teens, driven like a granny 27 or so.

 

Otherwise I found it not much more expensive than my previous 330Ci.

 

1200 miles service is a must as car is worthless without it and discs at £150 a corner are worth checking too.

 

I loved mine with the exception of the rear spings that snap on the cab frequently.

 

Overall I loved it and changed to the Z4M roadster only because the car was at the end of the finance agreement and I fancied a change but could not afford an E92 M3. I would have another E46 M3 tomorrow without a doubt.

[BudgieSmuggler 1]

I have a 2004 coupe on 56k, which I've owned for 18 months. I would echo all of Stufarri's comments. Given the value of these cars now it's not really worth paying the premium for main dealer servicing (approx. double), plus there are doubts on the forums as to whether dealers do as thorough a job as a good indy anyhow (the major service requires the value clearances to be checked and adjusted if necessary). Service intervals are relatively wide at 12-15k, although many owners change the oil more frequently. Many (including me) go for Vredestein ultrac sessanta tyres which can be had for approx. £750 all around. Up until a month ago I'd have said the car has been much cheaper to run than I expected but a head gasket failure has brought me down to earth with a bump! Don't let that put you off though, it's a relatively rare happening. I would strongly advise a pre-purchase inspection before buying as this will pick up most of the known issues. well worth it for the cost of an hours labour. As mentioned above avoid cars that have not had the 1,200 mile running in service done on time, not because of potential damage but because you'll never shift the car when it's time to sell. Any questions let me know. I love the car! It's a great mix of the roar and the practical.