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BMW M3 Maintenance and Repair

249 messages,  Last post on Oct 25, 2011 at 7:52 PM

You are in the BMW M/M3/M6 Forum.

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

Messages Page 22 of 26

#206 of 249 Re: 2005 bmw m3 problems? [nickyc1974] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jan 13, 2009 (11:16 am)

Replying to: nickyc1974 (Jan 13, 2009 10:45 am)
Here's a checklist for you:
 
3 Series Bugaboos
 
However, with those low miles I wouldn't think too many items on the list would apply, so you may be okay. What I'd do if i were you is download this list of areas of concern and show them to the shop that checks out the car for you, and let them inspect these items.
 
Some are minor, like valve cover leaks, and some don't apply to the M3, like the oil separator. Others might apply to low mileage, like the BMW power steering hoses, which tend to leak and which cost an outrageous amount of money for some reason.
 
Anyway, I'm not sure Consumer Reports has much of a handle on BMWs.

#207 of 249 M-Coupe Alignment by Olds13

Feb 16, 2009 (1:07 pm)

I have 49000 miles on my M-coupe. I have worn out my rear tires twice (byproduct of my right foot) but my front tires are just now coming to the wear bars. I want to get an alignment, but fear not getting the M numbers right. Does anyone know the correct specs for an M-Coupe? Also, I've called the 2 tire shops that I typically send my customers to, and they both told me to see the dealer because of special tools etc. needed to perform the alignment correctly. Is that right?!?!

#208 of 249 Re: M-Coupe Alignment [Olds13] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Feb 17, 2009 (9:33 am)

Replying to: Olds13 (Feb 16, 2009 1:07 pm)
That doesn't make sense---well I mean indeed there may be special tools, but my experience has been that many many dealers farm out their alignments to specialists anyway. I don't see why a really talented alignment shop can't align just about any vehicle. My tire shop (who specializes in alignment) does Ferraris, Porsches, Bentleys, etc, as well as Hyundais.
 
A good alignment shop is not necessarily just a tire shop.

#209 of 249 Re: M-Coupe Alignment [Mr_Shiftright] by roadburner

Feb 19, 2009 (6:43 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Feb 17, 2009 9:33 am)
BMW's alignment specs assume a certain weight in the passenger seat and the trunk. Some shops won't align them because they don't have any way to put the specified weights in the car. My indie tech uses a little Mom & Pop shop located in the back of an old industrial park. They don't charge much and they do absolutely first rate work.

#210 of 249 Re: M-Coupe Alignment [roadburner] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Feb 19, 2009 (7:44 pm)

Replying to: roadburner (Feb 19, 2009 6:43 pm)
Oh that is SO German.

#212 of 249 M6 Wheels on a M3 by phud

Mar 05, 2009 (6:58 am)

Hi M3 owners,
I found a set of M6 wheel & tire that i'm going to take a look in this weekend & intended to buy it for my 04-M3. The bolt pattern is the same so it will fit. But does anyone know is there anything wrong to use M6 wheel on a M3, because the wheel offset may be different from one another?
Any insight from your past experience or comment is most welcome
 
The M6 wheels look very sporty & the tires are still in great condition. The price is very reasonable & i really like to have them
 
Thanks

#213 of 249 e46 m3 maintenance by gmonkies

Mar 09, 2009 (12:06 pm)

Hi,
 
I thought I have a main seal leak but luckily it was only the rubber 0-ring on oil pressure regulator on the side of the block. Does anyone know how often does that happen?
 
Also, the bentley manual said that the bolt holding the metal plate for structure support under the engine area must be replaced every time, after removal. I order new bolts from BMW but using the old one until I get it. I torqued the old bolt back to spec and the car seems to be driving okay. Should I still change it when I get the new bolt or just save it till the next time I have to remove the metal plate again?
 
One last thing is I replaced my window regulator and adjust the window alignment to be the same as the other side. Everything works fine except if the window goes up automatically, it will will comes down 1/3 of the way after getting to the top. I thought it was cause by the window going up too high. But when I adjust the window alignment so it does not reach the very top, it still does the same thing. Is there anything that I am suppose to rest to solve this minor problem?
 
Thanks!

#214 of 249 Re: e46 m3 maintenance [gmonkies] by roadburner

Mar 09, 2009 (6:34 pm)

Replying to: gmonkies (Mar 09, 2009 12:06 pm)
I order new bolts from BMW but using the old one until I get it. I torqued the old bolt back to spec and the car seems to be driving okay. Should I still change it when I get the new bolt or just save it till the next time I have to remove the metal plate again?
 
I'd change it.
 
. But when I adjust the window alignment so it does not reach the very top, it still does the same thing. Is there anything that I am suppose to rest to solve this minor problem?
 
Try this:
 
Press the window down button. When the window is down - hold it down for 20 seconds. Then press the window up button (with the door closed) - and hold it up for 20 seconds once it's all the way up.
 
These two steps teach the window the normal down and up positions. They're needed for auto-down/up and to keep the window from going too far up into the channel. There is a magnetic switch in the motor assembly that is adjusted by doing this.

#215 of 249 M3 in Chicago by david112

Mar 17, 2009 (2:21 pm)

I'm considering an M3 Convertible and it will be my all-year round car. I drive about 23 miles each way from the suburbs to the city. Assuming I get good winter tires (and feel free to recommend any 18 inchers you feel are good), will this work or will I be white-knuckled all winter?
I appreciate your thoughts - David

Messages Page 22 of 26

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