Bigpower

So time for a change, I sold the s3 as I fancied something new. There were a few cars under consideration but in the end I went for the m3, as deep down it was the one I really wanted...finding the right one at the right price was a challenge as I had a strict set of criteria that I had to meet, I wanted a low mileage manual with all the toys such as navigation and most important was a full and comprehensive dealer service history.

One aspect which I was open to was whether it was soft top or coupe, as the car isn't a daily driver and just a weekend toy it could be either

I finally found the one which ticked all the boxes which was a titanium silver convertible with red nappa leather interior

Below are a few pictures

I have no major plans for the car other then to enjoy it, in regards modifying it I'm still doing my research into whether or not its a good idea, I'm fully aware of the limited gains you get from it, I'm more interested in the possible running problems if you mess about with it. BMW M division no more about there cars then I do so if nots not broke why fix it(I would be lying if I said I wouldn't want more noise out of lovely straight six )

Only other plans for the car is to maintain it to a high standard and keep it looking spot on, the m3 will be getting the wheels refurbished after the winter and have a little bit of bodywork seen to

Anyway I have bored you all enough now

Lovely, m3cutters will be your new home then.
Really enjoyed my M keep an eye on the subframe if need be reinforce it early.
only mods they need are a few bits of carbon.

Looking good Rob.

Welcome back Rob. Nice Bimmer. Didn't put you down as a wind in your hair type lol.

Eddy

Very nice fella

Hand on heart, I don't think that you can beat an E46 M3 as an allrounder. Lee is right that the subframe/diff issues need to be considered but quite a few have been 'done' by now but it can't do any harm to check.

All I would do, if I was being 100% fussy, would be to fit a Supersprint exhaust to release the noise and then that would be it, done. They are a great system tuned to enhance the car, so you won't end up with a chavvy roar or boom. Instead you just get a wonderful howl as you near the redline!

Welcome back to the forum stranger

IWANT1 wrote:Lovely, m3cutters will be your new home then.
Really enjoyed my M keep an eye on the subframe if need be reinforce it early.
only mods they need are a few bits of carbon.

hi lee, yep m3cutters looks rather helpful

I forgot you had one, ill be picking your brains when I have any problems then if that's ok?

What's the best cure for the subframe? Poly bushes?

Also is it true the valve clearances need doing at around 60k?

Stuart wrote:Hand on heart, I don't think that you can beat an E46 M3 as an allrounder. Lee is right that the subframe/diff issues need to be considered but quite a few have been 'done' by now but it can't do any harm to check.

All I would do, if I was being 100% fussy, would be to fit a Supersprint exhaust to release the noise and then that would be it, done. They are a great system tuned to enhance the car, so you won't end up with a chavvy roar or boom. Instead you just get a wonderful howl as you near the redline!

Welcome back to the forum stranger

Modifications seem to be a bit of a minefield, I understand you don't get massive gains if any at all, I'm just worried about the potential running problems(flat spots etc)

I was looking for exhaust(possibly with decat)and induction kit for noise and possibly a remap to iron out potential flat spots

Ps. Cheers nice to be back

Your subframe issue may well have been fixed already Rob. BMW* will/would fix it if it is/was less than ten years old at the time. If it's not been done and it's now too old, buy yourself a reinforcement kit from someone like Turner Motorsport in the States. You could also try someone like Moseley Motorsport over here, but all of these answers (and more) will be covered on Cutters.
If the dealer is unsure the HQ will approve the repair as long as it's 10 years old or less. The valve clearances are part of the service at that mileage IIRC

Supersprint with carbon airbox will cost you around 1100 and a remap will be another 250-350 on top. The biggest gains will be acoustic mate, but they will be big acoustic gains