Should I buy this E46 M3?

[smr123]

Originally Posted by SakhirM4

I had a 2006 E46 M3 for 8 years and never had a day of trouble with it. Never had any of the issues that you mention. It was worth over 20k when I got rid of it. Actually wish I could have kept it, but don't have the garage space.

Even with maintenance due, 2.5k sounds like a great deal.

I'm the same, had an '02, sold it a year ago. Did have a leaky mirror, bearing replacement on the recall and coils go bad. Not bad for 12 years!

[Germanauto]

$2500 is extremely cheap. Either it's a hell of a deal (you're basically getting it for free) or there's some big problems with the car. But I doubt your brother in law would try to screw you over with a bad car.

[F30inthe6ix]

For $2,500 I'd buy the damn thing myself.

If you are at peace with investing some money to fix it up, then by all means go for it. If this was your only vehicle and you needed it to get to work, I'd be hesitant...but for a project - you won't find a better deal.

[Outlaw 06]

Originally Posted by M4FOREVER

Hey guys. I currently own a 2016 M3 ZCP. I also have a 2011 E92 335 M sport. My Brother in law has a E46 M3 and I want to buy it. The thing is the car needs some work. It's a 2004 with 110,000 miles. The car needs an smg pump. And probably some other stuff. He's giving it to me for $2500. Is this a reliable car? Body is in very good condition. Any input on reliability and running cost would be appreciated. Thanks.

Buy it! The E46 M3 is a great car. I have a 2004 (6MT) that's still a blast to drive around town or on the track. The E46 M3's S54B32 motor is a masterpiece of engineering that's worth well over $2,500 all by itself.

[86Zed]

Originally Posted by M4FOREVER

Hey guys. I currently own a 2016 M3 ZCP. I also have a 2011 E92 335 M sport. My Brother in law has a E46 M3 and I want to buy it. The thing is the car needs some work. It's a 2004 with 110,000 miles. The car needs an smg pump. And probably some other stuff. He's giving it to me for $2500. Is this a reliable car? Body is in very good condition. Any input on reliability and running cost would be appreciated. Thanks.

Car is worth more than $2500 in parts alone - take it and enjoy or part it out.

[STR8-6IX]

if you have the time to be throwing money at it here and there.. then sure.

otherwise, I would look into one with lower mileage and a manual transmission.

[Kief]

You lost me at SMG...

[to_riffic]

$2500....I'd take it.

It's your brother-in-law, it's not like he's out to get you. $2500 is really nothing compared to other offerings that are probably far more expensive, and more to hide. It's a gamble, but a small one at best.

[kprocivic]

2500 is a steal. only if you have about 8k in extra funds though.

[NickyC]

Distressing to see some people think a 12 year old car is some ancient POS. I hope these aren't the same people who "buy" a new car every few years, then roll the debt into the next car they can't afford either. Eight year car loans and fleases are made just for people with that kind of mentality.

[to_riffic]

Even if you put in another 8k to repair whatever is necessary, I bet you could put another 20k miles on it and still break even.

[kprocivic]

Originally Posted by NickyC

Distressing to see some people think a 12 year old car is some ancient POS. I hope these aren't the same people who "buy" a new car every few years, then roll the debt into the next car they can't afford either. Eight year car loans and fleases are made just for people with that kind of mentality.

sounds like you have never owned an older m car. the e46m has a few very common failures which can get pricey quick.

[NickyC]

Originally Posted by kprocivic

sounds like you have never owned an older m car. the e46m has a few very common failures which can get pricey quick.

I have an 06 Z4M Roady right now, it's an absolute tank and I wouldn't trade it for anything new from BMW.

[chillindrdude]

if you dont want it.
put me in touch, i will buy it. cash in hand!

[mf3st]

Just sold an 06 with manual trans, 60xxxmiles on it. Had the car for 8 years, just did regular maintenance and some modifications which were more than the maintenance.
No problem with anything these cars have timeless body, I was gonna keep it forever but decided to get bigger one. If the title is clean she's worth at least 5-6K.

[mf3st]

..

[1MOREMOD]

Yes buy it. Fix it, love it

[phoenx]

Do a 6 speed manual conversion. Thats what I plan to do when my smg pump goes. E46 M3 is a great car. I drive it more then my f80.

[1MOREMOD]

I may buy another at some point for the street

[Alvinized52]

For $2500. I would buy it! Worse case.. fix and sell and make some profit.

[maddmatth]

It's easily worth more in parts. Really it's a no-brainer.
Can't believe how cheap you guys in the US can get these cars, I'm jealous...

[Obioban]

I'll take it if you don't want it. Hell, I'd pay double his asking price :P

Easy enough to convert a failed SMG to a 6mt-- it's the same trans. Remove the hydraulic robots, add a manual shift lever, certering springs, and clutch pedal, move a couple wiring pins, tweak a couple values, and you have a car worth significantly more than one with functioning SMG.

I'd be happy to come up this weekend with a trailer to pull it home-- NY is not far!