jaffa Posted May 28, 2011 Posted May 28, 2011 I see a few on here have had them in the past, about to sell the mini and buy one as I think the Mini is actually worth more at the moment :) Any advice, looking to spend 10-12k and if anyone wants a 57 plate Mini Clubman Cooper S with 12k on the clock do shout! (grey/black with black leather) Quote
dougal200 Posted May 28, 2011 Posted May 28, 2011 as far as i understand the main thing to look out for is worn suspension and the vanos system Quote
Sudesh Posted May 28, 2011 Posted May 28, 2011 More important is to check the history and see if it had the 1200 mile running in service. Almost all of the M3 gurus will tell you not to buy one of it didnt have this service. Have a browse round the forums and even google running in service and you'll get the info. Quote
Quavey Posted May 28, 2011 Posted May 28, 2011 as far as i understand the main thing to look out for is worn suspension and the vanos system The vanos "issue" was with E36 Evo's, although an overhyped issue! Not to say that the vanos unit cant go wrong, it is rare and there are specialists out there now to repair rather than just replace the unit as BMW would at vast cost. A recall for bottom end bearings and the oil pump were issued on the E46 M3, check for the running in service as sudesh says. Main dealer history is sought after, and if you buy one with main dealer history then its a wise idea to continue it. Always condition rather than milage with these cars, quite often they have had a life sitting on the motorway so one with more miles on isnt always a bad option (rather than one thats lived in back lanes and round town). As with all BMW's there are lots of options, no 2 cars will be the same as all are built to order etc. However the biggest one on these cars was the choice between SMG II and a manual gearbox. Both are generally reliable (SMG is a robotised manual gearbox, flappy paddle affair) but if the SMG version is used in launch control it'll probably goose the clutch very quickly! You probably need a drive in both to decide which you prefer. The SMG can be great fun and very fast although the auto mode isnt always brilliant. E46's in general are prone to rot on the front arches and seem to be affected on the boot lid and leading edge of the bonnet but not all cars. Being an M3, things like suspension bushes, brake pads and discs do carry a price premium but its often worth buying from the main dealer, remember standard front brakes are a 2 piece floating disc where as most aftermarket "Upgrades" will be single piece so are really a downgrade! I sign of a well looked after BMW is having the correct tyres fitted, IIRC it should have michellin pilot sport 2's fitted, if they all match its a good start! Anything with kumho ditch finders on the back I would be walking away from! Signs that the owner couldnt afford to look after it sadly! If I think of anything else i'll add it :) Quote
jaffa Posted May 28, 2011 Author Posted May 28, 2011 cheers, drove an SMG today and though generally impressed when getting on, it was a little slow changing down and I missed the feel of short shifting, and heel toeing for downshifts. Seemed a little clumsly in auto mode too, but that I can probably get used to and drive around. Thanks for the advice, will keep looking around and try to convice the wife in the mean time that running a heavily modified slicktop and an M3 isn't that silly an idea!! Quote
Quavey Posted May 29, 2011 Posted May 29, 2011 They are very economical for the performance, my old Evo would do 35mpg on a run without really trying hard which for a 300 bhp+ car is just epic. That was a 100k car so far from new. Obviously if you work them hard they will use alot more fuel! Some people love the SMG others loathe it, If your not sure then if I were you I would just go for a normal manual. To be honest, its one less thing to go wrong and it can be expensive (the smg was quite unreliable on the E36's although it was much improved on the E46) Quote
leo-r32gts Posted May 29, 2011 Posted May 29, 2011 (edited) Hey Jaffa, My mate is selling his E46 M3 at the moment. He has had a load of new parts recently and its major 2 service.. Its also just had both front and rear bumpers sprayed - because he's a nut job and couldn't bare to live with stonechips or where someone had nudged the rear bumper in a car park. Its wanted for nothing and my mate is religious about maintaining his cars - he also has a 250bhp Caterham and an immaculate R33GTS - just to give you an idea about his obsession with cars. I know he wants more for his M3 than 12k, but so far he's had zero interest. Its a buyers market for M3's (there sooo common, lol). I will get some details for you. Its a dark grey SMG on a 53 plate I think, I'll find out where its advertised so you can have a look. He said exactly the same about the SMG 'box by the way, but I think you learn how to drive around it.. Found the advert: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2852093.htm Shame you're in Brighton... Edited May 29, 2011 by leo-r32gts advert found Quote
stellaZ Posted May 29, 2011 Posted May 29, 2011 join M3cutters.co.uk i get about 18mpg out of the M3 and that is very conservative driving Quote
kitspectre Posted May 29, 2011 Posted May 29, 2011 (edited) ........ Edited May 29, 2011 by stellaZ sorry fella, regi user's aint permitted to sell Quote
mick1 Posted May 29, 2011 Posted May 29, 2011 How about one of these http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2804169.htm I was in the market for an M3 (and really like them still) I test drove a couple but tried one of these and bought it. Quote
stellaZ Posted May 29, 2011 Posted May 29, 2011 How about one of these http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2804169.htm I was in the market for an M3 (and really like them still) I test drove a couple but tried one of these and bought it. thats a very nice motor Quote
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