bennno2005 Posted March 19, 2015 Report Share Posted March 19, 2015 (edited) Really giving some serious thought to upgrading from my E46 Clubsport to an M3 My main concern is obviously how much its going to cost me to run one as I've actually found my Clubsport fairly cheap to run. I've done some research but I'm after some advice as to whether or not I'm being naive about the costs: I do around 12k a year so I imagine its going to cost me a set of Tyres and a service a year so £600 in tyres and average £300 for a service at a specialist? (average cost - I'm aware an inspection II is an expensive service) so not a huge difference there from the CS. Fuel wise I average about 30 MPG in the CS so would it be safe to assume 25 MPG in the M3? Insurance is only around £50 a year more in an M3 and I'd be looking at a 2002 / 2003 so tax will be the same. Guess the only other bits to worry about are the cost of things that go wrong and the dreaded discs and pad replacement which from what I've read are around £750 all round just in parts - unless there is a non gen alternative? Other obvious concerns are the subframe mounts, gearbox (if I went for an SMG) and head gasket. I'd be looking to spend about £8k on a manual one - I would consider an SMG because it broadens my options and they do seem cheaper - figure I could put the purchase price difference aside to go towards fixing any SMG related issues. Looking at whats about I'd be most probably looking at a 2002 / 2003 with around 100k on it. I do love my Clubsport and it does the job perfectly but I really would love to own an M3. Any advice on running costs / what else to look out for would be much appreciated as I'm really not too sure. I'd hate to sell my CS and regret it as I know the car pretty well and have invested a fair bit of time and money getting it up to scratch. Cheers Ben Edited March 19, 2015 by ben.embrey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonlpearce Posted March 19, 2015 Report Share Posted March 19, 2015 Don't think you are too far off with the figures to be honest. People scare you by saying it will cost a bunch more to run and aside from a bit more in fuel and a bit more on parts there isn't a great deal in it. Also if you are clever and keep an eye on classifieds on places like cutters, you can get tyres and brakes for probably the same as you would spend on the CS. You only live once so i would say to go for it Cannockwolf 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay. Posted March 19, 2015 Report Share Posted March 19, 2015 I went through this scenario many many times, I ended up going for an e92 or a z4 as I felt at the time they would be cheaper to run & not give me as much hassle but theres no exclusivity with one! I would definately consider a m3 next time when I've found my feet again agter buying my first house. To eliminate the discs & pads issue find one that's just had them replaced! Also I've not seen many head gasket issues but personally would stick with a manual. check it's had the running in service too & also try & buy from a specialist who won't mind having it up on the ramp to ensure the subframe isn't cracked Good luck with your search Jamie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bennno2005 Posted March 19, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 19, 2015 Thanks guys. Yes tyres and servicing I don't think will be a huge amount more than the CS and its only once a year at the most anyway. I do like the E92's but I can't afford an M3 and wouldn't want a lesser model. Personally I think you can offset the extra running costs against the depreciation of a newer, less exclusive car. I'd prefer a manual purely for the reliability, however the thought of having an auto for the jaunt to work but with option of a manual when you fancy it is quite appealing to me and like I said before they do seem to be cheaper and easier to come across. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theworkerbee Posted March 19, 2015 Report Share Posted March 19, 2015 I'm currently trying to put money aside for an m3 myself. Have a very similar budget to you, however, I am only interested in manuals. Only thing putting me off, as with all e46's is the rust issues and the interior creaking that is probably due to the cars age. I'm still hoping to get an m3, but if I don't find one in time I am considering a 335i or returning to a hot hatch of some sort. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay. Posted March 19, 2015 Report Share Posted March 19, 2015 I'm aiming to get one (a cabriolet) around December this year when the prices settle down again Chimp Choker and M3NXN 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M3NXN Posted March 19, 2015 Report Share Posted March 19, 2015 I think you're pretty much there with the prices too. Only thing I can add really is I barely noticed any difference in running costs between a 330ci and my M3. Obviously if you absolutely hoof it everywhere you go it will be a guzzler, but mixed driving they're spot on. A good all rounder imo pete_h, bennno2005 and Jay. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M3NXN Posted March 19, 2015 Report Share Posted March 19, 2015 I'm aiming to get one (a cabriolet) around December this year when the prices settle down again I'd love to see what you would do with an M3. That would be one build thread I would follow Jay. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay. Posted March 19, 2015 Report Share Posted March 19, 2015 Cheers mate, in fairness , they are a car to respect and one which will only go up in value. I dont mind 'ruining' 330's as they are pretty much disposable at the moment, and i think it'll be a while before they get to the respected e36 328i sport status. The only modifications i would consider would be probably some CSL's and some Tein springs, the rest is just perfect IMO. Out of interest, how much have you spent modifying / maintaining your car? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete_h Posted March 19, 2015 Report Share Posted March 19, 2015 Nice thread , I have also had similar thoughts but been put off by internet horror stories on running costs. Would love an E46 M3 vert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M3NXN Posted March 19, 2015 Report Share Posted March 19, 2015 (edited) Mines hardly cost me at all tbh. Seller said it would come with 12 month MOT, he was sure it would pass as it had sat in his garage for 2 years having only drove it home from previous MOT. It failed on tyres cracked so he put 4 new tyres on and I collected it from garage. I then got an oil and filter service at an Indy that my mate owns, can't remember the cost but it was just a typical service. Then I bought spacers, eibachs and LED rears, and the F10 gear knob, so about £450-500 for those. Had it in for an inspection 2 in September, again can't remember the cost but as my mate owns the garage it was slightly less than a typical indy but still around inspection 2 prices. At same time I bought some rear discs, pads, handbrake cable and sensor from Cotswold which cost me £350 plus fitting. I got the splitter repaired and full bumper sprayed after a rabbit destroyed it. This was by another mate who own his own bodyshop, and he did my shark fin and a tiny down to the metal chip on the rear quarter at the same time, Can't remember cost there but it wasn't much. I think all told in 2 years of ownership it comes in under £1500 or thereabouts for maintenance and mods. This year wheels will be refurbed when I do square set up on OEM 18s, as my current rears are milking. And I'll be getting front disc and pads too. I travelled all over the country looking for one and found one literally on my doorstep in the end. Definitely pays to hold out for a good one. Edit to add: This year will be subframe reinforced too, as it's still fine with no signs of cracking yet. Edited March 19, 2015 by M3NXN Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc l Posted March 19, 2015 Report Share Posted March 19, 2015 Are the pads and discs really £750. What about eurocarparts or car parts 4 less? They can't be difficult to fit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJ Syxx Posted March 19, 2015 Report Share Posted March 19, 2015 Yep they are. ECP used to stock OEM discs but stopped now so you have pagids or whatever they have for them now. You can get the original ATE versions for less just without the BMW stamp but you need to do a little searching. Changing them isn't hard and no different to normal E46. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87mtech27 Posted March 20, 2015 Report Share Posted March 20, 2015 I'm in the same boat, currently have a clubsport and only way to go is either E46 M3 or E92 335i. A neighbour who currently went from 330ci m sport to M3 says the M3 is a lot harsher ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bennno2005 Posted March 20, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 20, 2015 Think I'm going to take my time and view a few. Luckily I've got the cash to buy one and then worry about selling mine afterwards which is probably the best way as I've there is no pressure to find a new car ASAP. I did have a look on ECP at the price of discs and pads but they are still very expensive- although having said that I think it would be very unlucky if they all need doing at the same time too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonlpearce Posted March 20, 2015 Report Share Posted March 20, 2015 I bought some unused OEM discs off a chap on ebay for £105 for a BBK i am fitting to my E36 M3. Its all about where you look. You often see them come up so just keep an eye out or set up an ebay reminder on your phone and just buy stuff to stick in the shed when the price is right. M3NXN 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bennno2005 Posted November 25, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2016 (edited) Well a good 18 months after posting this thread I went for it, had another Clubsport and an E36 M3 in between but have now got an E46 M3. I bought it about a month ago at the arse end of the market in probably the least desirable colour combo but don't have any regrets - I'm pretty sure I've got a good one (good enough for me anyway) Paid a tad under £6500 which means I've got money to spend sorting out the untidy bits. Its an 02 plate in Titan Silver with Heated Black Leather, 111k, HK, Sat Nav, 4 previous keepers, FSH (all but two stamps are BMW), piles of paperwork, 4 Keys and HPI clear. Good points are: New MOT Decent Michelin Super Sports all round Sub-frame reinforced (hadn't cracked just preventative) with Reddish plates. Previous owner works at Renault F1 factory so this was done by their engineers in house. Fully poly bushed Head gasket replaced at main dealer in 2012, along with a shat load of other gaskets / parts (oil filer housing gasket, sump