2002 E46 M3 vs 2008 E92 M3 - Maintenance

[Hashik86]

Hi Guys,

Need some help...I've been looking at getting my first M, but I've heard that maintenance on an E46 and E92 are killer. What are the common problems and costs I should keep in mind when buying either? Would prefer the E92 simply because it's newer and I think sexier but the E46 is significantly cheaper and a boyhood dream...

 

[Rommies]

Hi Guys,

Need some help...I've been looking at getting my first M, but I've heard that maintenance on an E46 and E92 are killer. What are the common problems and costs I should keep in mind when buying either? Would prefer the E92 simply because it's newer and I think sexier but the E46 is significantly cheaper and a boyhood dream...

Cant comment much on the V8

but from the e46 m3 - there is a few maintenance stuff you need to check:

- steering hoses
- vanos seals etc. (vanos anti rattle kit)
- valve clearances
- oil / exhaust tab disc needs to be checked / redrilled.
- rear sub frame may be cracked due to a lot of hard acceleration etc.

here is a few threads you can read through:
http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=59347
http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=59994
http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=52047
http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=59190
http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=55849

Last but not least...here is a good thread http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=51678