E46 M3 High Mileage

[applehero]

Hi Guys,

So I was wondering if any had any experience with the maintenance costs of high mileage E46 M3's. I am currently looking at one with around 160 000 kms.

Mechanically the car seems good, slight noise from the rear - could be differential or drive shafts.

My concern is the maintenace costs from now on.

I managed to get a view of the cams.

Your thoughts would be great to hear.

 

[OppositeLockMT]

It always comes down to how well it was maintained by its previous owners, those who have experience with it should be able to chime in on cost - I would imagine it being heavy if the car wasn't looked after.

I've noticed it's a 52 plate, is it manual or SMG?

Good luck.

 

[Andy1GP]

It always comes down to how well it was maintained by its previous owners, those who have experience with it should be able to chime in on cost - I would imagine it being heavy if the car wasn't looked after.

I've noticed it's a 52 plate, is it manual or SMG?

Good luck.

Rather opt for a well maintained higher mileage than a neglected lower mileage one. The short answer is yes. Unless they can prove that a lot of the expensive maintenance items have been done, it will cost.

Knowing most people they just ignore it until something breaks. Like that knocking noise. Rear diff bushes, or prop coupler/guibo. Diff+gearbox oil never changed etc. But on the bright side it's not uncommon to see these motors run well over 200k km. Also you know at least this motor isn't suffering from any of the recall issues with the mileage it's on :thumbs:

 

[calypso]

I dunno how it is compared to other my cars, but it is more expensive to maintain than an e36 M3.

 

[Crash_Nemesis]

Just dont dropt a valve...

 

[Fordkoppie]

It is more expensive than any preceding M car, and cheaper than all the ones that followed, but that is rather obvious..... isn't it?

 

[OppositeLockMT]

Apple, what happened to the 130i you were interesting in buying?

 

[B16A4]

did you guys notice the registration plate? is it UK?:fencelook:

 

[Legacy]

did you guys notice the registration plate? is it UK?:fencelook:

Applehero is in the UK :facepalm:

 

[OppositeLockMT]

Noticed the car is a 2002 model from the plate.

 

[applehero]

It always comes down to how well it was maintained by its previous owners, those who have experience with it should be able to chime in on cost - I would imagine it being heavy if the car wasn't looked after.

I've noticed it's a 52 plate, is it manual or SMG?

Good luck.

It was manufactured in 2003 and is a Manual.

Link here

Rather opt for a well maintained higher mileage than a neglected lower mileage one. The short answer is yes. Unless they can prove that a lot of the expensive maintenance items have been done, it will cost.

Knowing most people they just ignore it until something breaks. Like that knocking noise. Rear diff bushes, or prop coupler/guibo. Diff+gearbox oil never changed etc. But on the bright side it's not uncommon to see these motors run well over 200k km. Also you know at least this motor isn't suffering from any of the recall issues with the mileage it's on :thumbs:

Well, it seems to have everything done when it has needed it... That being said, that noise has apparently been there for a while. Wonder if it could also be a broken floor? Apparently this car is still on its first clutch, which does say alot about how it has been driven.

Just dont dropt a valve...

Eish, sore point... Was your engine rebuilt prior to the dropped valve?

Apple, what happened to the 130i you were interesting in buying?

Ha ha. Yeah, the idea of the car I want changes frequently. I could eith have a 130i or an M3 for the same price. Went on a drive course recently, and I think the driver in me decided the M3 would be nicer. lol.

did you guys notice the registration plate? is it UK?:fencelook:

Applehero is in the UK :facepalm:

Yeah, this is true. Its not a scam or anything. I actually saw the car!

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I have been mulling this over all day...

The car has had the big end bearings changed. It seems to be well taken care of. Just the big numbers on the odometer scare me. :-/

I think I will be let down if I dont get it, and maybe if I do too - if anything big fails.