12-11-2016, 09:51 PM | #1 |
Doctor Mudgeon
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,433
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E46 M3 pre-purchase checklist
So is there a definitive checklist for potential E46 M3 purchases? How do I rule out VANOS failures, subframe cracks, and so on?
(...and wouldn't it just be easier if I bought an 05-06 GTO?) |
12-11-2016, 10:33 PM | #2 | |
lawn boy
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: e46m3, f25x3,C5 Z06, C4 Vette, 06 CTD Ram, and a trailer
Location: Maryland
Posts: 14,029
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Quote:
I suppose VANOS issues can be felt/heard. Frame cracks are going to be very difficult to see without a lift, or at least removing the wheels. I'm not sure the GTO is the first thing that comes to mind as an alternative. |
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12-12-2016, 08:15 AM | #3 |
Doctor Mudgeon
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,433
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Nah, not looking for any particular kind of car. Just looking for something that can deal with tight garages better than a crew can pickup. M3 seems like fun, maintenance headaches notwithstanding. I'm a little scared by the subframe issue and I haven't listened to a car with VANOS issues...other than those big ticket items, I think I can deal with the rest of the upkeep.
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12-12-2016, 08:58 AM | #4 |
redefined
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 14,896
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135i
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"There's a freedom you begin to feel the closer you get to Austin, Texas." -Willie |
12-12-2016, 09:13 AM | #5 |
Doctor Mudgeon
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,433
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There's one of those (non-M) for sale around here too.
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12-12-2016, 09:26 AM | #6 |
redefined
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 14,896
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All 135s are non-M in the US
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"There's a freedom you begin to feel the closer you get to Austin, Texas." -Willie |
12-12-2016, 09:41 AM | #7 |
No more BMWs
Join Date: Apr 2005
Carmudgeonly Ride: Ram, MS3, CX-5, RX-8
Location: Glenwood, MD
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What's the consensus on the turbo BMWs and intake valve cleaning? Is this really something that needs to be done every XX,000 miles?
135 seems like a good option, I'm surprised how inexpensive they are used. |
12-12-2016, 09:46 AM | #8 |
dogged
Join Date: Dec 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: '22 M440 xDrive GC
Posts: 13,294
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12-12-2016, 09:48 AM | #9 |
lawn boy
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: e46m3, f25x3,C5 Z06, C4 Vette, 06 CTD Ram, and a trailer
Location: Maryland
Posts: 14,029
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12-12-2016, 09:57 AM | #10 |
dogged
Join Date: Dec 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: '22 M440 xDrive GC
Posts: 13,294
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