Question about used M3

[speed12sil]

Hi,

I'm thinking of buying an used e46, either '01 or '02. I have never owned a BMW before, and am used to doing most maintenance myself(oil change,brake pad change, etc). Can anyone tell me how the M3 is in terms of reliability? Do the early e46s have many problems? What are the most common ones, are they serious/performance/safety problems and are the repairs costly? Can I do the maintenance myself or I have to get it done at BMW shops?

I realize that I shouldn't expect honda/toyota level of parts/labor cost, but I'd still like to know how it is for M3s.

Thanks a lot for reading these questions. Responses are greatly appreciated.

 

[Big Daddy]

Welcome to the board. Doing the repairs at home that you mention are easy and no more complicated than anyother car. I do all the things you mentioned myself. Some of our sponsors in the Marketplace have some great prices on BMW parts and I think you will be happy with them.

As far as problem areas I will let some of our M3 owners respond as I drive an M roadster. I have had no issues with my roadster, but than again it is not an e46.

Good luck and again welcome.

 

[Stitch]

Welcome aboard! And Happy Birthday! You sure will have a lot of fun with the M3. I am planning to own one, too.

 

[Stitch]

Happy Birthday to Big Daddy, too!

Did you 2 do sth special on your birthday?

 

[Tom]

You should be fine with a '01 or '02, just make sure the two recalls have been fixed on your car and your engine software updated. Maintenance wise, its much lower than you think, but this also depends on how much you drive your car. I have a clean driving record so my insurance rate is also very low.