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      06-30-2008, 03:47 AM   #1
PeTo_H
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Buying used E46 M3 - what to be careful about?

Hi,

I am looking for used E46 M3 but I am kinda worried about some issues, such as:
1 - mileage - does the engine have a certain lifetime to work for or it only depends on how you run it and take care of it?
2 - are there any special years/months in which there have been problems in production and which to avoid?
3 - what special to look for when by selection? (I know that there was necessary to make an oil change at 2000 km or I guess 1250 miles and that one should avoid cars that have not done it).
4 - manual or SMG? I have no problem with driving manual, but for quite a powerful car like this I am not sure what is a better choise.
Thanks to all for valuable replies.

Peter
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      07-01-2008, 09:52 AM   #2
BRDHNTR
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Very nice car that can last you for a long time.

1. Maintainance is key. If the car is taken care of 150,000 miles out of that engine should not be a problem (make sure the timing belt is changed at 90,000miles)
2. Not sure about years or month, but generally the newer the better.
3. I am not sure about Slovakia, but in the US BMW has a Zero cost maintainance program for the first 50,000 miles so that people bring the cars back to the dealers where they can properly maintain the cars. Helps BMW with resale value (smart).
4. Both trannys are great. My buddy had a 6mt and it was phenominal with a short shift kit. Another friend had one with SMG (lived just outside New York), and said he wouldn't buy another manual given the option to buy SMG/DCT etc.

Good Luck, let us know if you buy one!

BRDHNTR
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      07-01-2008, 08:03 PM   #3
alpineweissM3
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FYI - The I6 has a timing chain, not a belt.
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