[Donatello.]

Hi all, I am in the market for an E46 M3 vert.

What, outside of bearings and VANOS, should one double check on the cars? Are there any years that those 2 items do not apply to?

Also, is there a listing of available factory options for each year as well as the differences between each year M3?

TIA!

[riko///m2]

Originally Posted by Donatello.

Hi all, I am in the market for an E46 M3 vert.

What, outside of bearings and VANOS, should one double check on the cars? Are there any years that those 2 items do not apply to?

Also, is there a listing of available factory options for each year as well as the differences between each year M3?

TIA!

Some of these cars are now 20 years old. Parts and labor are expensive so I recommend buying the best example. Less mods the better.

Check out this article if you haven't done so.

https://www.bmwblog.com/2022/04/18/b...de-bmw-e46-m3/

Good luck!

[Duckles McGee]

https://www.bmw-m.com/en/topics/maga...-portraet.html

[riko///m2]

I found another E46 M3 buyer's guide by Bimmerworld. This was published recently. Very good video:

[mwat]

Subframe.
I once thought vert's were exempt from this issue. Turns out they aren't, I've had two buddies with vert's need a subframe reinforcement.

Pain points:
Subframe
Vanos
RB's - Not as bad on the e9x cars
(SMG Pump?)
The whole car tbh.

Still buy one though it's my favorite car I've ever owned even if I've bought it 3x in repairs.

[EdgyE36]

M Registry is chapter and verse for details: https://bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=19

[TheEnrique]

buy mine. problem solved.