Looking for E46 M?

[Red Line]

Hi guys
I am new to the forum.
Not even sure if I'm posting in the right section.

I am looking for an E46 M. I always admired these cars :thumbsup:
What are the common things I should check on these cars?
Is there anyway of extending the motorplan? Since most of the models will be out of motorplan....
How expensive is the maintainance ?
Is there any difference in the models 2003,04,05 ?

Sorry for the many questions guys !
Thanks

 

[Sankekur]

Not that I can talk out of experience, but I would expect the maintenance costs to be pretty stiff as with all M cars. It is possible to have the motorplan extended by and extra 2 years in addition to the 5 year one, not to sure how exactly this works, someone that has done this can maybe shed more light.
In terms of what to look out for, probably all the standard BMW things, cooling system, control arms and bushings etc.

 

[Flyt]

Hi, welcome,
:wrongforum: lol
try
For sale

There are a few diff with models, newer models have L.E.D lights.
I think you can extend motorplan if its just come of or almost of.
Oh one more thing , very rare to find an M that wasnt driven hard, after all it is a performance car.
:hammerhead:
Good luck in finding your m.:thumb:

 

[Red Line]

Thanks for the feedback guys.
I have not owned a BM before so just getting as much info as I can.
Just LED is not much to miss out on [If i got earlier models]
From what year was LED lights included?

Unfortunately it is going to be a 2nd hand M so I know it would of been driven hard but cant really do much about that...
How much does it costs to extend these motorplans?
I am looking at spending 250k - 280k...

 

[Sankekur]

For that you can get yourself a very decent M, unless you want a convertible, they are usually a bit more expensive.

Price of extending the motorplan depend on the condition of the car, could be around R30k to extend it, price but well worth it if you say have to have some of the very pricey stuff changed.

Just remember to have someone with enough knowledge give the car a good going over, dealers might be able to do this for you.

 

[Jandre]

If you want to extend Motorplan, you will have to buy one that is currently on Motorplan. You will not be able to get an "out of Motorplan" car back onto Motorplan.

Motorplan extensions vary in cost, depending on mileage, age, probably history and the dealers "mood" on that day.

They tend to claim and arm and a leg (sometimes your heart too), if you need to extend time and kilometers. Buying time, and not kilometers is cheaper. (Still, take enough KY jelly with)

 

[Red Line]

I am not really interested in a convertible - except those are the only ones with lowers kms on the clock
So what you saying is - its better to buy one from a dealer then?
Seems like I am going to get raped to extend the motorplan.

the thing is that I do not do much mileage so it is more the years than anything else. Is the only way to extend it through a dealership? do 3rd party guys not offer this?

 

[Flyt]

for 250k - 280k you could pick up a 2006 model with 80 000km.
:thumb:

 

[Red Line]

for 250k - 280k you could pick up a 2006 model with 80 000km.
:thumb:

Sounds good
Was 2006 : The last of the mohicans
The search begins ...

 

[Flyt]

check this out
2006 M3

 

[Hellas]

Hi Red Line. Good luck with finding a car, but keep in mind that your budget should include for some BIG service cost if the car is not under motorplan. Tyres and insurance is also a ton on the M's. Rather look in the R220k range and save some for the rain.

 

[Red Line]

Hi Red Line. Good luck with finding a car, but keep in mind that your budget should include for some BIG service cost if the car is not under motorplan. Tyres and insurance is also a ton on the M's. Rather look in the R220k range and save some for the rain.

Good point there dude. That was my initial plan but my budget went up becos at that price i thought that storm was already brewing .
The ones in the 220 range have about +- 120 kms on the clock.

 

[Diablo Jnr]

Only buy a second hand M3, especially the E46, if you have a big enough nest egg for any unforeseen repairs. Heard people spending R30k on gearbox's and so on...beeeeee very careful. Maybe try getting a good 330i sport...not the same league as a M, but still a freaking good car

 

[Sankekur]

Only buy a second hand M3, especially the E46,....

As opposed to what?

 

[Red Line]

Shyte ! 30k is no joke
the only E46 that I am interested is the M. Its a pity it costs an arm and a leg to maintain.

 

[zabbo]

I thought the '05's were the last of the coupes ... shows how little I know.

You don't have to buy from the dealers to have the motorplan in tact or even finance the car. You can expect to pay between R8k and R10k if you just buying time ... not too bad in my opinion. Motorplan is only offered through BMW and hence you have to get through dealership which is always the better option. I am sure that other warranty policies like Motorite will not be feasible for an ///M vehicle ... then rather self finance and put away R2k a month .. just in case.

If you buying out of motorplan ... stay away from the SMG's and only get a good clean manual.

 

[Red Line]

Thanks zabbo
8-10k is not too bad.
ya i have heard the SMG's can give more problems plus they come with a price premium.

 

[zabbo]

Silver 2004 from 45 Cars in Cape Town at R270k. With motorplan - you could still extend till 2011.
http://capetown.gumtree.co.za/c-Car...rs-R35K-2004-BMW-M3-Silver-W0QQAdIdZ231826988

 

[Red Line]

If this is a 2004 - how can it still be on motorplan?
5 years or 100K? right?

 

[Sankekur]

The owner has probably already extended it already.