So In the new year I’ll need to replace my trusty mk6 golf…
I’ve ALWAYS wanted an M3 since I was a kid… there are some real nice e92 examples in my budget with 59-60k on the clock. However… there are also some e46’s around for similar price but with mileage closer 100 even 110k mileage, there are a couple with mileage around 80k but they are scarce.
How stupid am I being looking at these sorts of things? Would even the e9X models with around 60k miles be approaching problem time? Or are those engines pretty bomb proof?
Feedback greatly appreciated!
I have an e90 for 12y. Maintenance is minimal. Happy to guide you on what to look for in your search.
It’s been by daily and always taken to a dealership for maintenance. Go for it if you like the car, it’s a strong and well built Car. Motor is bulletproof.
Won’t talk you out of it. Buy the E9x. The V8’s look fun.
Just make sure you have some money aside for when issue do arise, as they will with any second hand car.
personally I would always opt for the lower mileage car but a lot will also depend on how the car has been maintained over the years. as mention factor in a repair budget just in case.
Not considering the F8x?
If you’ve always wanted an M3, have the cash for it, and go in with realistic expectations about maintenance / running costs, then go right ahead! Life is too short not to realize some of our dreams
Budget for conrod bearings, do it straight away. Keep a couple grand aside for other potential (but not catastrophic) issues like throttle actuators, and normal age related failures as with any other E series car.
Turn off the fuel consumption reading from the dash as soon as you get it, and don’t ever look at it again.
I’ve been looking for an M car myself. I quickly discounted the e92 M3 because of the engine issues. The e43 M3 was also a contender but the horror stories about rust, cracked rear subframe and rod bearings scared me off.
That’s what lead me to the f82 M4 comp. And I’ve been looking for the right one ever since.
For the E46, if you take care of the big three (subframe, rod bearings, and vanish), then you should be fine for the long run. Budget about $10k to cover those. Some of this may have been addressed by a previous owner.
You mean vanos yeah?
What’s the general mileage for getting these bits done? And do they need doing again? If I’m looking at 100k on an e46 that’s already had the vanos sorted once, is it likely to need it again?
Although the E9x is relatively reliable, it could need some expensive maintenance. The rod bearing issue is the biggest one AFAIK. Here’s some info about reliability of the S65 V8:
https://lifeonfour.co/engine-problems/bmw-s65-engine-reliability-e92-m3/
It’s all about what you want. Since I’m older, I already experienced those cars when they were new 20 years ago and have no desire at all to go back to less tech, less power and drive something worn out. Thus, my oldest car is a four year old 1 of 200 Melbourne Red M4cs. I’ve thought about upgrading and replacing it, but it’s still pretty current, it’s crazy rare and I’m old and prefer the tech.
Point is that it’s only for you to decide as priorities are different for everyone.