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BMW M3 (E43)

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by gdawg25, May 11, 2011.

  1. May 11, 2011 at 3:10 PM
    #1
    gdawg25

    gdawg25 [OP] Zoom-Zoom

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    So, lately I've been having thoughts about selling my '07 TRD Taco and buying a used BMW M3 (E46). I have seen a few 2002-2003 M3's with lower km's than my Taco (70,000km vs. 90,000+ km) and for less than what I think I could sell my Taco for. Just wondering if anybody on this site has had any experience with an M3 and what your thoughts are. Are they reliable? What do they cost to maintain? Any reoccouring problems? Cargo space (back seat/trunk)? Fun factor? I really have an itch for a fast car...something fun to drive. Don't get me wrong I love my Tacoma and would be sad to see it go, but just need a change. I live in a climate that see's little to no snow, but lots of rain during the winter...how does it handle in different conditions? Input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
     
  2. May 11, 2011 at 3:53 PM
    #2
    ERIC

    ERIC Well-Known Member

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    I think you mean an E46 M3. I work at http://www.modbargains.com/ i know pretty much everything about BMWs. Honestly i would not bother. Those things are nothing but problems and if anything goes out it alot of money to fix. Plus they arent that fast. Bout the same speed or slower then an E9X 335i. How much are you looking to get from your taco? I could probably throw you in the right direction of a more reliable sports car.
     
  3. May 11, 2011 at 4:00 PM
    #3
    DS Espy

    DS Espy Well-Known Member

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    Own a Taco out of warranty..... all day and all night. A Beemer..... hope you have deep pockets. Don't call 'em Break My Wallet's for nothing. Just bought an 02 325I for the wife but her dad is a BMW master tech. As long as I keep his little girl in a Beemer, he fixes it. But they do drive nice and are fun. Coming from me and owning both (I know mine isn't an M but I have driven that car many times) keep the Yota. It's like my dog; becomes part of the family.
     
  4. May 11, 2011 at 4:30 PM
    #4
    Chris(NJ)

    Chris(NJ) Well-Known Member

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    Usually in Central Jersey
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    Mods are currently being changed .....
    I owned one for 5+ years. One of the best cars I ever had. Mine was an 02, SMG. Check out the m3forums (not fanatics) as you'll find loads of info there.
    As with any vehicle, make sure you run a history report and have a pre-purchase inspection done (PPI). Although I'm sure all the rod bearings recalls have been done by now, you'll want to keep an eye out for that. Also, Vanos issues, subframe cracks and SMG system issues would round out the large problems areas to look out for. (no smg on 6mt obviously). Overall, mine was extremely reliable. Oil changes are considerably more expensive than on the taco b/c of the designated oil required on the M3.
    Back seats are tight, but they'll fit an adult or two w/ some squeezing. Trunk has ample room as well. Its really one of the most well rounded cars out there. It'll handle fine in the rain too.
    Best of luck w/ your search. Let me know if you have any specific questions.
     
  5. May 11, 2011 at 4:34 PM
    #5
    wired_af

    wired_af Well-Known Member

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    What is unreliable on them?
     
  6. May 11, 2011 at 4:38 PM
    #6
    ERIC

    ERIC Well-Known Member

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    Valve train has many problems, cooling systems go out, sub frames crack and that just a few. anyone of those will put you thousands of dollars in the hole.
     
  7. May 11, 2011 at 4:48 PM
    #7
    gdawg25

    gdawg25 [OP] Zoom-Zoom

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    How common are these problems you speak of? Is it anymore common than say, frame rust issues on first gen tacoma's?
     
  8. May 11, 2011 at 4:56 PM
    #8
    ERIC

    ERIC Well-Known Member

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    pretty common. The customers I meet that have an e46 m3 usually have major problems with them or had major problems with them. The car was never built for high mileage. You gotta remember its a 6 cylinder and it revs very high. It also has plastic cooling tanks which can explode. But if you go with one definitly have it check top to bottom by a bmw specialist.
     
