[ES_TRADER]

I'm looking to get this car but not too sure what year and common issues it may have. I have the opportunity to have a dealer friend of mine get this car thru the auction directly so I can pretty much get any model year, assuming of course it's being auctioned.

Is there a big difference in competition package models? What years would that be and how can u tell.

Also it will be 6spd so no smg issues. Chime in on what kind issues and costs of repairs I may be faced with for a car with at least 100k miles on it. The motor is probably pretty solid, as I have an e46 330ci with 140k miles on it.

I just don't want to be faced with 5k in maintenance repairs after I get the car. Thanks

[joeye46m3]

you can ask dealer to bring a tech with him to check. in manheim dealer lc is good for 2 ppl. manheim is the largest auction in the US. carmax is 2nd.

try not to get the smg. just make life easier lol

there is a big different since competition pkg was the last run of e46 m3.
check wiki to find out more detail, google: wiki e46 m3
i believe that's 2006 model only.

try not to get 2001 model or if you have a chance to make sure exowner did sent the m3 back for recall in 2002.

the defective issue on smg is the pump usually. i don't remember the full name since i don't own smg =) but that's the part which shift the gear for u.

at the end, u'll always get what u pay for, soon or later. so I'll just get a 2002 up with 75000 mi or less. fair cdn if I'm gonna do the upgrade/aftermarket part.

hope this will help!!

[jeskaM3]

Originally Posted by joeye46m3

try not to get 2001 model or if you have a chance to make sure exowner did sent the m3 back for recall in 2002.

I just bought a 2001 with less than 50k miles. I have the carfax report. Would that show if it was sent back for the recall? What was the recall for? (googling now...)

[joeye46m3]

Bearing recall, also u may wanna do rear subframe reinforcement as well. Don't worry abt the recall too much since u bought it already. Just get insurance cover it or leave it. Change ur engine oil on time or earlier u'll be fine. My 01 e46 m3 is over 120k miles w/o any major engine issue.

[joeye46m3]

If u bring it to the dealer they will tell u if ex-owner bring it back or not by the vin number

[jeskaM3]

Originally Posted by joeye46m3

My 01 e46 m3 is over 120k miles w/o any major engine issue.

happy to hear what mods do you have?

[joeye46m3]

Uhh, header n the rest exhaust, intake, pulley, audio/video, side mirror, racing seats, 4 points seat belts, steering wheel, custom dashboard, removed windshield water tank, removed metal bars inside of bumpers, removed all airbags, removed sunroof n sealed, volks SL rims 19", cwest front bumper, flossman style wide body, carbon hood n trunk, angel eyes, LED tail lights, tunermotorsports coilovers, big brake kit, ecu, sway bars, camber kit, camber plate, and some other stuff that I just got sponsorship from. Some other things I can't remember right now. Add me on fb. I have a list over there. don't forget the bimmerfest this weekend. Joeys4t@hotmail.com

[jeskaM3]

Originally Posted by joeye46m3

don't forget the bimmerfest this weekend.

I have class from 9am-1pm. How late does it go? Is it worth it for me to head down after I get out?

[jeskaM3]

Originally Posted by joeye46m3

Add me on fb. I have a list over there.

ohhhh you're the guy who totaled his car yeah, I'll add you and see what you have.

[ADV.1 Matt]

Check the rear subframe before you buy anything. Expensive to reinforce, even more expensive to repair if cracked.

[jeskaM3]

Originally Posted by ADV.1 Matt

Check the rear subframe before you buy anything. Expensive to reinforce, even more expensive to repair if cracked.

yeah, Joey was just telling me about that. had no clue about that issue. bummer