Looking for used E46 M3, reliability?

Hey all. Just joined the forum as I am looking to buy an M3 for spring. I drive an Integra GSR right now and I love the car, but I want to move up the scale a little.

I am looking to buy a CPO M3, 2002 / 03. My biggest concern is reliability. Having a Honda engine which I have dealer serviced every 6000km, I have been spoiled, never being concerned at all about the car crapping out on me. What are people's opinions of the reliability of the M3 as a daily driver? It will be CPO, and it WILL be 100% dealer maintained at the scheduled intervals.

Any help would be appreciated... anything I should watch for as well when getting an M3 in this model year?

Thanks!

-J

The fact that it's a CPO car means that any reliability isues won't affect your pocketbook.

However, if you're looking for Honda levels of reliabilty out of an M3, or any BMW for that matter, you need to move on.

Alex

Originally Posted by BahnBaum

However, if you're looking for Honda levels of reliabilty out of an M3, or any BMW for that matter, you need to move on.

Alex

Totally agree. In fact, if you won't accept any loss of reliability, I think you're stuck with Acura/Honda (or Toyota/Lexus) forever.

I dont know about M3's but the only reliablity problem i have had was either electronic or a spark plug problem wich was an easy fix and i have been owning BMW all my life..

My parents have owned at least 7 and i have owned 3 and we cant stay away from them...

I have heard lots of good stuff about the CPO's some people were even encouraging me to buy a CPO M3 over a brand new.

Originally Posted by securitux

...I want to move up the scale a little....

...and welcome to the 'fest!


What are your other reasons for buying an M3? I mean, besides "moving up the scale".



I am a sample of one (E46); 22K / 2003 model, no issues to date other than maintenance:

- 3xoil changes
- 1xbrake fluid change

I did not buy the car looking for Honda reliability (I've had three Accords, and 1 Odyssey Minivan, total of 425K miles, essentially 0 mechanical faults.)

The M3 was a little out of my price range, so I resolved this by concluding it was too stiff for a daily driver for my middle aged butt .

Thanks all. I mean as long as it is fairly reliable. I am definitely getting CPO, I want at least a year of trouble free driving. The odd issue I don't care about, but I don't want my engine blowing 4 months after I roll it out of the dealer

Why I want one: I've wanted an M3 since I started driving I think. The performance, the handling (which I am big on), the luxury, everything about it I love. I am taking one out Monday with the dealer for a spin, 2003 M3 SMG (never driven SMG before, really excited to trying it out). I've driven some of the 3 series and they are definitely a nice ride but I find they don't have the fun factor or performance overall of my current car, and are more focused on comfort. The M3 is the best of both worlds. I wouldn't move from my current car to anything other than an M series.