E46 M3 buying tips?

[Ben]

I know a few on here have them and Rich has sold hundreds, so what do I need to check has been or not been done to one before buying?

Cheers in advance!

[MK999]

Not crashed is good (unless you want a bargain), not stolen also. If they're anything like previous BMW's (E34) any wheel wobbles will be expensive ally wishbones gone! Not sure if that's too early for the idrive system, but on that if you press it down there's a menu to check when all the service parts were last done incl brake pads etc.

[peester]

previous m3 was an e36...

[MK999]

previous m3 was an e36...

A previous M5 would be an E34, which is what I know for a fact has problems with said wishbones, and there's a good chance is a design feature that they passed onto later models, in much the same way a corsa C runs a similar system to a nova.

[Ben]

I can find cheaper running cars than you can buy crashed m3's so salvage is a complete nogo on them.

Thanks for tip about i-drive will look up when it came in.

[MK999]

Oh another thing I noticed on my dads (57 whatever E number that is, obviously much later but tyres are tyres ) really loud road noise seems normal for run flat tyres/the firmer BMW ride if it has those fitted, I thought it had a dodgy wheel bearing at first as I was expecting it to be silent.

Given they would have been caned to death I'd listen to a few engines too so you know what a good one sounds like, I'm on the lookout for an E34 atm, and the engines are surprisingly quiet normally, so any kind of tick etc is bad news when I might have expected it a bit if I hadn't listened to a couple. Obviously most engines shouldn't have any ticks etc but there is variation between manufacturers/models and BMW are on the quiet side.

[Novasport]

One word of advice, do not buy an SMG.

[MK999]

One word of advice, do not buy an SMG.

The temptation to fire light automatic weapons from an M3 is too much??

[Stuart]

the SMG's are terrible and hideous cars to try and drive slowly or fast

Means you are in the manual game which usually holds better money/less choice.
Ball joints are part of the wishbone, which is a £250 part from an indie and nearer £500 from bmw :s but they dont tend to go toooo frequently.

Basically a pretty pricey car to run given most wont have been looked after properly due to the 'type' of douchebags that tended to pick them up new when it was the fashion.

[Stoo]

No iDrive on E46

Check Serv History, make sure the 1st service at 1000 or 1500 miles was done. If it wasn't done, or done late, walk away....
Rear springs can snap. Brakes are poor. Vanos systems are EXPENSIVE! As above, avoid SMG, eat clutches.
Average 22MPG..... go for 18s over the 19s for better handling..

Good cars otherwise, just typical ///M Servicing costs..... LOTS!
Handle great, go like stink, sound awesome!