03-24-2017, 12:26 PM
Let me know if you want to take my M3 for a spin.
The biggest thing for E46's is the subframe/racp issue. It's a huge pain in the ass to fix and they will all (regardless of year) eventually have problems with that. Even reinforcing the mounting locations with whatever brand reinforcement plates will not necessarily fix the issue. You can still have separation of the trunk floor. For that to be fixed, you would need something like the vince bar that has been gaining popularity recently. If you buy one you absolutely need to pull up the trunk carpet and look for any signs of cracking or separation along the edges of the trunk floor. You should also check the mounting locations for the subframe to make sure there aren't any noticeable cracks.
Other things to watch out for on the M3: Rod bearings should be replaced roughly ever 120-150k (black stone oil analysis can help identify when). The vanos system has problems with the exhaust hub cracking. This can be bulletproofed for around ~500 in parts. You should probably look into replacing the cooling system around 100k. Valve adjustments should be done every 15k, but you can probably get by with 30k. This isn't nearly as hard as it sounds and I have everything you need to do it. As with any BMW, the rubber suspension parts need to be replaced somewhat often compared to other cars.
The biggest thing for E46's is the subframe/racp issue. It's a huge pain in the ass to fix and they will all (regardless of year) eventually have problems with that. Even reinforcing the mounting locations with whatever brand reinforcement plates will not necessarily fix the issue. You can still have separation of the trunk floor. For that to be fixed, you would need something like the vince bar that has been gaining popularity recently. If you buy one you absolutely need to pull up the trunk carpet and look for any signs of cracking or separation along the edges of the trunk floor. You should also check the mounting locations for the subframe to make sure there aren't any noticeable cracks.
Other things to watch out for on the M3: Rod bearings should be replaced roughly ever 120-150k (black stone oil analysis can help identify when). The vanos system has problems with the exhaust hub cracking. This can be bulletproofed for around ~500 in parts. You should probably look into replacing the cooling system around 100k. Valve adjustments should be done every 15k, but you can probably get by with 30k. This isn't nearly as hard as it sounds and I have everything you need to do it. As with any BMW, the rubber suspension parts need to be replaced somewhat often compared to other cars.
2015 VW GTI | 2007 4Runner Sport
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2010 Nissan 370z | 2003 BMW M3
2005 Subaru WRX | 2010 BMW 135i | 1999 BMW M3
2002 Pontiac Trans Am WS6 | 2006 Mitsubishi Evolution IX SE
1995 Pontiac Firebird Formula | 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX | 1996 Pontiac Firebird
SOLD
2010 Nissan 370z | 2003 BMW M3
2005 Subaru WRX | 2010 BMW 135i | 1999 BMW M3
2002 Pontiac Trans Am WS6 | 2006 Mitsubishi Evolution IX SE
1995 Pontiac Firebird Formula | 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX | 1996 Pontiac Firebird