Anyone know this M3?

[oldaudi]

Afternoon
I’m very tempted to go and take a look at this
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024042791...

Does anyone know it at all? It’s on a private plate here but it a 57 plate. MOT history looks normal.
Is that ticking noise normal, seems to be on all the other BMWs I’ve had !

I’m getting older, always liked this model and well, time is passing and I want a v8 at some point.

[helix402]

It’s got some tacky stick on bits on the front bumper, grilles and sills. Afraid I don’t know the car.

[Twolane]

Join up M3cutters and ask the question, someone’s bound to know of it.
I believe they can be prone to big end bearing failure and have other weak points.
I would love to own the V8 version but the £700 VED would just annoy me.

[rassi]

As said before, the extra carbon bits (corner splitters, steering wheel and gear knob) and the super tacky "M" stripes in the front grille does raise some red flags. Also, the interior looks quite tired.

[andyman_2006]

oldaudi said:

Afternoon
I’m very tempted to go and take a look at this
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024042791...

Does anyone know it at all? It’s on a private plate here but it a 57 plate. MOT history looks normal.
Is that ticking noise normal, seems to be on all the other BMWs I’ve had !

I’m getting older, always liked this model and well, time is passing and I want a v8 at some point.

I would start by asking for the new registration of the car (that registration is now on a 15 plate golf) look at all the past online MOT history. Look for red flag advisory items like oil leaks, poor tyre wear, brakes etc, and ask for proof items were rectified.

Ask the selling dealer if the car has any evidence of having had the rod bearings done, and throttle actuators, both areas that may need attention at this age and mileage.

Ask about the service history when, who, mileages, and if the running in service was done on time.

Any “ticking” noises would likely be tappets, and another question would be when were the valve clearances done..you say MOT looks normal as in completely clean no advisories?

Then if they all checks out, do a visit.

If you do go see it ask to see under the car on a ramp, or have it independently inspected.

Edited by andyman_2006 on Thursday 2nd May 19:56

[fido]

At that mileage you can budget £3k at least for rod bearing replacement, throttle actuators etc. even if it has a BMW service stamp every year. I can't see an EDC button if you are after that.

[E90_M3Ross]

fido said:

At that mileage you can budget £3k at least for rod bearing replacement, throttle actuators etc. even if it has a BMW service stamp every year. I can't see an EDC button if you are after that.

Rod bearings and actuators shouldn't even cost £2k throttle actuators really aren't that big a deal. If a rod bearing goes then yeah, not great. If an actuator goes it just goes into limp mode and you cam still drive it a bit until you replace it. And they're under £600 for the pair, fitted.

There are other, more significant preventative maintenance items than throttle actuators.

[fido]

E90_M3Ross said:

Rod bearings and actuators shouldn't even cost £2k

I am in the SE and all the well-known BMW specialists are around 2k for replacement (using OEM rod bearings).

[E90_M3Ross]

fido said:

I am in the SE and all the well-known BMW specialists are around 2k for replacement (using OEM rod bearings).

RBM charged me £1150 with OE bolts and ACL bearings. Also went with new engine mounts.

[fido]

E90_M3Ross said:

RBM charged me £1150 with OE bolts and ACL bearings. Also went with new engine mounts.

Maybe a few years ago but even Mr Vanos charges £1750 nowadays and he is no where near me. I can see Rebuild does £470 for a pair of throttle actuators (+£150 labour + £miles travel charge) - that is around £700 to my location.

Edited by fido on Monday 6th May 10:31

[E90_M3Ross]

fido said:

E90_M3Ross said:

RBM charged me £1150 with OE bolts and ACL bearings. Also went with new engine mounts.

Maybe a few years ago but even Mr Vanos charges £1750 nowadays and he is no where near me. I can see Rebuild does £470 for a pair of throttle actuators (+£150 labour + £miles travel charge) - that is around £700 to my location.

Edited by fido on Monday 6th May 10:31

If "by a few years ago" you mean April last year then yes

[fido]

E90_M3Ross said:

If "by a few years ago" you mean April last year then yes

Oh cool .. will look to get the diff oil change done there with the next oil change.