[NiceE46]

Originally Posted by pickertr0

Because he's so insecure he feels the need to brag. lol. I'm happy to say I've never mentioned my age once on here, why would you anyway? Makes you look like a spoiled ***got, on top of that, just starts so much worthless **** with the jealous haters.

Please gtfo and return to E46Failnatics.

[Mystical]

Slouis,

Did you get a PPI done before you bought yours, and there was no indication of these problems about to occur? Did you have full service history on the car? Do you think the previous owner abused it, since you don't drive it hard? I was under the impression that PPI was supposed weed this stuff out. If you were to buy the car all over again, is there anything you would have checked that you didn't - compression test, leakdown, remove valve cover, etc?

Reason for all the questions is because I'm closing a deal on a 2004 M3 SMG convertible with 33k (PPI tomorrow), and now you've got me worried that the PPI won't find everything. I'm really not prepared to spend $10k in repairs soon...

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Slouis

I'll have an interesting detailed write up for everyone when my '04 M3 with
52k is out of the shop next week (hopefully)- I'm expecting about $7k-10k in repair costs. 4/6 cam bolts sheared off, chain tensioner shot, plus other assorted stuff. All started with a subtle, unusual noise. Only good news is that with the motor in pieces, it will be a good opportunity to freshen the head (smooth the head surface and valve seats -around $500 my cost).

Oh by the way, the Vanos was replaced earlier this year too ($4k). BMW ate the Vanos cost and I have an extended warranty (thank G-d) to cover the recent motor mess. I've had a new Vanos oil pump ($1100-before the whole unit failed), RTABS ($600), rear diff seal ($300), and a new alternator (OEM warranty) all fixed since I bought the car used with 28k.

Car is babied/rarely redlined, never raced, oil changed every 7.5k, all service including valves done. For those interested, I have 17 and 21 year old kids (I'm 2x the age of many of you) and I would never, ever buy them (or recommend to them) a used M3 for both safety and cost reasons.

Yes, many owners are fortunate and go years without a major repair (I have a P-car that has been pretty kind to me as well, knock on wood), but buying one of these used, high strung, complex machines is a roll of the dice. You just gotta go into it with your eyes open and as some of you have said, make sure you have a flush bank account just in case or take out a warranty. So for all those who plunked down 15k-$25 to get the car of your dreams, I wish you good luck and many happy, problem free miles. For those of you who are considering, I wish you foresight and wisdom.

[1baddM3]

being smg and 98k miles sell it back, stick to a regular 3 series u might be able to afford the maint

[M3Fantasy]

OP, congrats on the new car! Take care of it and try not to do too many stupid things. Ignore the haters on the board who are just jealous of your age and the fact that you got this so young. (Not gonna lie, I'm pretty jealous too)...

Anyway, post up some pics!

[MrAdam]

what are you gonna do about your name when u turn 17? lol congrats on the car.