Scottish Forum - E46 M3 Convertible

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E46 M3 Convertible

Printed From: Bavarian-Board.co.uk - BMW Owners Discussion Forum
Category: Regional & Specific Forums
Forum Name: Scottish Forum
Forum Discription: where Scottish regional members can discuss upcoming events
URL: http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=50294
Printed Date: 12-May-2024 at 01:51

Topic: E46 M3 Convertible

Posted By: Chappy
Subject: E46 M3 Convertible
Date Posted: 08-August-2014 at 20:47

My cousin is thinking of looking at a couple of E46 M3 Convertibles. He has had many BMW's over the years and is in the trade having had his own garage for a number of years. Is there anything in particular he should look for? I spoke to him about the sub frame issues but was not sure the ages of car this relates to. He is looking at a 2004(04) and a 2006(56), both have around 60,000 miles. Cheers. He fitted inner anti roll bar bushes for me today for free so I said I'd ask you guys if there was anything he should know about. Any pointers would be appreciated.

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E36 M3 Evo Coupe,Individual Blue Velvet

Replies:

Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 09-August-2014 at 09:16

Two colleagues at work had the E46 M3, one a coupe and one a vert. The chap who had the coupe was hit with a four figure repair bill for a new vanos unit. He was also having exhaust problems (corrosion or support metalwork problems) which forced him into thinking it was time to trade it.

The chap who had the vert bought a hard top for it but apart from being teased for being a hairdresser he had no issues with it.

Both were of the vintage you are talking about.

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Posted By: shorty
Date Posted: 09-August-2014 at 11:00

1) the exhaust flanges are cast iron & rot where back box fits onto main exhaust ( check out "M3 Cutters" web site & use search find "Corroded exhaust flange thread" )
2) S.M.G gear box is fun ....but so many things that can go wrong with it & can be expensive to fix .
3) mine is a vert ...again if the hood go's A.W.O.L ...can be expensive to fix .
4) The well documented "Subframe " stuff
Obviously if the car has been "Hashed" ....but the fellow being a mechanic he will know his "Onions" on that one .
Last but not least.... for us Vert owners there is ......."The Hairdresser" issue .....he will need thick skin!!!

But on the up side I get to have the hood down & drive with some "Gusto"
with my "Shades" on !!!!

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Posted By: MAK
Date Posted: 09-August-2014 at 13:14

Michele originally wanted an e46 m3 convertible and all the ones we went to see were either hashed or crashed/ repaired. When we saw her e93 we took a gamble which could have been a disaster if we hadn't taken out the BMW used car warranty as it soon needed turbo and water pump. Michele cuts my hair so her car is indeed a "hairdressers car" but brilliant when the it is dry and roof is down.

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My Other Car is a SKODA.. really !

Posted By: vpricey
Date Posted: 09-August-2014 at 14:39

Watch out for clunking noises from the diff
On higher millage or older ones watch out for pinking/ ticking noise from the engine as this could be head gasket failure.
Broken rear springs
Rust starting or rear and front arches, boot lock, bellow the boot at the rear bumper.
Rear floorpan cracking.

A part from that they're great Big smile