Thinking about picking up an E46 M3 Vert for a weekend car, previous owners thoughts?

[last1left]

Originally Posted by Obioban

Perhaps! In the 15 years I've been driving e46 M3's, I've never had a starter go on me, so it hasn't been an issue. I have had the intake manifold off a few times (had a VAC airbox before this one... which had traditional VAC quality (shit)). I'm certain I would pull it to do a starter, but that's only ~20 min of labor.

.... if a starter ever actually needs replacing :P



For the first 125,000 miles, it got it half way through the OBC suggested change interval. So, 7750 OBC miles, which equated to every 5000-6000 miles with my driving style.

Since I retired it from daily use to weekend/track use, it gets changed yearly-- every ~3000 miles.

It's never seen short drive cycles. I live in the country, so every drive it gets fully up to temp. And... every drive has always included an Italian tuneup.

Mr. e46 dude your every where

[MFNATIK]

PPI checks out, car just needs Inspection service and new rear brakes. There are some normal M3 leaks (diff seal, oil pressure valve, and leaky transmission seal). Should I be worried about the transmission seal? There was no CEL or codes for the vanos or SMG itself. All recalls are up to date. Rear subframe appears to be ok but they didn't unbolt anything.

What do you guys think? Price is really good and allows room for me to do the maintenance and some refurbishments and still stay in budget.

[Obioban]

Originally Posted by MFNATIK

PPI checks out, car just needs Inspection service and new rear brakes. There are some normal M3 leaks (diff seal, oil pressure valve, and leaky transmission seal). Should I be worried about the transmission seal? There was no CEL or codes for the vanos or SMG itself. All recalls are up to date. Rear subframe appears to be ok but they didn't unbolt anything.

What do you guys think? Price is really good and allows room for me to do the maintenance and some refurbishments and still stay in budget.

If they didn't lower the subframe, you have no idea if the mount points are torn or not. I wouldn't buy it without doing this first.

CPV leak ("oil pressure valve") is a $5 fix after which it's good forever.

Transmission seal-- which one? Some are no big deal/easy fix, some are more work. All of them are cheap if you DIY.

Diff seals-- weeping or leaking? Weeping is normal, can be ignored. Leaking will need to be addressed, will costs $500-1000 depending on the shop. Or $30 if you DIY :P

Inspection 2 (every 50-60,000 miles) is a pretty comprehensive service-- oil, trans fluid, diff fluid, valve adjustment, fuel filter, spark plugs, engine air filter, cabin air filter. If you're paying someone to do the work, that'll be another $1000-1500. Or ~$250 if you DIY.

[MFNATIK]

Originally Posted by Obioban

If they didn't lower the subframe, you have no idea if the mount points are torn or not. I wouldn't buy it without doing this first.

CPV leak ("oil pressure valve") is a $5 fix after which it's good forever.

Transmission seal-- which one? Some are no big deal/easy fix, some are more work. All of them are cheap if you DIY.

Diff seals-- weeping or leaking? Weeping is normal, can be ignored. Leaking will need to be addressed, will costs $500-1000 depending on the shop. Or $30 if you DIY :P

Inspection 2 (every 50-60,000 miles) is a pretty comprehensive service-- oil, trans fluid, diff fluid, valve adjustment, fuel filter, spark plugs, engine air filter, cabin air filter. If you're paying someone to do the work, that'll be another $1000-1500. Or ~$250 if you DIY.

Thanks for the info! Any links to the DIY fixes you mentioned?

[Obioban]

Originally Posted by MFNATIK

Thanks for the info! Any links to the DIY fixes you mentioned?

CPV: http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=358941
(use the seal, not the whole part-- it's both better (forever) and cheaper)

Diff output seals (simple DIY, but it's a simple process): http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=218070

Don't know which trans seal it is-- and I'm suspicious it's a rear main seal, anyway, because the trans seals on the e46 rarely leak. But, without knowing more, can't provide a diy.

Inspection 2:
Fluid swaps are just drain/refill (which the diff/trans starts overflowing out the fill hole, it's full). Valve adjustment DIY: http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=450097
While you're doing the valve adjustment, spark plugs are just unscrew/screw in.