  9. May 11, 2011 at 5:03 PM
    #9
    KalamaKid

    KalamaKid Well-Known Member

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    same shit as everyone else
    I had a 08' 335i for a while and loved it! I would rather a 135i more then anything though. The E43 will break, break and break again. If you have to money its a nice car although I'd get a new one with the double clutch. That thing is sick. Again its all about how much you want to spend. If your looking for speed with only 2 seats a 2003 or newer S2000 with forced induction would be much cheaper and extremely reliable... IMO
     
  10. May 11, 2011 at 5:03 PM
    #10
    paintdiddy

    paintdiddy Machine gun shits

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    nj and not from "the jersey shore"
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    I'm really glad i just got my wife a BMW. God I hope it isn't a pile of shit. I'm anti BMW/Benz
     
  11. May 11, 2011 at 5:17 PM
    #11
    KalamaKid

    KalamaKid Well-Known Member

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    same shit as everyone else
    As long as it comes with the warranty your G2G! They did everything with my 335i all the way up to 100,000 miles and its covered till 2013, although I sold it cause it literally broke 4 or 5 times. Towed out of my driveway twice to the stealership and basically coasted into the dealership the other two times. I never paid a dime! Except for $2000 for a decent set of tires...
     
  12. May 11, 2011 at 5:20 PM
    #12
    gdawg25

    gdawg25 [OP] Zoom-Zoom

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    Wow...thanks for the info guys. Sounds like they aren't as reliable as I thought.
     
  13. May 11, 2011 at 5:23 PM
    #13
    paintdiddy

    paintdiddy Machine gun shits

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    nj and not from "the jersey shore"
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    It's a 2011 328xi. 4 years free maintenance.cover oil brakes etc.it's a 2 year lease,so I hope it's a stress free 2 years
     
  14. May 11, 2011 at 5:41 PM
    #14
    KenLyns

    KenLyns 8.75" Third Member

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    Belly of the Beast
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    S2000 with forced inducation, with THAT engine, is reliable?
     
  15. May 11, 2011 at 5:48 PM
    #15
    ChompsterTacoma

    ChompsterTacoma Well-Known Member

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    A family member had a 2002 M3 for a year til it was a lemon. Then a year ago he wanted a 335 and just last month Corp bought it back as a lemon again. LoL he then bought himself a Lexus IS F and never looked back. Check Lexus forums, most member there used to owned BMW's.
     
  16. May 11, 2011 at 5:55 PM
    #16
    TRDKenE

    TRDKenE DAMN GOOD DEAL!!

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    Anything E46 is gonna cost you a ton to fix. Even regular services can cost a shit ton. Inspection 2 service..you get belts,spark plugs, oil change, micro filter, air filter, diff fluid and valve adjustment..can cost easily $1500 with labor. The thermostat is a common failure, cam sensors, vanos, coolant expansion tanks. Brakes are really expensive for the E46 M cars as well. I would not own one unless itnwas under warranty period! That goes for all BMWs! The MINI is a good vehicle though
     
  17. May 11, 2011 at 5:59 PM
    #17
    paintdiddy

    paintdiddy Machine gun shits

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    I know 5 people that bought BMW x5s and all were lemons.lmao they all jumped ship and will never buy BMW again.
     
  18. May 11, 2011 at 6:04 PM
    #18
    KalamaKid

    KalamaKid Well-Known Member

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    same shit as everyone else
    The F22 engine is really reliable. The problem is most kids over boost and jack up their rides. More PSI isnt always the answer!
     
  19. May 11, 2011 at 6:14 PM
    #19
    TRDKenE

    TRDKenE DAMN GOOD DEAL!!

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    Im sorry, I would not drive an S2000 if you paid me..they handle like garbage.
     
  20. May 11, 2011 at 6:17 PM
    #20
    TeamSarcasm

    TeamSarcasm Flawless Escalation to the Ludicrous

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    The better coast
    x2 my dads bmw gets more attention then i do :pout:
     

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