bearing recall is on S54 engines produced between February 12, 2001 and May 22, 2003 so you safe :rollsmile:
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Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
Are the E46 M3 Engines really like glass?
- Thread starter Xeqtr
- Start date
Crash_Nemesis
///Member
You cannot go wrong with the VAC bearings. If you watch my video on the Jezebel rebuild, you can see Peter inspecting them in the first video.
Rod bearings
http://store.vacmotorsports.com/vac-performance-coated-rod-bearing-set-bmw-s54-engine-p1336.aspx
Main Bearings
http://store.vacmotorsports.com/vac---s54-performance-coated-main-bearing-set-p2050.aspx
Rod bearings
http://store.vacmotorsports.com/vac-performance-coated-rod-bearing-set-bmw-s54-engine-p1336.aspx
Main Bearings
http://store.vacmotorsports.com/vac---s54-performance-coated-main-bearing-set-p2050.aspx
Daaf Vader
New member
What these guys said and Peter is a wizard if needed.
Otherwise if you look well after the engine there is no reason it should break, you will see a lot of old cars with the 200k km mark on and not even using excessive oil.
Good luck finding one, the engine is really great and a joy to drive with.
Otherwise if you look well after the engine there is no reason it should break, you will see a lot of old cars with the 200k km mark on and not even using excessive oil.
Good luck finding one, the engine is really great and a joy to drive with.
H|TM@N
Member
Devon, why don't you look for an e86 M Coupé. It also has the legendary S54 engine. :idea:
All the M cars had some kind of main bearing issue at some point, even the S62 as well. If you use the correct oil and warm the engine up properly, you should never have any big issues. The emphasis is on the right oil and warming the oil up to around 80 degrees C before releasing the Hoonigan in you.
To find a pristine example, is a difficult task though.
All the M cars had some kind of main bearing issue at some point, even the S62 as well. If you use the correct oil and warm the engine up properly, you should never have any big issues. The emphasis is on the right oil and warming the oil up to around 80 degrees C before releasing the Hoonigan in you.
To find a pristine example, is a difficult task though.
Crash_Nemesis
///Member
All this talking of the S54, I just took my car for a slow drive to the shops. Love it.
Xeqtr
///Member
H|] [quote='nick said:
If Mr H can fit in a Z4, Devon will definitely. :fencelook:
[/quote]
Guys Im 6ft9... I dont fit in a Z4 I have tried. I cant get my legs under the wheel even with the chair fully lowered, upright as possible and all the way back as possible...
Xeqtr said:
Guys Im 6ft9... I dont fit in a Z4 I have tried. I cant get my legs under the wheel even with the chair fully lowered, upright as possible and all the way back as possible...
[/quote]
AND my head would have to sit to the side to get under the roof...
E46 M3 is the one, I've driven one and im comfy...
Straight six
Well-known member
:roflol::roflol::roflol::roflol:
changing the oil every evening.....
Good luck in finding your baby
changing the oil every evening.....
Good luck in finding your baby
H|] [quote='nick said:
If Mr H can fit in a Z4, Devon will definitely. :fencelook:
[/quote]
Initially I was looking for either a Z4M or E46 but when I test fitted Brett's car (Z4M) it was a no fit unfortunately, not by much though, could've driven but it was super tight! I'm 6"4 and biggish built
E46 the way to go as you say:thumbs:
Going through the same process myself, looking for an E46 M3:idea: Not serious at this stage, but window shopping for the time being. Personally I think some of the prices people are asking are a bit silly for an almost 10 year old car (05/06 models). I've seen some of these ads sitting on autotrader and gumtree for months. I think R220-230k would be more reasonable for a fine example. I don't think the e46 M3 has become so rare that it demands exorbitant premiums, but then again if there are buyers willing to pay, then sellers can name their prices. I'd be interested to know some of your opinions regarding pricing.
Crash_Nemesis
///Member
Sure the e46 M3 is not the fastest thing around anymore these days, but that is being said from a guy who drives one in JHB. You have to drive one at the coast. It is so awesome. Relentless pulling on the top end, it feels amazing. But speed is NOT everything... the car has spirit.
