BMW M3 Pre 2004

[Peertjies]

Hi guys! So I'm thinking of selling my Mazda bakkie and getting a 2nd hand E46 M3 3.2 SMG. But I heard rumors that the pre 2004 models had a prob with rod bearing failures. It was however rectified under waranty...but what if one buys a car with this problem and te previous owner never took it in....can it still be rectified under waranty or should one rather look for a 2004 model m3? Sorry if it's a noob question but I'd rather be safe than sorry....:flyfun:

 

[kabal]

bearing failure was in pre 2003 cars.

if it has LED taillights (from factory), then you can be certain it was an after the change car.

 

[ASH M]

I stand corrected, but they where limited to just a few cars in the states during the first year of production. This was picked up quickly and rectified.

 

[kabal]

correct, tiny percentage (if a %), not like every >2003 car blew up

 

[Peertjies]

:roflol::roflol::roflol:

 

[P Smit]

A pre-2003 M3 will render excellent value for buck, take time and look for one with neat seats and body with full service history, guaranteed never to be the same ever again, SMG is great fun and very quick!

 

[M3_devil]

I amost got my hands on a 2004 M3 cabrio. Had CSL rims with nav and 75k on clock. Car is at bmw in germiston. Unlucky for me that when i called some just applied for financing on car. Still prefer N/A M over 335 anyday

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

Good luck with the search, take your time and you will be rewarded with the right one.

 

[Legacy]

The ones you need to worry about are all 2003 and earlier IF they have less than around 70k km on the clock. If they are like this just check with the dealer if the bearings and oil pump were changed, if they were there is no need to worry.

If an M3 is a 2001 or 2002 and has done say 100k+ km I doubt you would need to worry since the engine would have gone already at that mileage.

 

[calypso]

Here is the important bit from the recall letter:
"The problem has been identified as contamination of the engine lubricating system during assembly in combination with unfavorable tolerances in the engine oil pump for the M3 coupe/convertible produced from October 2001 through February 2002. These cars will require replacement of the engine oil pump and as a precautionary measure, replacement of the connecting rod bearings."

 

[Peertjies]

Thanks guys. The search is on! I hope to find a neat one soon!
:thumbs: