e46 m3 newbie

[danny]

hi guys.looking forward in purchasing a e46m3 after selling my 02 c32 amg,would prefer the smg model,with satnav.any advice on what to look for when purchasing!!is the running in service important when new?also how many miles in average do you get in per tank of fuel???

[jordan3054]

Hello and welcome. Firstly, yes running in service is very important. Without one, I would walk away. Theres plenty of choice out there, so you can afford to do this.

Sat nav will always help come resale time, so it is desirable. SMG v manual? Your preference, many threads about this, so you can have a good read through the archives.

Happy M3 hunting

[MEGA]

As for the mpg, it can range from 12 to 30. Depends how you drive and what you drive on motorways / constant stop start traffic etc.. Assume 17-22 on an average commute run, not too awful. If your foot heavy it will be alot worse. I've seen someone's trip computer read 6.

Someone correct me if my estimations are too far out.

[XKaLiBaR]

you wont get 6mpg lol. unless you sit in a car park for 2 hours, and not moving lol. not that i have ever done that :o
i managed 9mpg on track. i usually get around 16-18mpg, and 200-250miles to a full tank, depending on how many motorway/dual carriageway runs.

[MEGA]

:)

Its funny. I only get 25 in my Pug, at MOST, and thats also around 250 out of a tank (smaller tank ofc.. )

I want an M.... :(

[jordan3054]

:)


I want an M.... :(

Just go for it!!:D

[mysticm3]

welcome to the nut house :)

running in service on E46 M3 is Free of Charge therefore all cars should have received this service at about the 1st 1500 miles. if not sure check with the supplier dealer.

E46 M3 is a very solid car the smg have had several software/firmware updates, again, check with the servicing dealer for history to ensure all updates have been done. as with all 2nd hand cars service history on M is a must have.

other usual suspects are worn front bushes and wishbones (had to replace our ones twice by dealer!) and rear springs. on smg the smg shift mechanism is made of plastic and can break. check the paddles to ensure they work well.

under normal driving conditions (mixed town and motorway) you should average 19-22 and get approx 230-250 on a full tank of fuel. We find Shell Optimax and Sainsbury fuel last the longest and give the best mileage per gallon.

averaging service charges are 180-200 for oil service, 350-450 for Inspection 1, and 800+ for nspection 2.

as long as the car has been looked after with history, there isnt much to worry about.

all the best and good luck with purchase

[Black Sabbath]

:)

Its funny. I only get 25 in my Pug, at MOST, and thats also around 250 out of a tank (smaller tank ofc.. )

I want an M.... :(
Thats because you have got shed loads of ice in your car :rolleyes: .Anyway welcome to the forum Danny

[phat///M3]

Welcome and dont forget pics when u get the car.

[alexsh1]

Thats because you have got shed loads of ice in your car :rolleyes: .

This ^^^^^ just crack it me up... :D :D
Welcome dude

[tbmeech]

Check for the running in service circa 1250 miles, but can be carried out up to 1850 miles iirc, anything after that and BMW will not usually offer their warranty on it (if you are buying a AUC).

As Teddy said, watch out for the front control arms / bushes, they tend to wear out quite quickly, have had 3 sets on my car, and they cost a fair bit to replace / fit and then KDS afterwards.

Rear springs prone to snapping (OEM).

Some cars are really jerky from cold, most / all have exhaust rattle when cold as well (I hate it!).

As the majority have said, fuel economy is usually between 17-22/23, I have seen 27 but I was just cruising at 80ish on the Motorway.

[madmatt m3]

hi mate and welcome, good luck with the M hunting will give you hours of driving pleasure when you finally get it. There are a for for sale on the forum at the moment as well so you might benefit from having a look through the for sale section.

as for fuel I average 26-28mpg on the commute to work but its mostly motorway at 60mph (not my choice) have had it as low as 7.1mpg round a track and up at 34mpg at 80mph cruising on the motorway. If you hammer it everywhere in sport mode then expect around 22 - 23mpg if you are lucky lol

dont forget the pics when you finally get one!

[SpeedTrap]

Get one with warranty if you can, and also check for clocking....J

[peppernick]

Running in service is very important if you want to retain the BMW warranty. If not done on time/at all, BMW will not warrantee the car.

If you're buying from a dealer, then this service is not an issue as the cars they sell are all up to date with their servicing. However, given the vast number of E46 M3s out there, try to buy one from a smaller franchise/Independent dealer or privately. You get a much better deal.

You'll find the fuel consumption better than your C32. So if you can live with the AMG, you'll be absolutely fine with the M3.

SMG cars, make sure the gearchanges are crisp. Slurring of the clutch can be simply a software problem rectified by a re-flash of the gearbox ECU, but it could also mean a clutch is on it's way out.

Have a read (http://www.leo.nutz.de/BMW.php) , all your SMG2 questions answered :)

Welcome :cool:

[danny]

Thanks Everyone..got To Sell The Amg C32 B4 I Start Looking For The Great M

[robinh20mrv]

E46 M3s are superb cars M8, loads of good bits about for them as well :)

I had a smg and loved it, sat navs a big plus

You WILL be requiring a BBK, a good back box, KW3s, miltek cats,
and of course shares in shell!!! your going to be on good terms with your local petrol station!!

cheers RG