Buying my first 03-06 BMW ///M3

FrankHPF · 11-14-2011, 04:41 AM

-Whats up guys, i'm new to this forum..to speed things up im looking to purchase a 2003-2006 BMW m3 coupe for the first time.
-This will be my first BMW i would be buying.
-Just got out of the JDM scene, also sold my RSX type s and now moving on to a new project.
-Can anyone shed some light on me about the m3's and what i should look for/be concerned about before purchasing?

Thanks in advance

twboy1999 · 11-14-2011, 10:17 AM

Get a ppi done

Watch for
Subframe crack
Vanos
Smg problem if u r thinking aBout one

Otherwise, it is just like any other car

SiR · 11-14-2011, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankHPF

-Whats up guys, i'm new to this forum..to speed things up im looking to purchase a 2003-2006 BMW m3 coupe for the first time.
-This will be my first BMW i would be buying.
-Just got out of the JDM scene, also sold my RSX type s and now moving on to a new project.
-Can anyone shed some light on me about the m3's and what i should look for/be concerned about before purchasing?

Thanks in advance

http://edgemotorworks.com/index.php?...d=25&Itemid=55

FrankHPF · 11-15-2011, 12:20 AM

thanks

Eurostyle · 11-15-2011, 12:41 AM

Welcome to the dark side!

First i would say stay away from SMG, way more headaches then 6spd!
Spend as much as you can afford to get a clean car, if you go cheap, you will pay for it later on. Look for something with few owners, LOTS of records, no accidents...Be carefull as most M's get driven hard!

FrankHPF · 11-15-2011, 01:33 AM

i have like 25,000 for one..but i have not yet to find a clean one with low km in toronto

twboy1999 · 11-15-2011, 01:36 AM

it will take time to find a clean one.
good luck

or you can just get a cheap one, and replace all the stuff.

Eurostyle · 11-15-2011, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankHPF

i have like 25,000 for one..but i have not yet to find a clean one with low km in toronto

If I was you, I would get a super clean 330ci ZHP then spend the $10k in mods and have an M3 killer! Almost any used car you get will need new suspension and brakes soon, and if you are going to replace anyways, why not upgrade! At that point you have something with NEW parts, way better then low milage OEM.

kenmar · 11-15-2011, 06:17 AM

"...well-documented tendency of the 2001-2002 S54 to suffer connecting rod bearing failure in the E46 M3" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_M_Coupe). But if you're looking for a low mileage 03-06 M3, the early production cars with the bad bearings should not be a problem

3x Beemer · 11-15-2011, 08:30 AM

Lots of info on this site as it is M3 specific
http://m3forum.net

**T.Dot_E30** · 11-15-2011, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eurostyle

First I would say stay away from SMG, way more headaches then 6spd!

I think that is a bit of an over-exaggeration, yes it does cost more than a manual to fix/maintain if the pump or actuator goes, but it is still less costly than a auto rebuild. It's basically the same transmission, same clutch, just a few more parts to control the clutch and the gear lever.

I wouldn't say that's enough reason to stay away completely from SMG without knowing what the OP is looking for. It serves a different purpose than a traditional manual does.

FrankHPF · 11-16-2011, 04:29 PM

been searching everywhere cant find a clean m3!

SiR · 11-16-2011, 04:37 PM

it will take months...unless you luck out.

lucad2 · 11-16-2011, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankHPF

been searching everywhere cant find a clean m3!

www.m3forum.net

A clean low milage one pops up under the for sale section every few weeks. Only problem is their all in the USA