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10-02-2012, 08:08 PM | #1 |
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About to buy an e46 M3...have questions for the gurus! :)
All,
I've had the pleasure and privilege of owning a few bmw's in the past, but I've never gotten my hands on an e46 M3, which Ive always wanted to own. Today I checked out the one that I will most likely buying, and I have a few questions regarding some things that the car will need. 1) Is it common for the rubber trimming around the rear windows to be coming off? If so, how much would it set me back to have these replaced, between parts and labor? 2) the weather strip that seals with the door on the driver side is also slightly torn...same question as above please? 3) the transmission is a little notchy, which I keep reading is normal, but to what extent? 4) the car sounds and runs amazing, but the valve train tick is a little noticeable. Again, I've heard e92's and e46's m3's do this, but to what extent is it normal? 5) while in gear, when I accelerated abruptly and let to of the gas pedal I could hear some slight drivetrain play. I believe this is differential slack which is normal (the 1M) does it too, but it's a little more noticeable on the m3. Should I worry? There's absolutely no awkward different noises while turning or doing figure eights. By the way, it's an early e46 M3 that has been meticulously cared for and maintained, has 93k miles, and has had the rod bearing recall taken care of. Again, runs and sounds like a champ! All input appreciated. Thank you!! |
10-02-2012, 08:25 PM | #2 | |
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good luck and enjoy. They are very solid, reliable cars. Mine never really gave me any issues. |
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10-02-2012, 10:23 PM | #3 |
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10-03-2012, 03:02 PM | #4 |
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The drivetrain slop...look at your driveline bushings. The diff and engine mounts are notorious for going bad.
Rear subframe...check that.
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10-03-2012, 03:08 PM | #5 |
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10-04-2012, 01:20 PM | #7 | |
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10-05-2012, 08:33 AM | #8 |
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Thank you for the responses everyone! I've done research for about a week and I'm due to pick up tomorrow morning, however, even though I'm extremely excited I can't help but to worry after reading about so many possible issues.
If anyone has more insight or the ability to look further into a car's history, here is the VIN: Wbsbl93431jr10653. All information will be greatly appreciated!! Thank you! |
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10-05-2012, 09:35 AM | #9 |
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Check for subframe issues! We have tons of e46's coming in for this repair and the bill is usually 2-3 grand.
As others have said a little play in the differential is normal. |
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10-05-2012, 09:46 AM | #10 | |
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10-05-2012, 04:16 PM | #11 | |
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10-05-2012, 04:27 PM | #12 |
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No one has mentioned the Vano's bolt of death. Gotta replace or watch them. $$$ to fix after the fact.
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10-05-2012, 08:57 PM | #13 | ||
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10-07-2012, 09:42 AM | #14 |
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Fellas, I got it and I'm loving it so far! The thing handles amazingly and is rather impressive for a stock 11-year-old suspension. The previous owner barely drove the car on a daily basis since he lived only about 2-3 miles from his job, and ended up riding a motorcycle to work instead.
I noticed that as I get familiarized with the car, the transmission does not feel anywhere nearly as notchy anymore...maybe it has to do with me getting used to the gates, or maybe that the car was not driven enough before and now all components are starting to get back into the groove...or maybe even a combination, who knows. The drive train slack is still there and it's a little loud specially during low gear clutch disengagement - I'm taking this as being part of the nature of the beast. I did read on another thread that these door handles tend to give up after a while? My driver side handle is relatively harder than the passenger side. Should I be concerned? Does anything need to be lubricated or adjusted? It's still fully functional but some folks have reported that their handles just won't open the door anymore. Other than what I just mentioned, I only have to address the smaller things that I mentioned on my original post, but those I can take my time with. BTW: it appears that I have one of the rare non-sunroof cars? I suppose I got lucky because I tend to prefer no sunroof for more rigidity, and at this point it's one less thing that could possibly break. Thanks again for all your input, now I just want to drive! |
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10-07-2012, 10:26 AM | #16 |
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Bought it with 93,555, it has 93,720 at the moment. Has had all the inspections performed, I have a lot of history on the car, clean/clear title/carfax/autocheck. Couldn't ask for more - now just hoping it withstands the task as a daily-driver for next few years.
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