E46 M3 Question & Answer

[//M_POWER]

hi guys, just activated my account so howsit to every1:joy:

1.) Im gonna purchase an E46 M3 coupe in the next 2 weeks, what things should I look out for when viewing these cars?

2.) Should I stay away from SMG or not? I like manual more but there's some good SMG's on the market?

3.) Did our E46 M3's come out with the SMG I & the SMG II gearbox?

4.) Are all facelift SMG models, > 2004 (LED spec), SMG II boxes?

5.) Whats the normal oil services on the M3?

Sorry about all the questions, but I dont wanna waste 1/4 million:thumbdo:

*if you see/know of any up for sale,pls let me know*

Cheers

 

[Twinz]

You at the right place. All the best :thumbs:

 

[Karthik]

1.) Im gonna purchase an E46 M3 coupe in the next 2 weeks, what things should I look out for when viewing these cars?

Service history ? Motorplan comments , all that was changed , etc ?

2.) Should I stay away from SMG or not? I like manual more but there's some good SMG's on the market?

People will say yes stay away from SMG , but I think it completes the M package , as the transmission is super fast , problem is , if not nurtured well , it could be a 50k + problem . In the instruction manual it says to let the car idle until oil temp is right , else the box takes forever to change too .

3.) Did our E46 M3's come out with the SMG I & the SMG II gearbox?

SMG 2 box from what I know
4.) Are all facelift, > 2004 (LED spec), SMG II boxes?

No , you still got manuals available .
5.) Whats the normal oil services on the M3?

Not sure yet , someone will help you on this .

 

[//M_POWER]

thanx for the info:

WRT Q1: I've checked those usual things, I mean bodywork,suspension,engine quick checks for faults?

WRT Q4: I meant to say: Are all facelift (SMG models), > 2004 (LED spec), SMG II boxes?

cheers

 

[SP33DYV]

Ask a BMW dealer to give you the MotorPlan CIA report. This report will show all work that was done under warrantee and motorplan. You will need the last 8 digits of the VIN to get this report. If anything out of the ordinary was done, I would think twice. For instance, I was looking at an e92WL 4 door M3. They had to replace a con-rod and all the big-end bearings. I walked away.:thumbdo:

 

[Burgy]

Be very careful of M3 gearboxes, SMG or manual.

If manual, check for any grating in any gear, 4th usually goes first. If this happens, the box is about to be toast.

 

[kabal]

the oil service interval is 25000km on the service clock

some say you should rather do 12500km

 

[M3_FTW]

SMG II was the only box fitted to the E46 M3.

My E46 M3 did 207 000 km's before I sold it and the SMG never gave any shit, one clutch change in total.

I did however change my engine oil every 12 500 km's, have done the same with all the ///M cars I have owned. It's worth it for the piece of mind alone. Oil changes at the dealerships cost about 1.2k so it isnt bad at all.

 

[kabal]

the cheapest source is about +-R1400 just for 6litres TWS. add filter and labour and the stealer is a lot more than R1200

 

[M3_FTW]

the cheapest source is about +-R1400 just for 6litres TWS. add filter and labour and the stealer is a lot more than R1200

I meant labour, the oil I used to supply myself.

 

[kabal]

the cheapest source is about +-R1400 just for 6litres TWS. add filter and labour and the stealer is a lot more than R1200

I meant labour, the oil I used to supply myself.

ahh, that make sense

 

[e23]

There is a common misconception regarding SMG. SMG uses the same manual box but is driven by electronic/hydraulic solenoids -some ppl swear @ them & some by them

As mentioned, they need to be warmed up before being driven hard - engine + gearbox. My ///M is SMG and always leaves me like this :inlove:

At the coast, very few cars leave you with a smile :rollsmile: like an e46 ///M. Make sure the fluids were changed at service intervals etc.

The most common failure is the "pink salmon relay" which doesn't cost more than 200 bucks and takes all of 5mins to change. My car is on 170k & I've changed the relay once

The clunky gear changes of the SMG takes getting used to but in auto mode, she is smooth as silk. In the most aggressive mode, she will buck like a broncho horse :joy:

 

[E30 Freak]

Out of curiosity, what should you look for in the SMG box guys? Will it make a funny sound, act weird under auto/manual mode??

 

[//M_POWER]

Good info guys!

Update on my search:

1.) 2002, White, manual, 112 000km, motor replaced @ 90 000km (i suspect bearing knock issue with < 2003 models) = R239 000neg

2.) 2005, Carbon black, SMG, 110 000km, clutch replaced at 67 900km under MP, otherwise no serious comments = R220 000neg

What you guys think of these two specimens?
Walk away or negotiate:blab:

 

[Karthik]

Option 2 ? I know option 1 now has a new engine though ? Hmm , but pre facelift ? Would say negotiate option 1 to below R 200 000 . I dunno to be honest

 

[//M_POWER]

If SMG II was the only box fitted to E46 M3's, then why to do people say stay away from the "earlier" SMG M3's?

Drove the black SMG in Cape Town, SMG does thump like a mofo when you race gear-to-gear, but damn i'm impressed and in love...:inlove:

 

[kabal]

#1 definately too expensive

IMO not matter what anyone says, if a motor has been replaced, even late in life, it should be worth less than with the original motor :dunno:

 

[M3_FTW]

If SMG II was the only box fitted to E46 M3's, then why to do people say stay away from the "earlier" SMG M3's?

Drove the black SMG in Cape Town, SMG does thump like a mofo when you race gear-to-gear, but damn i'm impressed and in love...:inlove:

Because they are none the wiser. The software was changed with the post facelift cars but that's it. Hardware is the same. The software isn't an issue either as when they went in for servicing etc the software would have been upgraded.

Oh and to the OP. go with option number 2. Much better deal as there were a lot of changes with the post facelift cars. Some mechanical and some cosmetic.

 

[//M_POWER]

#1 definately too expensive

IMO not matter what anyone says, if a motor has been replaced, even late in life, it should be worth less than with the original motor :dunno:

i agree, this car is at a stealership (hence the price), but the pre-facelift and replace motor and price puts me off!

I didn't want another black car..but sometimes you need to take whats available on the market...or spend R299 000 for a white,2005, manual..FCUKing mad people out there!

---

If SMG II was the only box fitted to E46 M3's, then why to do people say stay away from the "earlier" SMG M3's?

Drove the black SMG in Cape Town, SMG does thump like a mofo when you race gear-to-gear, but damn i'm impressed and in love...:inlove:

Because they are none the wiser. The software was changed with the post facelift cars but that's it. Hardware is the same. The software isn't an issue either as when they went in for servicing etc the software would have been upgraded.

Oh and to the OP. go with option number 2. Much better deal as there were a lot of changes with the post facelift cars. Some mechanical and some cosmetic.

Ok..makes sense. The black 2005 is nicely spec'd: harmon kardon,rear/front PDC,sun-roof,cinnamon interior and day-light front head-lamps.

Just minor work to be done, bumper scuffs, few dents & 2000km over the oil service (not very clever)

I'm taking it to Zeemax for a full check then i'l make my decision.

 

[//M_POWER]

Update on my search:

Got report from Zeemax on the 05' M3 SMG: Diff pinion seal leak, REAR SUSPENSION TORN, oil pressure valve leak, some other small stuff as well (R15000 quote to fix all problems):argh:
Do I stay away? or negotiate with seller to come down 15k to fix all issues?

Can I trust the rear suspension if it's been torn, then fixed???