E46 M3 pre-purchase checklist

blee · 12-11-2016, 09:51 PM

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?)

bren · 12-11-2016, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blee

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?)

Have a specialist look it over?

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.

blee · 12-12-2016, 08:15 AM

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.

dan · 12-12-2016, 08:58 AM

blee · 12-12-2016, 09:13 AM

There's one of those (non-M) for sale around here too.

dan · 12-12-2016, 09:26 AM

All 135s are non-M in the US

John V · 12-12-2016, 09:41 AM

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.

wdc330i · 12-12-2016, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John V

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.

I thought I read every 30k for the walnut thing.

bren · 12-12-2016, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdc330i

I thought I read every 30k for the walnut thing.

Oh yeah?

wdc330i · 12-12-2016, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bren

Oh yeah?

12-11-2016, 09:51 PM	#1
blee Doctor Mudgeon Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 6,433	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?)

12-12-2016, 08:58 AM	#4
dan redefined Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 14,893	135i __________________ "There's a freedom you begin to feel the closer you get to Austin, Texas." -Willie

12-12-2016, 09:26 AM	#6
dan redefined Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 14,893	All 135s are non-M in the US __________________ "There's a freedom you begin to feel the closer you get to Austin, Texas." -Willie

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12-12-2016, 08:15 AM	#3
blee Doctor Mudgeon Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 6,433	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.

12-12-2016, 09:13 AM	#5
blee Doctor Mudgeon Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 6,433	There's one of those (non-M) for sale around here too.

12-12-2016, 09:41 AM	#7
John V No more BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: Ram, MS3, CX-5, RX-8 Location: Glenwood, MD Posts: 14,753	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.