*Newbe* E46 M3 Coupe buying advice?

[Bullrock]

Firstly I wanted to say Hi as I am new to this forum.
I currently own a Boxster S but due to a change in circumstances and plans to start a family soon (needing 4 seats), I will shortly be selling the box.
I'm now looking at.......U guessed it........an E46 BMW M3 Coupe.

I should be in a position over the next 3 weeks where I can start looking at cars and have a couple of questions.

I have been advised about the recall for the "bottom end bearing shell" replacement prior to 06/03 on this car.
I believe, that with my budget, I will definitely be looking at a pre 06/2003 car and just wanted to make sure that this recall solves the issue of these bearing shells. Can anyone clarify this or is there still a risk with the earlier engines after the recall?

Is there anything else you can advise me on in the way of common problems of faults to look out for? It would be much appreciated.

Also, I am looking to have the car inspected to make sure that all is OK (as I am not a mechanic). Can anyone recommend a ///M specialist for inspections?
Has any one heard of or ever used these guys. Not M3 specialists but specialising in sports cars inc. ///M cars:
http://www.carinspections.co.uk/home

Sorry for all the questions. Just want to make sure I get the best example I can for my money.

Cheers

Adam

[paoloh]

Bullrock said:

Firstly I wanted to say Hi as I am new to this forum.
I currently own a Boxster S but due to a change in circumstances and plans to start a family soon (needing 4 seats), I will shortly be selling the box.
I'm now looking at.......U guessed it........an E46 BMW M3 Coupe.

I should be in a position over the next 3 weeks where I can start looking at cars and have a couple of questions.

I have been advised about the recall for the "bottom end bearing shell" replacement prior to 06/03 on this car.
I believe, that with my budget, I will definitely be looking at a pre 06/2003 car and just wanted to make sure that this recall solves the issue of these bearing shells. Can anyone clarify this or is there still a risk with the earlier engines after the recall?

Is there anything else you can advise me on in the way of common problems of faults to look out for? It would be much appreciated.

Also, I am looking to have the car inspected to make sure that all is OK (as I am not a mechanic). Can anyone recommend a ///M specialist for inspections?
Has any one heard of or ever used these guys. Not M3 specialists but specialising in sports cars inc. ///M cars:
http://www.carinspections.co.uk/home

Sorry for all the questions. Just want to make sure I get the best example I can for my money.

Cheers

Adam

I had a 54 reg one with big end shells.....
Nail the car in 2nd gear and if back squirms, it will need rear trailing arm bushes.
Make sure 1200 mile service was done.
Other than that, they are pretty damn good.
Car must have 19s and Nav IMHO
Other than that

[Bullrock]

Thanks mate? Any opinions on the vehicle inspection?

[paoloh]

Bullrock said:

Thanks mate? Any opinions on the vehicle inspection?

I am only in east Sussex and travel to the West regularly. I would happily give you an opinion on the car if that helps at all.

[Bullrock]

Many Thanks. That's kind of you & I will certainly bare that in mind when I find a car.

Many Thanks

Adam

[Deutscher]

paoloh said:

Car must have 19s and Nav IMHO

No.

This has been debated to death on here.

Drivers prefer the ride of 18s; tarts like the bling of the 19s.

TomTom is better than the factory-fit nav, so not worth paying extra.

[paoloh]

Deutscher said:

paoloh said:

Car must have 19s and Nav IMHO

No.

This has been debated to death on here.

Drivers prefer the ride of 18s; tarts like the bling of the 19s.

TomTom is better than the factory-fit nav, so not worth paying extra.

I'm not even going here again with. Listen to who you want Adam but I sell these for a living. This plum is just cheap!!

[Bullrock]

paoloh, you said you sell M3's for a living.
Do you have a used car dealership then? Where abouts are you based?

Cheers

Adam

[paoloh]

Bullrock said:

paoloh, you said you sell M3's for a living.
Do you have a used car dealership then? Where abouts are you based?

Cheers

Adam

Hi Adam,

I am a Dealer Principal in Bexhill. We sell everything from £995 Fiestas up to Hummers.
18s might be better on a track but on the road, 19s are excellent and make the car look tops.
Just look at the price difference between cars with 19s and Nav and the ones without.

[Bullrock]

Do you have a website I could look at paoloh?
Any M3's in at the mo?

[paoloh]

Bullrock said:

Do you have a website I could look at paoloh?
Any M3's in at the mo?

Website is under a rejig and offline for about 3-4 weeks I'm afraid.

No M3s in stock at the moment but as I said earlier, I would more than happy to help you out and look at one for you.

Any advice you need, just ask. HPI etc

[Bullrock]

Again many thanks paoloh, will be in touch when I have found a car.