e46 M3 security

[TX1]

HI all

Have been visiting this forum for a while and I have read many topics which I have found very informative.
I have had a couple of 318's over the years (stop laughing)which have been decent cars however very slow. I have noticed that the price of the 2003- 2005 m3 has become very affordable and I am thinking seriously if I should purchase one. My problem is I use a van for my business which I keep garaged ( as has stock inside ) and the car is parked outside as I do not have the space for two vehicles in my garage. The cost of maintaining the car is not much of a problem as I only do approx 3k a year in the car. I am concerned about what sort of security the M3 has and how difficult it is to have it go missing. My other option would be the same type of reg but a 330 which nobody would notice and I suspect is not what a joyrider would want to pinch.
My real question is do many M3's go missing ?
Would appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks

[gti-ted]

Buy yourself a good Clifford alarm job done

[Deutscher]

I think the standard fit alarm/immobilser is all you need. The cars are almost un-nickable without the keys. However, if the car is on the street is vulnerable to being lifted and towed.

You will find most insurers demand a Tracker is fitted.

[TX1]

Yes it seems that they demand a tracker as I have just tried the online form on my present insurance and it was giving me an error every time I put any type of security without a tracker.
Oh well more to think about. Thanks for the reply's.

[Deutscher]

I be very surprised if any M3 you looked at didn't already have one fitted. You can usually transfer 'membership' from the previous owner.

[TX1]

Yes that would be handy as only have to pay the annual membership, thanks.

[danzltiu]

Yes you can transfer tracker membership I did it for my M3. It had not been covered for over a year by the previous owner but there was no issue at all. Just pay the annual charge.
regards
Kevin

[andye30m3]

As a number of E36 M3 owners have found out including myself its not just the car they'll nick. Nicking the cars difficult

Nicking the front bumpers, wing mirrors, badges etc etc etc is alarmingly easy on an E36, not sure about the E46 but i expect its just as easy.

My new front bumper is welded on, they won't get a second one off me without a strugle.

[David111]

andye30m3 said:

As a number of E36 M3 owners have found out including myself its not just the car they'll nick. Nicking the cars difficult

Nicking the front bumpers, wing mirrors, badges etc etc etc is alarmingly easy on an E36, not sure about the E46 but i expect its just as easy.

My new front bumper is welded on, they won't get a second one off me without a strugle.

Soz to hear the trouble you had. I remember a film 'robocop' where one spoof advert for a car showed a security device that electocuted the would be thief. If only that were an option.....

[mat205125]

I'd say that the standard systems would be more than enough to deter all but the most skilled theif, and the greatest danger is having you house broken into during the night to take the keys.

Whether you choose to sleep with the keys under your pillow, and a cricket bat next to your bed, or protect your physical safety and leave the keys where you can assure that you will not come to harm personally is up to you.

[mat205125]

David111 said:

andye30m3 said:

As a number of E36 M3 owners have found out including myself its not just the car they'll nick. Nicking the cars difficult

Nicking the front bumpers, wing mirrors, badges etc etc etc is alarmingly easy on an E36, not sure about the E46 but i expect its just as easy.

My new front bumper is welded on, they won't get a second one off me without a strugle.

Soz to hear the trouble you had. I remember a film 'robocop' where one spoof advert for a car showed a security device that electocuted the would be thief. If only that were an option.....

I'd buy that for a dollar!

[TX1]

Yes lots to consider as the last thing I want is to stay looking out of the window whenever I hear a sound outside. The more I think about it the more I think its the type of car that needs to be garaged.
To be honest the tracker is not something that excites me that much as if my car got stolen and been through hell for a couple of hours of joyriding I am not sure I would want it back.
Having the wheels etc etc stolen is something that is very likely to happen round here.
Seems like the 330 is the best option for me as I value a good nights sleep.
Shall keep you posted lads and thanks for all the advice.

[mat205125]

TX1 said:

Yes lots to consider as the last thing I want is to stay looking out of the window whenever I hear a sound outside. The more I think about it the more I think its the type of car that needs to be garaged.
To be honest the tracker is not something that excites me that much as if my car got stolen and been through hell for a couple of hours of joyriding I am not sure I would want it back.
Having the wheels etc etc stolen is something that is very likely to happen round here.
Seems like the 330 is the best option for me as I value a good nights sleep.
Shall keep you posted lads and thanks for all the advice.

It saddens me when we have threads on here where people feel that they must compromise their vehicle choice as they fear the actions of the local scumbags.

Have you thought about speaking to a neighbour about renting their garage off them for your car. Most peoples garages are only used for "keeping safe" a dusty (used twice) 1980s exercise bike and an assortment of rusting kids bikes.

[TX1]

Yes it is very sad, had problems in the past with my Golf gti so that is why I am concerned.
Renting a garage would not really be an option as most garages on my street have been blocked off and turned into extensions. As you rightly said the rest are full of junk and the cars parked outside.

[JimboM3]

I guess it comes down to where you live and what the area is like.

My E46 M3 has sat out on the road for 16 months and besides the neighbour reversing into it has not had any issues. That said some scrote nicked the M3 Grill of the offside wing when it was parked in a car park a few weeks back!

Dont let it put you off though, it's a great all round car for the money.

Also, my insurance does not require a tracker.

[cosmos_steve]

Tracker, for me, seems to be a waste of time. Can't the van stay outside and the M3 go in the garage?

[TX1]

No van cannot stay outside as have goods inside it, be a lot of hassle to load and unload daily.

[Pork]

I hope I'm not jinxing myself here, but I'm with JimboM3 - my car is parked on the street most of the time and has been pretty much event free for the 14 months I've had it.


I too was not made to get a tracker.