Turboswede
02-12-2009, 10:57 AM
Hi All!
Yes, I know ***8230;I currently own an Accord, in my defense it is the V-6 6 speed version (the M5 of Hondas). But I am in the final stretch of a 3 year lease so I am looking forward to replacing the Accord with something Bavarian. The Accord replaced an E46 325i that I bought in 2000 because of the larger back seat and the expanding family. Of course my wife goes and buys a minivan making my back seat redundant.
I have owned a 2002 and two E21 320***8217;s as well and have loved each of them for their fun factor, durability and ease of maintenance. The 325i was an easy choice because it was the only RWD sedan available with a Manual Transmission and plastic seats. I am thinking about replacing the Accord with an E36 M3 depending on the M3***8217;s durability and reliability.
I have some concerns about the M3 and I would like some input from the group. First off, is there a substantial difference in performance between the 3.0 and 3.2 liter versions? I understand that the 3.2 has a little more torque. Should I avoid a 3.0 liter due to the torque difference?
My second question is about the repair costs, namely the cost of an engine overhaul. I have seen that the price of a remanufactured M50B30 is about $6,000 or twice that of the M50B25. The US spec M3 motors used an iron block so is piston replacement required on an overhaul? The best case scenario would be to avoid an overhaul, what is the longevity of the M50B30? Should I be wary of a higher mileage (150K+) example?
Whatever car I end up going with I want to perform my own maintenance and repairs, and the car ever sees the inside of a shop other than my garage it will be a blow to my ego :) ;. I understand that the US Spec M3 has hydraulic lifters so I won***8217;t need to worry about valve adjustments, but what other routine maintenance is required? What unique tools are required to maintain the car?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Yes, I know ***8230;I currently own an Accord, in my defense it is the V-6 6 speed version (the M5 of Hondas). But I am in the final stretch of a 3 year lease so I am looking forward to replacing the Accord with something Bavarian. The Accord replaced an E46 325i that I bought in 2000 because of the larger back seat and the expanding family. Of course my wife goes and buys a minivan making my back seat redundant.
I have owned a 2002 and two E21 320***8217;s as well and have loved each of them for their fun factor, durability and ease of maintenance. The 325i was an easy choice because it was the only RWD sedan available with a Manual Transmission and plastic seats. I am thinking about replacing the Accord with an E36 M3 depending on the M3***8217;s durability and reliability.
I have some concerns about the M3 and I would like some input from the group. First off, is there a substantial difference in performance between the 3.0 and 3.2 liter versions? I understand that the 3.2 has a little more torque. Should I avoid a 3.0 liter due to the torque difference?
My second question is about the repair costs, namely the cost of an engine overhaul. I have seen that the price of a remanufactured M50B30 is about $6,000 or twice that of the M50B25. The US spec M3 motors used an iron block so is piston replacement required on an overhaul? The best case scenario would be to avoid an overhaul, what is the longevity of the M50B30? Should I be wary of a higher mileage (150K+) example?
Whatever car I end up going with I want to perform my own maintenance and repairs, and the car ever sees the inside of a shop other than my garage it will be a blow to my ego :) ;. I understand that the US Spec M3 has hydraulic lifters so I won***8217;t need to worry about valve adjustments, but what other routine maintenance is required? What unique tools are required to maintain the car?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
