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BMW M3 Maintenance and Repair

196 messages,  Last post on Oct 13, 2008 at 10:55 AM

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What is this discussion about? BMW M3, Coupe, Convertible


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#144 of 196
Re: 2002 - 2003 M3 Reliability? [fedlawman] by gmonkies
Feb 05, 2008 (11:03 am)
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Replying to: fedlawman (Feb 02, 2008 6:41 pm)

Wow, I never realized I can ruffle so much feathers with my believe based on the info from magazine report. I was only trying to give a fellow BMW enthusiast a point of view based solely on the 1/4 mile time as one of many measures. But I will entertain the comments and continue with this debate one more time. My recollection was that when Road and Track magazine introduced the 2001 E46 M3, they have listed the M3 to be 0-60 4.8 and 1/4 miles to be 13.3 sec msrp at $48,000. On that same magazine it listed the 2001 porsche carrera to 0-60 4.6 sec and 1/ mil to be 13.2 sec msrp ~$70,000. 13.2 sec is a big difference to 12.8. I could be wrong but I think 2001 porsche turbo was around 12.8. Too bad I no longer have that magazine anymore, otherwise I could have scan it and e-mail it to anyone that wants proof. If I'm talking out of my ass with the spec then, it's really the magazine's fault for wrong info. Luckily we have google and there is a site that listed the porsche spec from both 2 magazine which backed up my numbers.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/porsche-911-history37.htm
 
I have to admit I have only been a passenger in a porsche and have not had the opportunity as a driver yet. But I'm not here to knock down porsche or saying that the M3 is better, I'm just expressing my personal believe, "what is more car for the dollar". And to tell the truth, since porsche and bmw are both german built, rear wheel drive car dedicated to racing, It's not so insane to compare the 2. But comparing a front wheel drive Japanese built honda accord is probably more absurd. When I first started in the import scene 10 years ago, our goals were to spend less and yet still be able to spank a porsche, vette, viper..etc. And yes, I know kids out there that had a turbo civic/integra and out ran Ferrari and Lambo on the street. So Yes, I can spend $20,000 to rebuild the motor and put a turbo into an accord so it can outrun the M3 and the porsche turbo easily in 1/4 miles. But as a front wheel drive car, it can only get enough traction with drag slicks, not street tire. But drag slick cannot handle road course. Lastly, there are some road course that favors front wheel drive car and some that favors rear wheel drive car. So comparing front wheel and rear wheel drive is hardly a fair comparison. Comparing the M3 to the new G37 for example is a fair comparison cause they are both rear wheel drive so they can fairly compete on the same road track. Several magazines had compared the s2000 to the porsche boxster. Yes the S2000 requires more effort then the boxster. But the lap time and 1/4 mile time is very competitive. So is up to individual's opinion which is a better car for the $ and if it's worth the extra $. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer to this.
 
As a Honda lover my I've spent enough $ building several civic and integra for drag and road course to have been able to buy a new m3 cash. I am still able to admit that there are other car more for the money. As much as I hate domestic, Dodge neon SRT 4 is a lot more car for the $ to "ME" than the acura rsx type s. But that's just my opinion.
 
I was told once by a wise man, opinion is like Ahole and everyone's got one. With that said, I will step off my soap box now and stand by my believes while others can do the same.
 
#145 of 196
Re: 2002 - 2003 M3 Reliability? [gmonkies] by fedlawman
Feb 05, 2008 (12:39 pm)
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Replying to: gmonkies (Feb 05, 2008 11:03 am)

No ruffled feathers here, I'm just saying I disagree with you. Believe it or not, I don't own a Porsche (I actually own a BMW).
 
There's simply a lot more to a car than magazine test numbers for 0-60 MPH and 1/4 mile acceleration.
 
If driving the Porsche is like swimming in a crystal clear swimming pool, the BMW, by comparison, is like swimming in maple syrup.
#146 of 196
Re: 2002 - 2003 M3 Reliability? [fedlawman] by Mr_Shiftright HOST
Feb 05, 2008 (7:06 pm)
Reply

Replying to: fedlawman (Feb 05, 2008 12:39 pm)

I could build up a car to beat either of those 0-60 or 1/4 mile times for far less money than either an M3 or a 911, but you wouldn't want to ride in it for very long
#147 of 196
Re: 2002 - 2003 M3 Reliability? [Mr_Shiftright] by fedlawman
Feb 05, 2008 (7:35 pm)
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Feb 05, 2008 7:06 pm)

No need, this will suffuce...
 
#148 of 196
Re: 2002 - 2003 M3 Reliability? [Mr_Shiftright] by gmonkies
Feb 05, 2008 (9:20 pm)
Reply

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Feb 05, 2008 7:06 pm)

that was kinda the point I was trying to make too. My civic and integra are so harsh with absolutely no luxury, comfort, prestige. I meant no disrespect to others passion and if I can afford the 911 turbo, that would have been my choice too. I do agree there is something to be said when you can drive a turbo car with less road noise and can turn on the AC in the summer time.
For now, I'm just happy to finally own the m3. As a novice with BMW, I join the forum to seek advice on fixing the M3 myself to save some $. Not to insult anyone or pick a fight.
 
p.s. I manage to replace the oil seperator thanks to everyone's advice. No leak so far. But then again, the old one did not have any signs of leaks at the seals either. Is it possible that it was leaking internally causing the vaccum to suck up oil, instead of air only, to the intake and that's why the dealer strongly advice immediate replacement to prevent lost of oil?
 
Now my next task is to climb under the car and replace the power steering hose. Any advice of caution or tips to make the job easier?
#149 of 196
Re: 2002 - 2003 M3 Reliability? [gmonkies] by Mr_Shiftright HOST
Feb 06, 2008 (9:50 am)
Reply

Replying to: gmonkies (Feb 05, 2008 9:20 pm)

I can't think of any real snags other than having to pay for that hose. It's not cheap.
#150 of 196
Re: 2002 - 2003 M3 Reliability? [Mr_Shiftright] by fedlawman
Feb 06, 2008 (6:42 pm)
Reply

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Feb 06, 2008 9:50 am)

My hat's off to you, your handier than most car enthusiasts. I owned Honda's and Acura's for much of my younger years and I never did learn to turn a wrench.
 
I've come a long way as a shadetree mechanic since joining the BMW cult, but I don't know if I could have done the job you did.
#151 of 196
Need new rear tires for 2003 M3 from dealership? by mdx2008
Feb 09, 2008 (11:40 am)
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Should I buy new 19 inch Michelan tires from the BMW dealership, they want 421 per tire including installation? Should I trust Firestone to do it cheaper?
Any advice?
#152 of 196
Re: Need new rear tires for 2003 M3 from dealership? [mdx2008] by roadburner
Feb 09, 2008 (8:17 pm)
Reply

Replying to: mdx2008 (Feb 09, 2008 11:40 am)

Buy them from Tire Rack; they sell the same Pilot Sports for $326. Use one of Tire Rack's Recommended Installers to mount and balance the tires. I'd stay away from mass market stores like Firestone or Goodyear unless you are 100% certain that they know how to service a performance car- otherwise you will likely wind up with scuffed or damaged wheels- and lug nuts installed by a gorilla with an air wrench...
#153 of 196
Re: Need new rear tires for 2003 M3 from dealership? [roadburner] by Mr_Shiftright HOST
Feb 10, 2008 (10:03 am)
Reply

Replying to: roadburner (Feb 09, 2008 8:17 pm)

don't take an M3 near a big chain store.

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