E46 M3 : Convertible

HEADRAT · 13 Jan 2009 at 11:16

Hi,

So I've been considering a replacement to my Z4 again, I don't really want to spend loads of money in the current climate but I want something with a decent bit of poke, convertibe and with 4 usable seats.

An E46 M3 would seem to fit the bill and I've seen a March 2005 car at a dealers for £15,995 and I pretty tempted.

Was there a facelift to the E46, if so when did it happen?

HEADRAT

[TW]Fox · 13 Jan 2009 at 11:18

Facelift was 2003 but the M3 only got the revised rear lights not the new front lights.

InvaderGIR · 13 Jan 2009 at 11:18

Facelift was around 03/04 I think.

EDIT: Beaten by Fox.

Django x2 · 13 Jan 2009 at 11:24

Yup, apparently the cost of redevelopment for the front wings was "economically unviable" for the M3, for the number sold anyway. Something to do with the spaz grill no doubt.

HEADRAT · 13 Jan 2009 at 11:25

Any major "gotchas" to look out for when purchasing such a beast

TomO · 13 Jan 2009 at 11:26

Lucero said:
Yup, apparently the cost of redevelopment for the front wings was "economically unviable" for the M3, for the number sold anyway. Something to do with the spaz grill no doubt.

and more flared arches.

the cab weighs in quite a bit more i think its about 1660kg, so performance down a bit to the coupe.

HEADRAT · 13 Jan 2009 at 11:27

Performance is more than enough for me and a convertible.

Django x2 · 13 Jan 2009 at 11:29

HEADRAT said:
Any major "gotchas" to look out for when purchasing such a beast

Usual I would think. Rear bushes like to wear causing rapid inside tyre wear. You can visually check by looking at the back of the car and noticing a bad camber on the rear wheels.

I'd also be checking the roof for signs of damage, leaks and operation.

one of my friends is considering passing up an 03 CSL for £10999 because it has 80k on the clock. N0b! :rolleyes:

[TW]Fox · 13 Jan 2009 at 11:32

Lucero said:
one of my friends is considering passing up an 03 CSL for £10999 because it has 80k on the clock. N0b!

It wont be a genuine CSL.

peterattheboro · 13 Jan 2009 at 11:35

HEADRAT said:
Hi,

So I've been considering a replacement to my Z4 again, I don't really want to spend loads of money in the current climate but I want something with a decent bit of poke, convertibe and with 4 usable seats.

HEADRAT

Thankfully, you can get some right bargains as it is winter and very cold

HEADRAT · 13 Jan 2009 at 11:38

peterattheboro said:
Thankfully, you can get some right bargains as it is winter and very cold

He He

Django x2 · 13 Jan 2009 at 11:38

[TW]Fox;13279952 said:
It wont be a genuine CSL.

Well, I thought that. I'll have to go an have a closer look. Garage is not too far away.

Cyrus · 13 Jan 2009 at 12:12

e46 m3 cab rattles and squeaks... a lot

[TW]Fox · 13 Jan 2009 at 12:16

Cyrus said:
e46 m3 cab rattles and squeaks... a lot

To be fair most if not all Cabs do.

NickXX · 13 Jan 2009 at 13:36

Lucero said:
Well, I thought that. I'll have to go an have a closer look. Garage is not too far away.

I doubt real ones with 80k would come in much less than £25k.

My guess is that it's a standard M3 with replica CSL wheels.

Rotty · 13 Jan 2009 at 13:57

Rear springs are main issue
£15995 sounds good price

Griffo · 13 Jan 2009 at 14:00

I think, as usual that first 1200 mile (I believe) service stamp is imperative to ensure any warranty claims and being able to sell it on.

Rear watchyamacallems also yes.

Is Inspection II the big one? If so, and if you care, getting one that's just had that done = yay (cheap) for a while.

Dunno if the cab had the smaller 18s too, but it's easier to sell with 19s, though I presume lots to get refurb'd with em being diamond polished (is it?).

From what I've read there ain't much wrong with em. Check roof operation, some can do it remotely, make sure it does.

I like the drop-top, but I also like the idea of the CS. Hohum.

[TW]Fox · 13 Jan 2009 at 14:07

Griffo said:
I think, as usual that first 1200 mile (I believe) service stamp is imperative to ensure any warranty claims

They are all out of warranty now though?

Griffo · 13 Jan 2009 at 14:21

[TW]Fox;13281191 said:
They are all out of warranty now though?

Ah my mistake. Would BMW sell a used approved that had missed the run-in service, or would they palm it off to auction or wherever?

Is the UAC warranty any good now? I always forget as I recall you/someone saying it turned poo some time ago.

[TW]Fox · 13 Jan 2009 at 14:23

BMW won't AUC a car without its 1200 mile running in service. There is varying opinions on just how much of a big deal this problem is. Some say its critical, others say it doesnt matter.

AUC warranty is excellent, its the insurance based extended warranty that sucks now and has sucked since 2006.