There is a reason why these cars are priced as they are. You just need to drive one to understand. The feeling you get when driving an e46 M3 is just something that cannot be completely explained. The raw nature of the car. The clunk of the door when you close it, it gives you that involuntary ball clench cause you know this car means business.
Buying one for R150k is looking for trouble. Many issues will be found and you'll be spending at least 50k fixing her up. By then, you'll be unsatisfied and upset. Don't fool yourself. I bought mine 2 years back for 200k and there were many things to still fix. Granted mine was raped and modified... Rule of thumb, never be the 2nd owner of a modified car. Be the third owner. The first guy fucks it up, the 2nd guys spends all his money fixing her and sells the car due to frustration, the 3rd owner has a sweet car.
But seriously, don't be tempted by cheap prices. Rather spend the money and get a fine example and enjoy the car.
If I had to take all my modifications off my car and return her to stock, even though she is a 2001 model, I would not sell for less than R200k. Say what anyone wants, I have done complete vanos seals, pump disc, solenoid replacement, coated main and rod bearings done, new propshaft, new power steering, newly oiled and replaced bearings in LSD diff, new brakes and suspension and most importantly, subframe reinforcement DONE. You buy anything less than 200k, I bet my bottom dollar that car needs subframe replacement or if you lucky, just reinforcement. You are going to have to do some of this work anyway. You pay for the reliability of the car I guess. The e46 M3 is worth more in my opinion, but because we see so many owners slacking in the maintenance department, this is why we see so many going for sub 200k.
There is a reason why these cars are priced as they are. You just need to drive one to understand. The feeling you get when driving an e46 M3 is just something that cannot be completely explained. The raw nature of the car. The clunk of the door when you close it, it gives you that involuntary ball clench cause you know this car means business.
Buying one for R150k is looking for trouble. Many issues will be found and you'll be spending at least 50k fixing her up. By then, you'll be unsatisfied and upset. Don't fool yourself. I bought mine 2 years back for 200k and there were many things to still fix. Granted mine was raped and modified... Rule of thumb, never be the 2nd owner of a modified car. Be the third owner. The first guy fucks it up, the 2nd guys spends all his money fixing her and sells the car due to frustration, the 3rd owner has a sweet car.
But seriously, don't be tempted by cheap prices. Rather spend the money and get a fine example and enjoy the car.
If I had to take all my modifications off my car and return her to stock, even though she is a 2001 model, I would not sell for less than R200k. Say what anyone wants, I have done complete vanos seals, pump disc, solenoid replacement, coated main and rod bearings done, new propshaft, new power steering, newly oiled and replaced bearings in LSD diff, new brakes and suspension and most importantly, subframe reinforcement DONE. You buy anything less than 200k, I bet my bottom dollar that car needs subframe replacement or if you lucky, just reinforcement. You are going to have to do some of this work anyway. You pay for the reliability of the car I guess. The e46 M3 is worth more in my opinion, but because we see so many owners slacking in the maintenance department, this is why we see so many going for sub 200k.
Crash_Nemesis
///Member
Bavs108 said:
Agree with you there Bavs...
300k - 350k for a mint 2001 model supercharged... hint hint.. ha ha
I bought my 2005 for R305k 4 years ago and it was rather clean, but had some cosmetic issues... The motor itself is truly bulletproof if it has been maintained from new and not subjected to FI. It's the same motor as in my Z4MCoupe which I bought 2 years ago for R270 -a 2007 model) and in that variant it has also been pearl. The issues you have with e46 M3's are generally related to the ancillaries and other parts of the car and not the motor. in my case it's been SMG solenoid issues, water pump issues, a very worn diff etc...
In general...Great motor... Great car... But save your pennies and pay over the money to get a clean maintained version.
Later
Nick
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
In general...Great motor... Great car... But save your pennies and pay over the money to get a clean maintained version.
Later
Nick
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
