Early E46 M3... Anything to worry about?
Early E46 M3... Anything to worry about?
Author
Discussion

NicoG

Original Poster:

661 posts

231 months

Wednesday 1st April 2009
quotequote all
I have my eye on a fairly early E46 M3, Manufactured June 2001 and strangely registered June 2001 also.

When did the first UK cars get registered? and also depsite the low mileage and great condition, should early cars be avoided?

The car has had a recall for con rod bearing shells completed in Aug '04

Any other things to look out for early cars? My head is telling me to buy on condition and mileage as by now they must be some dogs around, even on 53-plates for example.

Any advice welcomed....

Cheers - Nick

mat205125

17,790 posts

236 months

Wednesday 1st April 2009
quotequote all
Obviously there are the recall issues, but is there also the possibility that a really early registered car was a BMW demo car, and may have seen a fair few hard road and track miles from journalists, dealers, and test drivers? This type of car can typically have a very high spec, and will never be the boggo basement entry level model.

E30M3SE

8,484 posts

219 months

Wednesday 1st April 2009
quotequote all
Thought there was an option code for a demo car, so may be worth getting the VIN and checking it with your local BMW dealer for spec's.

Edited by E30M3SE on Wednesday 1st April 14:49