E46 M3 maintenance

[Kafka]

Taking better care of baby.

Ok, this may be a well worn topic but I didn't find anything in the search function - if you know of a thread please refer me, thanks).

I think it safe to assume that more care than the BMW scheduled maintenance services provides better care and therefore a longer (problem free) use of the E46 M3. I have a 2004 and would like to add more service maintenances but what and when is the question. I drive mine as a daily, on the track 2-3 a year and do some road trips.
Any advice here?
Thanks in advance.
K.

[ase2dais]

heres the Maint Schedule chklist

http://members.roadfly.org/kmurph/Se...S.pdf-link.pdf

and some useful maintenance DIYs

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=119804

[ase2dais]

heres also an old service codes that your may find usefull for you 04 ///M. just take it for what its worth..

[Kafka]

Very helpful! I thank you and my M3 thanks you.
K.

[voltron1011]

Hey ase2dais, how's your M been treating you? I've been going back and forth about getting an M3 myself. I like my E90, however it seems a bit too sterile for me. I've wanted an M3 for as long as I can remember (starting with the E30), but I'm a bit scared about some of the issues that the E46's have had.

[ase2dais]

Originally Posted by voltron1011

Hey ase2dais, how's your M been treating you? I've been going back and forth about getting an M3 myself. I like my E90, however it seems a bit too sterile for me. I've wanted an M3 for as long as I can remember (starting with the E30), but I'm a bit scared about some of the issues that the E46's have had.

Its really a car made for a different purpose, I've used it mostly on wkends and a long drive. The best drives are Interstate driving, its easily pulls 90mph and begs for more. I like that I could be able to shift it at lower gears for a more torque'er pulls and gets noticed quite a bit over my e90 body style. I really haven't had much issues except the engine service light came due, cost me $750 for service maint I.
If you're really considering one, my best advice is to get a low-mileage car, and maybe an 03-04s. You may have to fork out abit more than the 01-02s, but its less pricey than 05-06s. You get LEDs and maybe warranty and maintenance.
I've got the best combo, an e90 for Daily Driver and the /M cab for a stress reliever. You can PM me for any more specific inquiries.

[Helix]

Originally Posted by voltron1011

Hey ase2dais, how's your M been treating you? I've been going back and forth about getting an M3 myself. I like my E90, however it seems a bit too sterile for me. I've wanted an M3 for as long as I can remember (starting with the E30), but I'm a bit scared about some of the issues that the E46's have had.

Which issues? If your car had its recall for bottom end, or it's too new to be relevant, what else is the worry? Most key bits seem to stand up well, at least in UK. Get an extended warranty if you need peace of mind.

[voltron1011]

Originally Posted by Helix

Which issues? If your car had its recall for bottom end, or it's too new to be relevant, what else is the worry? Most key bits seem to stand up well, at least in UK. Get an extended warranty if you need peace of mind.

I just remember reading about some VANOS issues with certain years (don't quote me on this) in which the motor pretty much had to be pulled out to do the repairs.

[ase2dais]

Never heard of it,
... that must have been an M5, I had one for a very short while, carbon issues are known for the 00s, like M3 rod-bearings for 01s, and 335s 06 fuelpump/overheating issues.
none is safe from first year's production bugs.