Thoughts on E46 M3
Discussion
So, after selling Kylie (see threads under 340i V8) a few months back I decided to get myself something nice to replace the Mondeo I bought on ebay some 15 months and 14000 miles back (for 470 quid I might add). Opted for a nice M3 in Steel Grey with Black Nappa, 19" wheels, TV/Sat Nav etc from a main BMW dealer (Wood in Odiham).
It's just had the inspecton II service (lucky) and they thought the rear diff was whining slightly, so replaced the diff before I collected. Have noticed that there is a fair bit of driveline shunt/diff movement when pulling away or basically on the pick-up. I spoke to one of the Technicians at the garage to ask about it and he said that this would fade slightly when they change the diff oil after 1000 miles to a slightly heavier grade oil, but that 'they all do that'. Hadn't thought I would be hearing this again after changing from TVR's...!
Aside from the above, really enjoying it. Not mental fast and raw like the Tuscan, but so, so 'sorted' I guess the term is. Love the metallic sound of it and don't think i'll ever get tired of flooring it in 3rd and listening to the tone of the engine changing through the rev range. Very good brakes for road/fast road use, but I know they don't stand up to track-style abuse so we'll see how things go as to whether an upgrade is needed in that department.
Has anyone else with a manual M3 noticed the same noise when engaging/disengaging gears? Be interested to hear. Did do a search but couldn't find anything.
Cheers,
James
It's just had the inspecton II service (lucky) and they thought the rear diff was whining slightly, so replaced the diff before I collected. Have noticed that there is a fair bit of driveline shunt/diff movement when pulling away or basically on the pick-up. I spoke to one of the Technicians at the garage to ask about it and he said that this would fade slightly when they change the diff oil after 1000 miles to a slightly heavier grade oil, but that 'they all do that'. Hadn't thought I would be hearing this again after changing from TVR's...!
Aside from the above, really enjoying it. Not mental fast and raw like the Tuscan, but so, so 'sorted' I guess the term is. Love the metallic sound of it and don't think i'll ever get tired of flooring it in 3rd and listening to the tone of the engine changing through the rev range. Very good brakes for road/fast road use, but I know they don't stand up to track-style abuse so we'll see how things go as to whether an upgrade is needed in that department.
Has anyone else with a manual M3 noticed the same noise when engaging/disengaging gears? Be interested to hear. Did do a search but couldn't find anything.
Cheers,
James
No. 2 in the diagramme: www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BL91&mospid=47621&btnr=26_0197&hg=26&fg=10
It is a great noise isn't it? Nearly 3 years of M3 owning and I still never get tired of the endlessly changing engine noise. The other thing I never get tired of is the seemingly infinitely long 3rd and 4th gears .. floor it in 3rd on a country road or 4th on a motorway and see if you bottle it before the rev limiter .. great fun
James
I had one of the first dozen UK M3s in 2001 - which (as you probably know) had quite a few issues. However, I have to say that I didn't notice any problems with the rear diff. (Gearbox failures were another matter!)
I took it on half a dozen track days and you are right, the brakes are total rubbish if you drive fast. (But as you say, fab on the road). I'm sure you know this but if you DO track it, take the silly plastic bits off the back of the ducts that stop air getting to the front brakes - and don't even think about doing more than 3 quick laps if you have no brake upgrade.
... Anyway, I was so impressed with the car - I've just bought another! December prices / silly reductions / cars sitting unsold / E90 on the way - I pick up a new one next week. (Silver/Blk)
I'll keep an ear out for any diff noise!
Steve
I had one of the first dozen UK M3s in 2001 - which (as you probably know) had quite a few issues. However, I have to say that I didn't notice any problems with the rear diff. (Gearbox failures were another matter!)
I took it on half a dozen track days and you are right, the brakes are total rubbish if you drive fast. (But as you say, fab on the road). I'm sure you know this but if you DO track it, take the silly plastic bits off the back of the ducts that stop air getting to the front brakes - and don't even think about doing more than 3 quick laps if you have no brake upgrade.
... Anyway, I was so impressed with the car - I've just bought another! December prices / silly reductions / cars sitting unsold / E90 on the way - I pick up a new one next week. (Silver/Blk)
I'll keep an ear out for any diff noise!
Steve
To be honest, I think that once the tyres are on their way out (which will hopefully be a good while yet (Michelin SP2's)- I will definitely be tempted to do at least one trackday in the Spring.
The engine is the best thing about the car for me though. How anyone could consider anything with less than 6 cylinders after hearing or driving one of these (or any 6 pot!), is beyond me...!
James
The engine is the best thing about the car for me though. How anyone could consider anything with less than 6 cylinders after hearing or driving one of these (or any 6 pot!), is beyond me...!
James
GetCarter said:
... Anyway, I was so impressed with the car - I've just bought another! December prices / silly reductions / cars sitting unsold / E90 on the way - I pick up a new one next week. (Silver/Blk)
Nice one. Manual or SMG? Can you say what % you got off?
DAZ
>> Edited by dazren on Wednesday 7th December 15:32
dazren said:
... Anyway, I was so impressed with the car - I've just bought another! December prices / silly reductions / cars sitting unsold / E90 on the way - I pick up a new one next week. (Silver/Blk)
Nice one. Manual or SMG? Can you say what % you got off?
DAZ
>> Edited by dazren on Wednesday 7th December 15:32
YHM
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