How do M3's handle miles?
16 December 2006, 05:50 PM
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How do M3's handle miles?
I've been keeping my eye out for an M3 as a replacement for my Scoob, but the majority i've looked at are a bit up on miles, nothing stupid, but probabaly a bit more than average.
Is this something to be concerned about with these cars, or are the engines good for big amounts of miles?
Is this something to be concerned about with these cars, or are the engines good for big amounts of miles?
16 December 2006, 08:31 PM
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My own m3 e46 had done 57k with no problem at all, there are some in the usa that have done well over 100k still with no problems.
16 December 2006, 08:48 PM
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The big end bearings had a few recalls before they finally got it right on the Jul 03 onwards models. Earlier models should have had recall work done. Trouble is all these timebomb engines will also be out of warranty. You can extend the warranty, but it is about £1800 per year, limited on mileage, has an excess on every claim with lots of exclusions and cannot be reinstated once it has lapsed.
If the engine is a good one and the car has been looked after you'll just have a lot of the normal 3 series niggles to do with interior rattles, broken springs, damaged suspension mounting points, ball joints as well as HVAC and electrical niggles. However, this can all be quite pricey.
They look best on 19s, but bounce around on bumpy roads. The brakes are not up to the performance of the car. There isn't much torque so you need to rev the nuts of it, and the manual gearbox isn't the sweetest. The SMG changes quickly at red line, can be sluggish at lower revs. Forget it in the snow.
Otherwise they do have a lot of good points, but mine didn't seem to me to be a very serious performance car in the way that it didn't keep the tyres on the tarmac, didn't accelerate or stop very well. They go quite well on a multi-laner is the best praise I can give it.
If the engine is a good one and the car has been looked after you'll just have a lot of the normal 3 series niggles to do with interior rattles, broken springs, damaged suspension mounting points, ball joints as well as HVAC and electrical niggles. However, this can all be quite pricey.
They look best on 19s, but bounce around on bumpy roads. The brakes are not up to the performance of the car. There isn't much torque so you need to rev the nuts of it, and the manual gearbox isn't the sweetest. The SMG changes quickly at red line, can be sluggish at lower revs. Forget it in the snow.
Otherwise they do have a lot of good points, but mine didn't seem to me to be a very serious performance car in the way that it didn't keep the tyres on the tarmac, didn't accelerate or stop very well. They go quite well on a multi-laner is the best praise I can give it.
16 December 2006, 09:09 PM
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They're not all that bad John! Got my Mrs an 04 cab and although it does rattle a little and not quite as good as the coupe (which i was'nt allowed to buy) its still a capable car. I admit that its not fettled subaru quick but it is smooth. Handling wise i found mine much fun at Bedford today and also that the Pilot sport 2's are the better tyres for grip.
For me, it looks nice, it goes fairly well, its a step up in luxury, and it handles like a 350bhp mid size rear wheel driver can. but most importantly it keeps the mrs happy
For me, it looks nice, it goes fairly well, its a step up in luxury, and it handles like a 350bhp mid size rear wheel driver can. but most importantly it keeps the mrs happy
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16 December 2006, 09:18 PM
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I would agree with John on most points. I have an 04 Cab as well & fel one of the main things that let it down are the brakes.
I looked at a few ugrade options for them but after sizing them up, one of my friends wanted to buy the car ... so it goes to its new owner in january.
Scott i also agree with the looking & the way it goes .... but i still get the feeling it misses something.
Drove it today for the first time in 4 weeks & its still put a smile on my face.
I looked at a few ugrade options for them but after sizing them up, one of my friends wanted to buy the car ... so it goes to its new owner in january.
Scott i also agree with the looking & the way it goes .... but i still get the feeling it misses something.
Drove it today for the first time in 4 weeks & its still put a smile on my face.
16 December 2006, 09:27 PM
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Fit the AP's and that solves the brake problem, most people on here fit them on every other car so why can't the M3 be any different. When Edcase sends over some pics from today i will post the handling results
16 December 2006, 09:35 PM
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You lot have put me off somewhat now!
In all honesty, I'm not sure it's for me anyway.
I'm after something fun rather than fast, otherwise, i'll stick with the Scoob.
The image of BMW isn't one that i'm keen on, and probably something i'd like to try later in life (i'm 22).
I still can't find anything as tempting as the RX8 to change to
In all honesty, I'm not sure it's for me anyway.
I'm after something fun rather than fast, otherwise, i'll stick with the Scoob.
The image of BMW isn't one that i'm keen on, and probably something i'd like to try later in life (i'm 22).
I still can't find anything as tempting as the RX8 to change to
16 December 2006, 09:41 PM
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Originally Posted by RB5SCOTT
MX5 
One of the most fun cars and best handlers you will find! Better than my 400bhp scoob and M3 in terms of fun!
One of the most fun cars and best handlers you will find! Better than my 400bhp scoob and M3 in terms of fun!
they tend to baby things
16 December 2006, 09:50 PM
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Originally Posted by scooby_matt
You lot have put me off somewhat now!
In all honesty, I'm not sure it's for me anyway.
I'm after something fun rather than fast, otherwise, i'll stick with the Scoob.
The image of BMW isn't one that i'm keen on, and probably something i'd like to try later in life (i'm 22).
I still can't find anything as tempting as the RX8 to change to
In all honesty, I'm not sure it's for me anyway.
I'm after something fun rather than fast, otherwise, i'll stick with the Scoob.
The image of BMW isn't one that i'm keen on, and probably something i'd like to try later in life (i'm 22).
I still can't find anything as tempting as the RX8 to change to
Give me a shout via PM & i will point you in the right direction.
16 December 2006, 09:53 PM
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Originally Posted by sti-04!!
If its the RX8 go for the PZ. I can get them heavily discounted as well.
Give me a shout via PM & i will point you in the right direction.
Give me a shout via PM & i will point you in the right direction.
16 December 2006, 09:55 PM
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Originally Posted by RB5SCOTT
Fit the AP's and that solves the brake problem, most people on here fit them on every other car so why can't the M3 be any different. When Edcase sends over some pics from today i will post the handling results
17 December 2006, 09:08 AM
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