About to buy 2002 E46 M3 - Any advice

Harvard95 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-20-2009, 04:33 AM

Greetings everyone out there.

I am new to this and this is my first post. I am about to inspect a 2002 E46 M3 that has done 120,000 kms. From the records it looks like I might be the 3rd owner if I buy it.

I currently own a 1995 Nissan Skyline GTST with 350 hp at the wheels. I use it for time attack events and autokana. It is a very quick car, but I am super impressed with a couple of E36 M3's in the same competitions, one of which is pulling times quicker than I can manage and doing so on street tyres.

I am so impressed with the M3's that I intend selling my Skyline and joining the ranks of BMW owners. Although I like the E36's the E46 really 'dings my bell' on design and performance and will enable me to drive it as a road car as well as my competition vehicle.

At 120,000 kms, I expect to spend money on new brake discs and pads, but I would like to know if these cars have any other idiosyncracies that I should be aware of to look for when I inspect it and take it for a drive.

I found an amazing thread on what to look for in an E36 M3, but does anyone know of a similar site or post that I could refer to for pre-purchase tips on an E46 M3?

On my Nissan Turbo it is essential to change the timing belt at 100,000kms. Is it the same with BMW's and how strong are the clutches on the E46 Manual. Alsoat what cost and approximate mileage would it be reasonable to expect to replace the clutch?

Looking forward to hearing members' views and being part of the BMW owners' fraternity.

Cheers

Harvard95

Dazza-mate · #2 (**permalink**) 07-20-2009, 06:39 AM

I don't have an M3, but I have been fortunate enough to have driven one, just pretended I was interested in buying from a dealer, they gave it to me, told me to be back in 20 minutes, it was an e46 BTW, very nice to drive, handles like a go kart and you can really push the car around corners without it losing grip... Not sure about maintaining one though, but from the experience the car is very responsive and felt great to drive

bnr32_coupe · #3 (**permalink**) 07-21-2009, 12:21 AM

Harvard, as a fellow Skyline owner, I too share your passion for BMW! cheers

AlpinweissM3 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-22-2009, 11:10 AM

My personal opinion is that if you are looking for a M3 to track stick with the e36. The only real advantages the e46 has over the e36 is more hp and it can take bigger tires. Otherwise its heavier no where near as connected feeling and exponentially more expensive. Don't get me wrong the e46 is a great car just not a great track car.