How about some input on overall reliability issues with the 05-06 M3's. I heard of some problems esp with the SMG's and some overall reliability issues for earlier 01-02 or 03 models. I know 6spd vs SMG maybe a personal thing, but for reliability reasons, is 6 spd perhaps less likely to cause any issues? Thanks in advance. Ted

 

my 03 6spd never had any problems, my friends with smg never had any complaints either, except that it was jerky

 

none of them have any real huge issues other than the rod bearing swapout. that's been effectively resolved by BMW thank goodness.

they're VERY reliable cars.

 

Drove mine everyday 17k miles in 10 months...not one issue..however by an 03 or newer...prior had engine issue

 

I'm looking to buy an '01 next week, but the rod bearings have been changed on this particular car. I should be ok with that, right?

I can't speak for E46 M3's yet, but I can tell you my E36 M3 has never, ever had the slightest problem.

 

E46 M3s are more reliable than the E36 Ms so that should tell you something.

I'd buy the newest, lowest mileage I could afford so if an '01 is what you can afford, that rod bearing fix shouldn't sway you at all. It comes with the 100K warranty coverage for parts that touch oil too... so BMW's backing up their smack talk.

 

02 m3 with 60k miles. Haven't had any major problems so far. Knock on the wood. Known issues include rod bearing recall (100K miles warranty) and coilpacks (8 years unlimited miles warranty).

 

i had a fuel pump replaced at 4k
xenon ballast went out at like 7k
faulty navigation computer, replaced 2 times
all minor stuff , hate the rental cars though

 

i got 52k on my car. no problem at all.

 

Wow, that sure does make me want one even more...

 

don't miss out. i get the feeling that the E46 M3 is going to be something like the 993 widbodies from teh visual standpoint at least. it's the last of the boxy look with the unreal fender flares. just perfect proportions. going to look good for a long while. last of the legendary inline 6s.



go for it dude!

 

My fiancé has had her custom colored LeMans Blue 2002 M3 since we bought it new and even though it just turned 17,000, she pushes the HELL out of that car and even with all the mods, the thing is PERFECT!

Definitely go for it!

 

'04/'05/'06's are very reliable since they are completely covered by BMW until '08/'09/'10! Find a CPO on top of that and you should be happy for a while. It sucks that the '06's are the last year BMW will offer the maintenance agreement at no charge.. i think it's like a $750 option now, still a decent deal but I don't see the MSRP's dropping

 

No problems with my M3- I love that thing!

 

i'm also thinking of making the switch. I love my c2, but also love the m3 for a long long time