M3Forum has a tool rental thread (e.g. for the special tools to do a valve adjustment): http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=564377

And DIYs for almost anything on the car can be found here:
http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/forumdisplay.php?f=60

[MFNATIK]

Originally Posted by Obioban

CPV: http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=358941
(use the seal, not the whole part-- it's both better (forever) and cheaper)

Diff output seals (simple DIY, but it's a simple process): http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=218070

Don't know which trans seal it is-- and I'm suspicious it's a rear main seal, anyway, because the trans seals on the e46 rarely leak. But, without knowing more, can't provide a diy.

Inspection 2:
Fluid swaps are just drain/refill (which the diff/trans starts overflowing out the fill hole, it's full). Valve adjustment DIY: http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=450097
While you're doing the valve adjustment, spark plugs are just unscrew/screw in.

M3Forum has a tool rental thread (e.g. for the special tools to do a valve adjustment): http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=564377

And DIYs for almost anything on the car can be found here:
http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/forumdisplay.php?f=60

Dude you're the best. I'm boarding my flight and heading to Denver to pick it up tomorrow morning. Will post pics shortly!

[GrussGott]

Originally Posted by MFNATIK

Dude you're the best. I'm boarding my flight and heading to Denver to pick it up tomorrow morning. Will post pics shortly!

Looking forward to seeing it! I was thinking about you the other day when I saw this one:

[bizzleb109]

I had a smg man I didn't enjoy it all all got a little better with the alpine transmission update but we do go for a manual

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by MFNATIK

Dude you're the best. I'm boarding my flight and heading to Denver to pick it up tomorrow morning. Will post pics shortly!

Where is your E46 with pics??

[MFNATIK]

Haha, I didn't forget. It was so covered in bugs that I didn't want to post dirty car pics. Here are some before we headed home and some shots along the way. The car itself was FILTHY from not having had a pro detail for some time. I've started the cleaning and refurbishing process. Hopefully I can post a finished product that I can be proud of in a few months (it needs a new bumper and some touch up on the body panels).

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by MFNATIK

Haha, I didn't forget. It was so covered in bugs that I didn't want to post dirty car pics. Here are some before we headed home and some shots along the way. The car itself was FILTHY from not having had a pro detail for some time. I've started the cleaning and refurbishing process. Hopefully I can post a finished product that I can be proud of in a few months (it needs a new bumper and some touch up on the body panels).

Congrats!! Looks great!

[MFNATIK]

Originally Posted by SakhirM4

Congrats!! Looks great!

Thanks! Last picture was my attempt at being patriotic for the upcoming holiday hahah

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by MFNATIK

Thanks! Last picture was my attempt at being patriotic for the upcoming holiday hahah

Oh, I didn't even notice that. I thought it was your attempt to show your FOUR Bimmers in the driveway.

[MFNATIK]

Originally Posted by SakhirM4

Oh, I didn't even notice that. I thought it was your attempt to show your FOUR Bimmers in the driveway.

hahah, indirectly of course

[Yessir]

Congrats! love the e46 vert f80 combo. I have the same in my garage and appreciate the practically of both vehicles for whatever you desire. I purchased a vert thinking I would never use it with the top down. That's just not the case, top gets put down almost lost every single day if the weather permits. There are some great resources out there for any diy repairs you may need. Here is a great source for anything vert related : http://forum.e46fanatics.com/forumdisplay.php?f=106
There are a lot of parts in the roof and if you have any issues or concerns, I'm sure you can find it here. It helped me out a great deal. Enjoy the new ride!!!

[MFNATIK]

Originally Posted by Yessir

Congrats! love the e46 vert f80 combo. I have the same in my garage and appreciate the practically of both vehicles for whatever you desire. I purchased a vert thinking I would never use it with the top down. That's just not the case, top gets put down almost lost every single day if the weather permits. There are some great resources out there for any diy repairs you may need. Here is a great source for anything vert related : http://forum.e46fanatics.com/forumdisplay.php?f=106
There are a lot of parts in the roof and if you have any issues or concerns, I'm sure you can find it here. It helped me out a great deal. Enjoy the new ride!!!

Yup, I've been making myself at home on the E46fanatics site . There's lot of good info. I feel like I'm so late in the E46 game that I'm asking all the newb questions hahah.

