2003 E46 M3 Purchase

[drew]

Hi all,

Am new here, so hello.

I would like to get my hands on an E46 M3. I have come across one which I need to take a look at.

Its a 2003 E46 M3 with 85 000 km's.
It's manual with a sunroof.

They are wanting in the region of 220k for it. I assume it is stock, although they mentioned they will be removing the sports exhaust and alloys to get it back that way.

It is supposedly meant to be in good condition, but that's a matter of opinion.

As I don't have much experience with the M3 is there anything I should be aware of, or specifically look out for before considering the buy.

Thank in advance for any advice.

 

[zaleonardz]

Howdy man,

Where are you located ?

 

[drew]

Hey there,

I am am in Cape Town.

---

Howdy man,

Where are you located ?

Any words of wisdom? :=):

 

[calypso]

Get the VIN, and ask the dealer to pull the history. Take it from there.

 

[Burgy]

Watch out for gearbox (4th gear goes first)

Take it for a test drive, shift from 5th to 4th, and 3rd to 4th, if it scrapes at all, walk away.

check all bumpers for alignment, if there is any accident damage.

Call bmw and get a service history, no service history, walk away.

ALL M3's have been RAPED so be very careful.. I bought a lemon, Ive had to fork out many monies just to fix my M3..

If you can, get one in motorplan.

:thumbs:

 

[joe001]

yes I notice 4th gear tends to grind in my old m3 too. lucky sold it as is

 

[Nukleuz]

ALL M3's have been RAPED so be very careful.. I bought a lemon, Ive had to fork out many monies just to fix my M3..

Thats not true.... RAPED and driven how it should be are two very different things.

 

[Fordkoppie]

ALL M3's have been RAPED so be very careful.. I bought a lemon, Ive had to fork out many monies just to fix my M3..

Thats not true.... RAPED and driven how it should be are two very different things.

I agree 100% Nucleuz.
I have had my car (and for that matter all of my other cars) on circuits before, and I am adamant that I have deteriorated them less in all of those sessions combined than some of these hooligans have done in 5 seconds (those who think spinning is a display of good driving skills for example).
Mechanical sympathy can still be maintained while gunning the car when it is done properly.

 

[Reese130]

ALL M3's have been RAPED so be very careful.. I bought a lemon, Ive had to fork out many monies just to fix my M3..

Thats not true.... RAPED and driven how it should be are two very different things.

I agree 100% Nucleuz.
I have had my car (and for that matter all of my other cars) on circuits before, and I am adamant that I have deteriorated them less in all of those sessions combined than some of these hooligans have done in 5 seconds (those who think spinning is a display of good driving skills for example).
Mechanical sympathy can still be maintained while gunning the car when it is done properly.

i agree with you 100%

 

[Stealth]

couldn't agree more. these cars are meant to be driven. i have an m3 smg and lucky for me i had the diff replaced before i took delivery. awesome car all round

 

[Chavoos]

Check that vin number matches on all windows

 

[Burgy]

Hmmm... I suppose you guys have a point.. I retract my statement raise:

 

[Fordkoppie]

I suppose your statement was halfway right.
More than 1/2 of these cars left were raped at some time by said hooligans

 

[Legacy]

Just watch out for the M3's produced between Oct 2001 (all sold as 2002 models) and Feb 2002. These cars required replacement of the engine oil pump as a precautionary measure as well as replacement of the connecting rod bearings. Make sure this has been done under MP if you consider a 2002 model. These cars seem to blow up at around 70k km.

 

[Andy1GP]

ALL M3's have been RAPED so be very careful.. I bought a lemon, Ive had to fork out many monies just to fix my M3..

Thats not true.... RAPED and driven how it should be are two very different things.

I agree 100% Nucleuz.
I have had my car (and for that matter all of my other cars) on circuits before, and I am adamant that I have deteriorated them less in all of those sessions combined than some of these hooligans have done in 5 seconds (those who think spinning is a display of good driving skills for example).
Mechanical sympathy can still be maintained while gunning the car when it is done properly.

Well Said,

"Mechanical sympathy" sums it up very well. Personally never used mine on a track but did attend some drift days.

Just wanted to comment on my 2nd hand purchase experience, bought it with no mplan, long story, but did check out the VIN and yes it had accident damage. Minor bumper alignment issues, but drive-train and engine still feels and seems in great condition. with only 68000km and 06 production model i got it for a reasonable price considering the above.

Cosmetically its fine and my 5cents i reckon visually the car can be made back to mint (as i'm doing) as long as the mechanicals are sound (from what my dealer tells me)

All the best with your hunt for what truly is an epic machine :thumbs:

 

[Inspector_Gadget]

ALL M3's have been RAPED so be very careful.. I bought a lemon, Ive had to fork out many monies just to fix my M3..

Thats not true.... RAPED and driven how it should be are two very different things.

I agree 100% Nucleuz.
I have had my car (and for that matter all of my other cars) on circuits before, and I am adamant that I have deteriorated them less in all of those sessions combined than some of these hooligans have done in 5 seconds (those who think spinning is a display of good driving skills for example).
Mechanical sympathy can still be maintained while gunning the car when it is done properly.

couldn't agree more. these cars are meant to be driven. i have an m3 smg and lucky for me i had the diff replaced before i took delivery. awesome car all round

Too true.....NOW SMOKE EM TYRES...
NOT!!!

 

[zama]

If budget allows, try to get a clean 2004+ model. Minor changes but those LED's are just awesome :rollsmile:

 

[kabal]

LED's happened 2003/06

 

[EM3]

Any advice on what to look out for on a 2003 E46 M3? I have read the buyers guide on the forum but any additional personal experience would be appreciated