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E46 M3 (2001-2006) Engine: S54 - Max Hp: 333 hp at 7,900 rpm / 262 lb/ft at 4,900 rpm Total Produced: 45,000+ - Years Produced: 2001 to 2006. |
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#21 | |
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 37,141
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-Replace the timing chain tensioner every ~100,000 miles. If you don't do this, you'll need to replace the guides later (PITA). The M5 doesn't run hot like the 540i, so its guides are fine if you keep the tensioner fresh(ish) -the carbon buildup "issue" can be addressed by removing the secondary air pump and coding off the errors. This lets you pass emissions and forever fixes the issue -if you really drive like a dick, add a gusset to the front diff mount. -if you rev to redline frequently, at some point you'll have to do rod bearings. But... there's no real real to rev to redline, as power falls off after 6500rpm. Drive it the fastest way possible (not to redline), and the bearings go a long, long time (nearly 200,000 miles on mine, original, driven hard) -if you're inept at stick, the clutch will suffer. If you're not, it lasts a long time (mine's original at nearly 200,000 miles). Cooling system is one of BMW's most reliable efforts. ~150,000 mile replacement interval. Like every car, replace all the bushings/bearings/ball joints every ~100,000 miles to keep it feeling new car tight. Electronics are pretty much the same parts as the e46-- many are interchangeable with the e46. Reliable. They do get unhappy if your battery is weak. Replace (or charge) the battery, functionality restored. It's a really, really good car. It's comfortable, easy, plenty fast, effortless, reliable, and solid. It's just not a driving experience like the e46M is.
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Current Cars: 2005 IR/IR M3, 2001 LMB/blk M5, 03 530i, 04 M3 wagon, and some boring stuff Past cars: 04 M3, 96 M3, S50B32 e36 M3 CM race car Last edited by Obioban; Tue, Nov-13-2018 at 07:35:25 PM. |
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#22 |
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Join Date: Nov 2018
Age: 22
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Hopefully after I finish my E46 m3 I'll get a e39 m5. Might not be as nimble as an E46 but probably the most badass NA v8 bmw produced imho
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#23 |
40 something
Join Date: Nov 2008
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I would LOVE to have an E39 M5 as an every day M-car. It's probably perfection for that.
I just can't justify the price for a clean one and I'm tired of wrenching on cars.
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2018 F80 M3 ZCP 6MT AW/Black Cloth "stripper" 2004 E46 M3 6MT SG/Black |
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#24 | |
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#25 |
Join Date: May 2018
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It's getting harder to find clean no history examples under 100k miles. Values are also going up with dealers that favor selling M3s very quickly buying up good examples.
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#26 | |
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Join Date: Mar 2004
Age: 33
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#27 | |
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__________________
Current Cars: 2005 IR/IR M3, 2001 LMB/blk M5, 03 530i, 04 M3 wagon, and some boring stuff Past cars: 04 M3, 96 M3, S50B32 e36 M3 CM race car |
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#28 | |
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I have this car. 2004, Silver Grey with black leather, 93k miles, manual, no nav or parking sensors, clean history, pretty much stock (unless aftermarket was an actual improvement) and a binder of records. What's it worth? Feel like it's been maybe very high teens or low $20's for five years now. Haven't noticed any significant increase. |
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#29 |
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Join Date: Mar 2004
Age: 33
Posts: 89
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Yeah, I ruined it for street use. Fast track cars make terrible street cars and it goes around a track pretty good so...
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#30 |
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Join Date: Aug 2014
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OP: E46 M3 AW/black cloth 6MT slicktop is a nice combo. Like others I own both e46 M3 and e39 M5 (Royal Red w/Caramel). If I had to choose it would be my M5. When get bored with my M3, & M5 I drive my X5M. From a practical approach the e39 M5 makes senses for your family. However your e46 M3 warrants careful consideration for potential upside in value down the road.
It's a tough decision. Both platforms are very good for their intended purpose. Do what is best for you and your family. |
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