So far the family is really enjoying the top down drives. Its our defacto car to take out in the afternoon and evenings now. I will say tho, the F80 is so refined that its a night and day difference in the way they drive and all the amenities/features of the F80 make it a more like a modern luxury car when compared to the E46 M3. As a weekend pleasure vehicle, the E46 M3 vert checks off all the right boxes. Its making me think maybe I should have gotten an F83 hahaha.

[Yessir]

Originally Posted by MFNATIK

Yup, I've been making myself at home on the E46fanatics site . There's lot of good info. I feel like I'm so late in the E46 game that I'm asking all the newb questions hahah.

So far the family is really enjoying the top down drives. Its our defacto car to take out in the afternoon and evenings now. I will say tho, the F80 is so refined that its a night and day difference in the way they drive and all the amenities/features of the F80 make it a more like a modern luxury car when compared to the E46 M3. As a weekend pleasure vehicle, the E46 M3 vert checks off all the right boxes. Its making me think maybe I should have gotten an F83 hahaha.

Agreed on the refinement of the F80 compared the the e46. There is a 15 year and generational gap so it's expected. They have such different personalities but it is a joy to drive both and have your pick for what you want for the day; top down cruising or supercar speed with everyday practicality. I drive my e46 daily and even carry my nieces and nephew in the rear with the top down. It's pretty turbulent back there with the top down on the freeway but they love it. I'm sure the F83 is a great all around car that could cover all check boxes for both vehicles but don't go regretting your purchase already!lol

[MFNATIK]

Originally Posted by Yessir

Agreed on the refinement of the F80 compared the the e46. There is a 15 year and generational gap so it's expected. They have such different personalities but it is a joy to drive both and have your pick for what you want for the day; top down cruising or supercar speed with everyday practicality. I drive my e46 daily and even carry my nieces and nephew in the rear with the top down. It's pretty turbulent back there with the top down on the freeway but they love it. I'm sure the F83 is a great all around car that could cover all check boxes for both vehicles but don't go regretting your purchase already!lol

Hahaha, no ragrets! This right there in bold describes it. I have to say the sound of a NA straight six is very pleasing with the top down. Makes me want to rev it all the time! Whereas the S55 and comp pack exhaust definitely sounds like a pseudo V8 with gobs of torque that pulls like a train. I definitely am enjoying the best of both worlds

[MFNATIK]

Originally Posted by last1left

Mr. e46 dude your every where

I did not realize how true this was until I started visiting M3Forums hahaha

I just completed the full Inspection 2, refinished all 4 wheels, and did a full interior restoration (replaced steering wheel, center console, cup holder, coin holder, center trim, navigation screen, HK door handles, windscreen mounts, broken covers, all broken dash and A-pillar clips, fixed worn bolsters, and disassembled the whole interior to wash and clean it). So now it finally feels like a new car to me and I'm just enjoying afternoon and evening drives with the top down. This project has been so much fun and rewarding so far!

[GrussGott]

Originally Posted by MFNATIK

I did not realize how true this was until I started visiting M3Forums hahaha

I just completed the full Inspection 2, refinished all 4 wheels, and did a full interior restoration (replaced steering wheel, center console, cup holder, coin holder, center trim, navigation screen, HK door handles, windscreen mounts, broken covers, all broken dash and A-pillar clips, fixed worn bolsters, and disassembled the whole interior to wash and clean it). So now it finally feels like a new car to me and I'm just enjoying afternoon and evening drives with the top down. This project has been so much fun and rewarding so far!

[MFNATIK]

Originally Posted by GrussGott

haha, I will shortly. I sent my wheels back to get refinished a 2nd time. The polish look was very "chrome" like so I'm going to have them do a brushed satin finish instead to see if that is closer to stock.

[AndyX5d]

I had an 05 E46 M3 vert. It is one sexy looking car, that's where the highlights ended for me. I personally didn't enjoy the car. You had to really wind it out to get the power out of it. To me if you want a car for track days then it's great, if you want a street car it really disappointed me. I had the SMG and it was terrible, then came all the potential issues. The VANOS bolt issue and the subframe issues really had me worried. Then there was the $13 a liter special oil you have to use. I'm not sure if that oil is still that crazy, but it was when I had the car. All this led me to only own the car for 18 months and about 5 of those were winter and the car was left in the garage under a cover.