E46 M3 preventive maintenance question

[Remedy]

I did not want to interrupt the E36 thread with off topic questions. So, I'll ask it here; What are the preventive maintenance items that should be looked out for when purchasing an e46 M3? Besides the subframe welding issue, what else should be looked for? Suspension refresh kit?

[badb5]

Your best approach by far would be to find a good local indy BMW mechanic and ask him. Then use him for a thorough PDI when the time comes.

[ATL_Av8r]

Up to production date 10/01 there was a recall on connecting rod bearings.

Also ask for service records for oil changes and note that Castrol TWS 10w-60 was used and that interim oil changes were made between the "free scheduled maintenance" BS every 15k.

[GTIolot]

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1468749
Here is a link to the Bimmerforums "Everything you should know before buying a E46 thread"
I used a similar guide to buy my E36 M. Still had a PPI done, but this allowed me to ask the right questions and find a car that was well taken care of.

[Remedy]

Up to production date 10/01 there was a recall on connecting rod bearings.

Also ask for service records for oil changes and note that Castrol TWS 10w-60 was used and that interim oil changes were made between the "free scheduled maintenance" BS every 15k.

Thanks it looks like ECS has that oil change kit here.

[absoluteczech]

depending on miles make sure the valve adjustment was done and has been done

[zmt]

S54 needs periodic valve adjustments. Plan on doing one right when you get the car for peace of mind.

There's also been multiple instances of the intake side VANOS camshaft bolts backing out/shearing which can nuke the engine. No idea of failure rates, and if I can grow a pair I'm going to check mine out when I do my valve adjustment.

[Remedy]

S54 needs periodic valve adjustments. Plan on doing one right when you get the car for peace of mind.

There's also been multiple instances of the intake side VANOS camshaft bolts backing out/shearing which can nuke the engine. No idea of failure rates, and if I can grow a pair I'm going to check mine out when I do my valve adjustment.

Are the periodic valve adjustments a DIY item?

[absoluteczech]

Are the periodic valve adjustments a DIY item?

if youre skilled and have the right tools (shims, etc)

http://bit.ly/VXF1vI

[zmt]

Are the periodic valve adjustments a DIY item?

If you have a garage and can either buy the shim kit and tool, or if you have the time to order the specific shims you need, sure! Once you have the valve cover off it's really nothing more than removing pucks/measuring/replacing pucks.

[compy222]

a ppi is a must. the more service records, the better!

[Remedy]

If you have a garage and can either buy the shim kit and tool, or if you have the time to order the specific shims you need, sure! Once you have the valve cover off it's really nothing more than removing pucks/measuring/replacing pucks.

Hmm... It sounds like a person would have their work cut out for them with an e46 M.

[BTM]

Valve adjustment is definitely DIY-able for any semi competent. It looks more intimidating than it is. BMP design has a couple of videos on youtube I basically used exclusively for my directions on how to do it.

If you still think it's over your head, should only be 4-5hrs at an indy shop (not bad every 30k or so, if you ask me)

[Charlie84]

OP, are you kidding me? This stuff is incredibly well-documented on the internet. By this point, we know virtually everything about the E46's weak points.

This checklist took me less than 10 seconds to find via Google:

http://edgemotorworks.com/wordpress/...ing-m-edition/

[dmorrow]

If you want to really learn about an E46M there are much better places to spend your time than here.

If you are going to daily drive this car and are looking for cheap transportation it probably isn't the best choice.