I did not know these were $12k vehicles now. You have my attention.
I did not know these were $12k vehicles now. You have my attention.
dculberson wrote: I did not know these were $12k vehicles now. You have my attention.
And if it has 80k miles or more, the first thing you get to do is replace the rod bearings and do a valve adjustment.
I looked on CL here in PDX and most e46 M3s are salvaged titles. More than any other particular car Ive ever look at in fact. Which makes me wonder if fear of rebuilt title needs some tempering. Twice in the last 3 years when I took my 1995 T5R in for very minor non moving (my car anyway) body repairs the shop wanted to junk the car and hand me a check instead of doing $1,500 in repairs. The e46 M3s are 10 to 18k here with the occasional 20+k. Lots of riced out cars. Nearly all SMG too.
This one has a clean title. It's an '04, too, so in theory (hopefully) it came with the good bearings. Oil analysis hasn't shown an issues. Either way, it's all good editorial.
Very nice David!
Manual or SMG?
At 92k miles my 2004 is showing high lead levels. I send the oil to Blackstone at every oil change. If the trend keeps going in the same direction, its getting new bearings. They usually last around 130k miles but mine has seen some track days.
BTW, treat bearings as a maintenance item. It does not matter the year, they all wear them.
I bought my 2004 with 80k miles for $15k, I think these cars are excellent buys at the moment. Not sure they will go much lower.
It's a manual, and thanks for the info. I have a feeling that we'll still wind up doing the bearings. Fortunately this car hasn't been tracked.
Small update:
I'm scheduled to fetch the car on the way back from SCCA Solo Nationals.
First stop: BimmerWorld.
One of the most beautiful cars of all time. I do have a preference for the lighter blue, it is a little more 'peacock'. I look forward to the write ups.
Dad has been monitoring his oil with Blackstone every change on the Z4M Coupe ('07). I think 4k intervals, not the long factory ones. A change in warm-up procedure has brought lead levels down to manageable for the cost of just a couple minutes each day.
Okay, I picked up the car yesterday and visited BimmerWorld. We put the car up on the lift, and James says it looks great. He didn't see or hear any causes for alarm. I have a few things to fix, but nothing major.
Full details to come in the mag as I think there's some good editorial in this. I went in worrying about the rod bearings, rear subframe, etc. James learned me some stuff.
In reply to David S. Wallens:
Ooh, that sure is a purdy one! 
z31maniac wrote:dculberson wrote: I did not know these were $12k vehicles now. You have my attention.And if it has 80k miles or more, the first thing you get to do is replace the rod bearings and do a valve adjustment.
Hey, if that weren't the case, it wouldn't be a $12k vehicle, would it?
Thanks. Yeah, I love the color. The car came with the stock wheels, too. Other than the wheels and Konis, it's pretty much bone-stock.
That blue is stunning!
Great looking car. I love the color as well.
In reply to David S. Wallens:
Get that pic outa here before I go call my credit union! 
Seriously though, that is an absolutely gorgeous car. Can't wait to see it in the mag.
Here's a super-quick video showing the underside. It's clean under there.
I love mine! Even if it is now a "slow" car in the M world. I've just finished my sixth track day this year with it. It is so good on the track. And so good on the way home from the track.
Rob
I have been an E46 M3 fan since they were new, so it's cool to (finally) have my own.
Here's another trip from the drive home:
Gorgeous. Well done. What wheels are on the car? I've always loved black wheels with a silver lip. Perhaps CSL wheels (or replicas) that have been painted?
dyintorace wrote: Gorgeous. Well done. What wheels are on the car? I've always loved black wheels with a silver lip. Perhaps CSL wheels (or replicas) that have been painted?
Thanks. They're Bremmer BR05 wheels purchased through the Tire Rack.
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