gasket, gearbox mounts etc etc) which cost £2800! No rust Plenty left on the discs and pads Bad points: Its had paint on the OSR and is a slightly different shade of silver so I want to have this resprayed Its got the hideous optional 19" alloys which need refurbing Mirror fluid had leaked, now been replaced with new glass. Interior trims are battered and need replacing, have bought a brushes aluminium set to replace Next service is an inspection 2 but isn't due for another year / 14k. Long list of advisories on the MOT but having inspected I think the test center was very anal as I've had it up on ramps and the issue reported are non-existant / very minor - they even gave one because the car has sill covers! Few pics: Chuffed I made the change though as its awesome, the engine is a real work of art! Even the colour is starting to grow on me too! Edited November 25, 2016 by bennno2005 DJ Syxx 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Laird Posted November 25, 2016 Report Share Posted November 25, 2016 Nice car mate Enjoy it . Always good to buy a car that needs wee bits done IMO. Iv got 1st dibs on a green M3 that a older guy drives around my area. One owner Spoke with him and he doesnt really know what hes got. Not the cleanest car but never ragged. Next year maybe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bennno2005 Posted November 25, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2016 2 minutes ago, The Laird said: Nice car mate Enjoy it . Always good to buy a car that needs wee bits done IMO. Iv got 1st dibs on a green M3 that a older guy drives around my area. One owner Spoke with him and he doesnt really know what hes got. Not the cleanest car but never ragged. Next year maybe. Thanks mate. Yes I totally agree, I enjoy fixing little niggles so it seems like the ideal car for me, just keeping my fingers crossed that nothing too major goes wrong. Most the common faults have been addressed so fingers crossed! Oxford green is a nice colour mate, very unusual too! The Laird 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Laird Posted November 25, 2016 Report Share Posted November 25, 2016 Yeah Iv never been a Green fan but Iv just bought a Windsor green Kawasaki. Its nice. Good luck with the M3 she looks a good un. bennno2005 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bennno2005 Posted November 25, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2016 3 minutes ago, The Laird said: Yeah Iv never been a Green fan but Iv just bought a Windsor green Kawasaki. Its nice. Good luck with the M3 she looks a good un. Nice! and cheers dude. I think it will need about £1k or so spent on it to get it where I want but it doesn't need doing all at once! The Laird 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avalaugh Posted November 25, 2016 Report Share Posted November 25, 2016 lol I had that in my watch list and had also spoken to the owner via messages. Decided to spend more on my. Clubby. Only things extra to look out for on the M3 that hasn't already been mentioned is the valve clearances as they're solid and not hydraulic lifters. The discs are expensive as they're semi floating with alloy bells as standard. Enjoy it, hopefully see you on a trackday some time [emoji108] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bennno2005 Posted November 25, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2016 (edited) 50 minutes ago, avalaugh said: lol I had that in my watch list and had also spoken to the owner via messages. Decided to spend more on my. Clubby. Only things extra to look out for on the M3 that hasn't already been mentioned is the valve clearances as they're solid and not hydraulic lifters. The discs are expensive as they're semi floating with alloy bells as standard. Enjoy it, hopefully see you on a trackday some time [emoji108] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Are you sure it was this one? It was on Autotrader, not eBay and was only up about 4 days before I bought it! Yeah I'm aware of the valve clearances, think they used solid lifters on the M cars due to the higher rev limit. Also aware of the super expensives discs - not looking forward to having to replace them! Don't get me wrong I loved my Clubsport - I liked the exclusivity and it does do somethings better than the M3 without a doubt but its nice having an engine a bit more lively at the top end. Edited November 25, 2016 by bennno2005 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avalaugh Posted November 25, 2016 Report Share Posted November 25, 2016 100% I remember clearly the subframe reinforcement etc I happen to love the 19" option wheels Was a good buy at that price in my opinion [emoji106][emoji108] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bennno2005 Posted November 26, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 26, 2016 100% I remember clearly the subframe reinforcement etc I happen to love the 19" option wheels Was a good buy at that price in my opinion [emoji106][emoji108] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Ah cheers, yeah it's far from perfect but has been looked after and seems fine mechanically. Bit surprised youve been looking at M3s given how much you have done to your clubsport tho! Most people do seem to like the 19s but instead of refurbishing them I think I'm going to buy a set of CSL reps or possibly even the 18's. Sent from my SM-A510F using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
