Is The E46M3 engine reliable...

[TC M3]

Do you think that the New M3 engine is as reliable as the one from the E36 M3??

[ESM3]

Originally posted by TC M3
Do you think that the New M3 engine is as reliable as the one from the E36 M3??

Yes, I would think so because the S54 engine is not a NEW engine. It’s completely based off the S50 B32, which was built in 95. They have had time to work all imperfections, if any, out of the previous engine. Although "the piston velocity reaches that of a formula one car, it isn’t built to last one weekend but the entire life of the vehicle." - Speedvisions M3 documentation. The engine is capable of much more then it sits. Surpassing its stock configuration might lead to a shorter life of the engine.

Chris

[Samir]

Reliable? sure. Fragile? Yes. So far I've seen two blown motors first hand. One was a friend of mine and the other was at the dealer. Although each driver had their own excuse, I would put all the blame with the driver. The 8000RPM phenomena is intoxicating for some who purchase this car and as I've seen, can lead to some disastrous outcomes. Laws of inertia are not forgiving when the thresholds are broken. As Corky Bell put it, "All M3s are blessed with a jewel of a motor"...so treat them well, and they'll ensure years of reliable performance.

[TC M3]

"Reliable? sure. Fragile? Yes" Samir, I completely agree with you, some people don't treat their cars right, that's sad....