Okay, E46 crew, I need your help with this question.

[fatimafg]

This time I'm spending with BMWs is growing addictive....I was just at a dealership looking at 2002 M3s. In terms of value, I'm way out of my league, but it's lovely anyway.We appreciate and embrace all opinions....

[fatimafg]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=BMW&linkCode

[fatimafg]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=BMW+M3&linkCode

[fatimafg]

https://highlinemotorgroup.com/vdp/2338 ... l-MA-01851

[fatimafg]

What do you think of the idea of offering them $35,000 in cash?

[priyakk]

From an E46, the driving experience is really mind-blowing. The 04 325Ci that someone in the family owns is fantastic. Drives smoothly and has excellent handling. When it comes to the M3, my advice is to check if the two most significant known issues—the rod bearings and the reinforcing of the rear subframe—have been addressed. Unless you're using it at full throttle, the S54 is a powerful and excellent motor. Honestly, if you buy the car, it would be best to change out all the fluids to renew everything. That way you know everything is in fine functioning order under your ownership. I can't say much about the SMG transmission because I haven't really done much study on it.

[imaninovakrz]

It is conditional upon provenance. Can you tell me about the service history? Are you through? With that kind of money, I'd like to see invoices in addition to Carfax.

To have 90% of the pleasure for a fraction of the cost, I'd seek out a ZHP. There would be enough money for the probably postponed repair.

[leo_alii]

I guess that's true if you're into collecting and think that low mileage is important. You should seek out a vehicle with 100-130k miles and completed rod bearings if you intend to drive it. Honestly, when you get it, it's like a whole recharge at this age. You may obtain a vehicle with 130,000 miles on the odometer for $15,000 and then spend $10,000 fixing it up. By the time you're done, it will be better than new and you'll still save money compared to buying a brand new vehicle. and you would successfully restore any desired provenance.

A friend of mine invested $13,000 on a vert, and we spent roughly $10,000 on everything (in parts)—new vanos, bearings, etc.—so he would have been out approximately $20,000 if I hadn't done the job. Once I finished his, I went out and bought a coupe with 97,000 miles on the odometer. Now I'm just waiting in line for a few other jobs, but it will be well worth it.

[elena.ruizck]

Using the SMG, I'd put it closer to $30k. The rod bearings and the mounts on the back of the subframe are in dire need of repair. It will be worth more after those two things are done.

You may use the original transmission if you wish to convert the SMG to manual, and there is a lot of documentation for it. The SMG, however, has many ardent supporters. I get why they're so excited; the DCT is great on the latest BMWs.

[fatimafg]

Much obliged.