BMW E46 M3 - should I or shouldnt I???

[AdiS]

... he mentioned to me that the older motor was more stronger because of something about it being cast iron instead of the new version motor but im not to sure how true that is. I think he is basing this one the fact all his buddy's that had bearing knocks car's were all later models

I am pretty sure that is horse-shit. There is no difference in the construction of the blocks during the years of production. The only acknowledged difference is between pre-facelift and facelift models and those relate to the rod bearings, and that is why there was a rod-bearing recall on all pre-facelift models. Despite the recall, we have learnt that this did not solve the problem, as all models, 2001-2006 can potentially run a bearing.

As has been adequately stated above, bearing failure will be a function of how the engine was treated in terms of both servicing and how hard it was driven.

 

[AshleyN]

This is some awesome Info Crash......on this particular car, the owner has held back that he gives the car stick sinces his had it and the reason I feel good about the deal is that if his hammered it for the 8yrs his had it and not had a bearing failure on that time does that not give some type of guide that he has looked after it well? Just asking? He is very knowledgable about the car as well and has kept most of the reciepts on things spent and like I said FSH. However based on everything said here, I will definitely have to look at putting cash aside to do bearings. The owner has mentioned to me before that he has had other friends with E46M's and almost all of them have run bearings, he mentioned to me that the older motor was more stronger because of something about it being cast iron instead of the new version motor but im not to sure how true that is. I think he is basing this one the fact all his buddy's that had bearing knocks car's were all later models

Very interesting thread. I am also in the market for an E46 M3. I have been looking for quite some time.
The bearing failure is definitely a concern and one has to work it into the price you willing to pay

Seems like it has to be done for piece of mind as you not gauranteed that the car was nursed

Will be interesting to find about what the bearing replacement including labour and parts will cost

With the current prices of E46 M3's including the cost of preventative maintence required on vanos, subframe and beraings, it really makes one think. You then slowly approaching V8 M3 prices

 

[Crash_Nemesis]

V8 M3's are not dismissed from this issue. Something interesting to look at. This is Paul Walkers e92 M3. Albeit a track car, it saw far more track time than any of us will ever see, but interesting video none the less.

[video=youtube]

 

[EmD20v]

True Ashley, it really puts a downer on things as i set my sights on getting an E46 M this year as I have been putting it off for to long now but to do all this first and then enjoy the car a bietjie off putting. Every car I've owned was just get in drive enjot maintian Drive drive drive then sell and in to the next, no major motor work or chassis work:skit:

 

[Xack]

It remains the best //M3 you'lol ever get to drive period...no. There are newer M3's with less kilos in the market for less/same money you looking to pay. Go freaking drive the car first....