[Patel511]

Back to the forums, after selling my F30 335i a few years ago. I was waiting for my unicorn.

Here is the new E46

This will be the weekend warrior/ project, and the DD will be my Tesla M3P

[gotgemini2000]

Looks awesome - question for you:

1. just bought a similar car (2004 M3)
2. Thing has like 64K miles on it - weird cosmetic stuff (pinstripes and red non OEM wheels...) that can be reversed but otherwise looks to be in very good shape with only 2 owners
3. What sort of work are you having done (besides big 3) to get it rock solid?

[Patel511]

Nice! I am going to start with the standard oil changes and other fluid flushes, get it put on a lift and inspect further to see what other preventative maintenance needs to be done.

Thinking about swapping the SMG to manual

[gotgemini2000]

cool, swapped mine to stock rims. Swapping back and forth between my stick G80 M3 and this. So similar and different at the same time - E46 is like an old school 325i below 4500 RPM. Have to run it up top to keep it in red mist mode. Getting big 3 done shortly. Thes things are fun.

[EdgyE36]

Very nice. IB for the win! Enjoy making it yours.

[Rich_lol]

Originally Posted by gotgemini2000

Looks awesome - question for you:

1. just bought a similar car (2004 M3)
2. Thing has like 64K miles on it - weird cosmetic stuff (pinstripes and red non OEM wheels...) that can be reversed but otherwise looks to be in very good shape with only 2 owners
3. What sort of work are you having done (besides big 3) to get it rock solid?

At ~60k you may need to get the spark plugs done, since while you’re in there for the vanos seals etc

[NB STIG]

Originally Posted by Patel511

Nice! I am going to start with the standard oil changes and other fluid flushes, get it put on a lift and inspect further to see what other preventative maintenance needs to be done.

Thinking about swapping the SMG to manual

Congrats on the new car. It looks really nice. I have a 2005 BMW M3 CS in Interlagos Blue with Dove Gray Napa Leather interior. I think changing the fluids first is the way to go. Next, take care of any oil leaks and the worn out rubber you may have.

However, I wanted to give you a piece of advice. Just like you, when I purchased the car, I wanted to swap it to manual because I saw all over the internet that that was the way to go. However, after experiencing the SMG for a few months and installing the CSL SMG software by a "reputable shop", I decided not to swap the car. In fact, now I understand why BMW installed the SMG transmission in the CSL, because it is awesome!

If you have a clean example with a good working SMG transmission and you maintain the car properly, you won't have any issues with the transmission. I would recommend you spend some time learning the transmission. It makes the car much more special than a manual in my humble opinion.

[IcewaterPete]

OP: Any update on work done? It looks like you found any amazing gem. The color combo is awesome.

[Patel511]

Originally Posted by IcewaterPete

OP: Any update on work done? It looks like you found any amazing gem. The color combo is awesome.

Sorry been away for a while, a few things done, new Avin unit installed, new plugs and coils as well. Next is the fluids that are leaking (oil pan gasket and diff). More to come!