HELP Me Buy An E46 M3 Coupe

adamsrs · #1 (**permalink**) 12-13-2002, 06:51 AM

Hi y'all this is my first post on this forum. I am 19 years old and TONIGHT i am selling my 2000 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS-t with over $60k in modifications. I will have $30,000 in my account as of tonight which i figure will cover hte downpayment on a new E46 M3. I already know that i want White with either the Black or Red Leather, and a 6 speed of course no SMG. Anyhow, a few people over the past few days have WARNED me about these cars telling me that they are notorius for blowing up the motors, or when overrevved they spin a bearing.....am i wrong in saying this? keep in mind i am a NEWBIE to the BMW scene. Is there any page that someone can link me to where i can find out more info.....i am planning on TRYING to buy used.....so are there any years that i should avoid? Like the 2001s or 2002s???? i would prefer NOT to get a 2003 as they wil be a LOT more expensive.... But i figure i will probably end up with a mid 2002 model...ANY info is GREATLY appreciated! Thanks you VERY MUCH!
adamsrs

caviallo · #2 (**permalink**) 12-13-2002, 07:12 AM

This very topic has made it into Autoweek. I would love to think it's just a bunch of idiots down shifting into 2nd at 100MPH. But there are many people that know what they're doing that have had engine failures.

This is the Autoweek article:

http://autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?p..._code=05803276

Am I worried myself, not really since so far it's still a very small percentage of M3s. And I have no intention of selling my M3. But I'm watching the issue with an open mind..

Kaisake · #3 (**permalink**) 12-13-2002, 08:56 AM

Welcome to DTM Power!

E46 M3 Information: http://members.roadfly.com/loki/e46m3_faq.html

Engine Failure Information: http://members.roadfly.com/jason/m3engines.htm

Syko · #4 (**permalink**) 12-13-2002, 09:01 AM

Most failures were from 9/01 to 12/01 and mostly in 11/02 so it'd be smart to avoid those months.

fitzuni · #5 (**permalink**) 12-13-2002, 09:11 AM

2003 MOTOR'S

They must be getting a lot of questions about this issue.... Here is the response.

I am with BMW of North America, LLC and your email has been forwarded to me for response. I have researched your question and BMW has not made any changes to the engine components. We have received reports of model year 2001 and 2002 engine damage.

We are evaluating every situation where engine damage occurs and we are currently analyzing failed engines to determine the cause, Please be assured that we at BMW will stand behind our products and will fairly address all cases of engine damage on a individual basis. Also we will cover the cost of the engine replacement where there is a defect.

Please do not hesitate to contact BMW with any further question or concerns.

Thank you for contacting BMW,

Sincerely,
Karen Labatzky
BMW Customer Relations Representative
800-831-1117

krogerBMW · #6 (**permalink**) 12-13-2002, 01:41 PM

Any pics of that 60k dollar RS

What did you have done to it...60 grand is quite a bit I priced out doinga full JDM STI swap and doing a new block and heads larger turbo injectors the works and that scale just tipped passed the 30k range including install....That has to be one sick rs...Post some pics

krogerBMW · #7 (**permalink**) 12-13-2002, 05:02 PM

Nevermind I found it.... Nice looking ride man
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=31868

I would love to do the 2.5l low compression block from cobb along with some head work on an JDM spec STI engine...I think im growing outa the sube tho mine has nothin done to it...Driving the Viper and the M3...makes me feel the need for a sports car...Thinking M Coupe, would like to get a Esprit V8 twin turbo

Always wanted to do an Impreza conversion to a 22b... Sharp car good luck in selling it...

adamsrs · #8 (**permalink**) 12-13-2002, 09:42 PM

Thanks for the info guys! I went to the dealer today.....HOW mcuh should i expect to spend OUT the door for a new 2003 White with the premium package? and the 19"s.....and the RS is tentativley sold! Although i will trade it for an E46!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
adamsrs

caviallo · #9 (**permalink**) 12-14-2002, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by adamsrs
Thanks for the info guys! I went to the dealer today.....HOW mcuh should i expect to spend OUT the door for a new 2003 White with the premium package? and the 19"s.....and the RS is tentativley sold! Although i will trade it for an E46!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
adamsrs

No more than sticker, that's for sure. If you can get a discount it probably won't be much. Depends on the area, for instance around here there's nearly a dozen BMW dealers within a couple hours of each other. Lot's of competition so I got a small discount off the MSRP plus a CD changer thrown in (but I also have to pay the highest insurance rates in the country

).

From my point of view, start at "dealer cost" as stated say at www.edmunds.com and then see what you can get. Never hurts to try, even if the chances are really slim. But, I would refuse to pay above sticker.

RichP · #10 (**permalink**) 12-19-2002, 05:54 AM

adam,
best of luck with getting the M; they are incredible cars, although I do like scoobi's as well; you know paulnose from i-club (nasoic)? Im good friends with him, his 2.5 turbo project is coming along nicely; my 1.8 brighton..eh.not so good. I cant wait to see what pauls 400+ hp 2700 lb car is going to be like...

adamsrs · #11 (**permalink**) 12-19-2002, 04:47 PM

my buyer on my RS backed out...you know anyone who wants it? AMAZING car.....$24k
adamsrs

adamsrs · #12 (**permalink**) 12-19-2002, 04:49 PM

is the 2004 M3 gonna look different?
adamsrs

adamsrs · #13 (**permalink**) 12-19-2002, 04:49 PM

is the 2004 M3 gonna look different? Like new headlights? or taillights? My dealer told me it is gonna be an inch wider....is this all speculation?
adamsrs