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BMW M3 Maintenance and Repair

250 messages,  Last post on Jun 10, 2013 at 4:37 PM

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

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

Messages Page 25 of 26

#234 of 250 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 250 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 250 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 250 '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 250 '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 250 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!!!

#240 of 250 Re: New 1997 M3 Owner with questions [cnk79] by roadburner

May 20, 2010 (6:47 pm)

Replying to: cnk79 (May 18, 2010 7:56 pm)
what is the ASC button?
 
Traction/stability control
 
what do I have? It is a 4 door.
 
The 1995-1999 M3 is built on the E36 platform.
 
Is there anything I need to know about this car like what problems they might have, what oil do I need to use, etc........?
 
Keep an eye on the cooling system; you'll need to replace the radiator/t-stat/water pump in the 60K-100K mileage range. Use ONLY BMW coolant; change it every 2-3 years.
Oil: BMW Synthetic 5W-30, Castrol Syntec 0W-30, Mobil 1 0W-40.
Change the brake fluid every 1-2 years with a DOT 4 fluid.
DON'T over rev the engine! It's extremely easy to bend a valve or two.
Window regulators can fail; a cheap and easy DIY fix.
Join the BMW Car Club of America; you'll get discounts on parts and labor from many dealers and independent shops.

#241 of 250 1999 M3 by mphillipsm3

Dec 22, 2010 (1:59 pm)

My 99 M3 has Hamann badging including the steering wheel. What does this mean for this model? I understand about Hamann Motorsports but what is significant and was it a special order?
Thanks,]
Mik

#242 of 250 1999 M3 by mphillipsm3

Dec 22, 2010 (2:01 pm)

What is the differences between the E36 and E 46 platform and why did BMW do a midyear model change so there are two 99 models?
Thanks!

#243 of 250 Re: 1999 M3 [mphillipsm3] by MrShift@Edmunds HOST

Dec 22, 2010 (3:48 pm)

Replying to: mphillipsm3 (Dec 22, 2010 1:59 pm)
You can buy Hamann badging on eBay. I would think you'd know if you had a real Hamann M3 as you would have 350HP and be able to go 170 mph. So you tell us!

Messages Page 25 of 26

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