BMW E46 M3

[cyberdemon]

Thinking of selling off my 320d and getting an E46 M3 as a daily driver. I do about 500km a month so my cars stand alot (even when there is no pandemic) and I always wanted an E46 M3.

Was thinking about the E90 but I reckon I will keep the E46 for a long time.

Thoughts?

Also leaning towards manual as I know of all the problems with SMGs. I also notice cars for around R250k with <130000km on it, so am keen on spending around that.

 

[Crash_Nemesis]

Go for it. Manual is the better option in terms of maintenance and peace of mind. SMG isn't bad, it's just another thing that goes wrong on these cars and is expensive to fix.

Make sure all the big ticket items have been done on the car before you buy. Those being bearings, subframe reinforcement, Vanos seals, frequent oil changes with the correct oil.

 

[nish_M240i]

I say go for it. I mean you already have a Ranger Raptor that can be used as a daily, so I don't see why you can't go for the M3.

 

[Tinuva]

If you can get the SMG for quite a bit cheaper, also go for it. Can be converted to a manual with a kit. However I guess most people wouldnt want to go that route, but worth a look IF the SMG version is worth it and you save on buying price because it is not a manual.

 

[msm]

Out of interest and on topic with the OP, what does a conversion of SMG to manual cost locally (done by someone reputable).

Reason for asking is that it might be an option to get a lower mileage SMG car in good condition with a broken SMG box and do the conversion.

 

[TBP88]

It's not a gearbox swap. You're just removing the pump, doing some coding and installing a clutch pedal and shifter. The gearbox itself is the same between E46M3 SMG and manual.

 

[Tinuva]

Yeah you keep the SMG box, the kit is a few small things

Sent from my Mi 9T using Tapatalk

 

[Rotinaj]

It's a 15-20 year old car. Expect it to be as such.

IE Parts are always on backorder, parts are expensive few people know how to actually service them etc etc. Lovely thing, just understand what you are getting into.

 

[cyberdemon]

Thanks [font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Crash_Nemesis. How does one check that? Will it be in the service book or do I take the Vin to a dealer? I have asked Coisman to do the eNatis check for me.[/font]

Not interested in changing the gearbox if it is an SMG and happy to spend a bit to bring it up to par. Obviously want to find one that has major things done and then can concentrate on the smaller ones myself.

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I say go for it. I mean you already have a Ranger Raptor that can be used as a daily, so I don't see why you can't go for the M3.

The Ranger is actually mostly driven by my wife for the kids and makes the holiday time trekking quite a bit easier. 

This will be for me. I really just miss the grunt of a car. The 320d is amazing and if need be, I will keep it but its just too quiet :/

 

[kirshen]

The challenge nowdays is finding a decent one :fencelook:

 

[cyberdemon]

The challenge nowdays is finding a decent one :fencelook:

True story. I don't mind the higher mileage (between 120k and 140k) but it must be well maintained.