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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 24 of 25

#230 of 249 Re: E46 m3 differential noise [gmonkies] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Dec 21, 2009 (4:55 pm)

Replying to: gmonkies (Dec 21, 2009 4:15 pm)
If it were a loose pinion you'd be on the side of the road calling for a tow truck. But, if it were worn teeth on the ring and pinion interface, you could test that by letting off the gas---the noise should dissipate considerably on let-off. If the noise remains the same whether you let off or press on the gas, I'd suspect the tires. Look for "feathering"---that typically causes a high pitch whine.

#231 of 249 Re: E46 m3 differential noise [Mr_Shiftright] by gmonkies

Dec 23, 2009 (12:39 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Dec 21, 2009 4:55 pm)
From what I remembered, the noise does go away if I let off on the gas as the mph goes down. If it is worn teeth, is it something that will need immediate attention or can I still drive it reliably for miles to come as long as I don't track it? Will putting new gear oil make any difference to help maintain it a little longer?
 
I will double check the noise the next time I drive it on the highway since is my occasional weekend car.
 
Thanks
 
Have a happy holiday to you and everyone on this site.

#232 of 249 Re: E46 m3 differential noise [gmonkies] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Dec 23, 2009 (9:46 am)

Replying to: gmonkies (Dec 23, 2009 12:39 am)
If it's only rough gear-surfaces, that can last forever. And yes, putting in new gear oil, or perhaps a synthetic that is compatible with BMW specs, would help. A gear oil change would also allow you to inspect the fluid for excessive amounts of mettalic debris. That would be a bad sign.
 
VISITING HOST

#233 of 249 First BMW by madmarks

Dec 29, 2009 (1:52 am)

I'm looking to purchase an 04 M3 convertible with 77,495 miles for $18k and since I'm new to the high performance side of the automotive industry can anyone share a few pointers about the maintenance costs for it? Is there a warranty program available for pre owned BMW's that are not purchased from a BMW dealer but from a standard used car dealer. Also if there are other things that I must know because my mom wouldn't let me drive her X5 at all Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
M.DeMarco

#234 of 249 Re: First BMW [madmarks] by kperess

Dec 29, 2009 (7:51 am)

Replying to: madmarks (Dec 29, 2009 1:52 am)
Mad,
 
I purchased a 2000 M Roadster and learned a few things -- enumerated below:
 
1) Do a thorough search in the forums to find out the idiosyncracies of the model
2) Get all the records -- that sort of car should be in the BMW records for service
3) You'll probably need shocks (I didn't realize that until I hit 88K (bought it with 79 K)) so do a check on likely repairs needed for that mileage vehicle -- a BMW service department should be able to tell you what is typically replaced/repaired and when.
4) Find a way to check to see if the vehicle has been tracked (usually if you can check weld to see if they are sound is one way -- ask on the forums (including Bimmerfest)
5) You probably cannot get a OEM warranty -- either too old or too many miles
6) eye ball the vehicle with a trusted mechanic or knowledgeable friend -- after you've done your homework.
7) It's a convertible -- check the top carefully -- need to make sure that both the fabric and the mechanism is in good shape.
 
I had to put some $$$ into mine but I love it -- that M roadster model is only one of about 15 K world wide
 
I have a friend with a performance car (Porsche 911) and he said his friends (with similar vehicles) say that you need to be prepared to put in about $1,000 a year into the beast (that is besides normal care and maintenance.
 
Hope this helps
 
Ken

#235 of 249 Re: First BMW [kperess] by madmarks

Dec 29, 2009 (10:16 am)

Replying to: kperess (Dec 29, 2009 7:51 am)
Thanks for the info. Do you know if the clutch is smooth on the m3s. I haven't been behind the wheel of a standard in 8 months and I'm a little rusty. My friend is a pro at it and is willing to give me a refresher course but I've never driven a BMW that wasn't auto. I'm hoping its not too rough on me

#236 of 249 Re: First BMW [madmarks] by kperess

Dec 29, 2009 (6:19 pm)

Replying to: madmarks (Dec 29, 2009 10:16 am)
Clutch and shifter on mine is great -- I think much of it has to do with your getting the feel of the clutch, the gripping point and how the clutch engages. I do my best to make my shifts accurate -- still haven't hit 0- 60 in 5.2 secs -- have come close though

#237 of 249 '04 M3 Conv. - Buy or Not to Buy? by frednwilma

May 18, 2010 (7:42 pm)

I own an '01 5 series and I'm considering making the jump to a car that has more than one purpose. This '04 M3 Convertible has about 60k in mileage, SMG, Nav, 19" rims etc., lots of bells & whistles but no HK sound system...go figure!
 
After reading a number of posts, I know what the upside and fun part is, it's the downside I'm concerned about. With the car being 7 yrs old, what kind of repairs and bills can I come to expect from this vehicle? I'd be the 3rd owner and no records from the auto store. SMG -- is it a good thing or a bad thing? In 2004, was this BMW's first edition of the SMG?
 
Another concern is how hot black interior will get? My car now is black w/ tan interior and the black exterior can't be touched w/o burning your skin on hot days, does the same hold true for blk interior?
 
On a vehicle that I have no history with, a warranty sure would be nice. Does anyone know where I can buy one on this 7 yr. exclusive vehicle?
 
Lastly, any other thread or blog that would have pertinant info would be gr8!
 
Thanks for any advise and guidance...the more the better.

#238 of 249 '04 M3 Conv. - Buy or Not to Buy? by frednwilma

May 18, 2010 (7:54 pm)

I own an '01 5 series and I'm considering making the jump to a car that has more than one purpose. This '04 M3 Convertible has about 60k in mileage, SMG, Nav, 19" rims etc., lots of bells & whistles but no HK sound system...go figure!
  
After reading a number of posts, I know what the upside and fun part is, it's the downside I'm concerned about. With the car being 7 yrs old, what kind of repairs and bills can I come to expect from this vehicle? I'd be the 3rd owner and no records from the auto store. SMG -- is it a good thing or a bad thing? In 2004, was this BMW's first edition of the SMG?
  
Another concern is how hot black interior will get? My car now is black w/ tan interior and the black exterior can't be touched w/o burning your skin on hot days, does the same hold true for blk interior?
  
On a vehicle that I have no history with, a warranty sure would be nice. Does anyone know where I can buy one on this 7 yr. exclusive vehicle?
  
Lastly, any other thread or blog that would have pertinant info would be gr8!
  
Thanks for any advise and guidance...the more the better.

#239 of 249 New 1997 M3 Owner with questions by cnk79

May 18, 2010 (7:56 pm)

Just purchased a 1997 M3. Can you answer a few questions.
 
I do not have an owners manual, what is the ASC button?
 
How do I know what type of M3 I have? I have seen things like E36 and 46, what do I have? It is a 4 door.
 
Is there anything I need to know about this car like what problems they might have, what oil do I need to use, ect........?
  
Thank you in advance for your answers. By the way....I LOVE THIS CAR!!!

Messages Page 24 of 25

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