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I bought my dream car!

Willy said:
QUOTE=kilo delta;622712](as the M3 has a bit of a "reputation" in insurance circles)
Click to expand...

[/QUOTE]So did my Pontiac GTO back in the 70s. I got rear ended and my insurance company freaked out and dropped me.[/QUOTE]

I owned an LJ202 XU1 Torana in the early 70s.
One of our unique 'Bathurst Specials' and frowned upon by the Insurance Gnomes.
I never even scratched it but they would have dropped me faster than a Seagull onto a piece of hot fat if they had known I drove it in 'Club' events.........we even managed to be part of the team that won the Six Hour Inter Club Relay.
:jump:
As a matter of interest Sofie gets a good 'Insurance Package' on her M3, a clean record helps and being a member of the 'Medical Profession' is another plus.
 
CybrSlydr said:
Thanks everyone. :)

Everyone has mentioned running costs with this car, thankfully I can learn how to turn a wrench. I see new brakes in this car's near future. Thankfully, previous owners kept up and took great care of this car.
Click to expand...

If it has anti-lock brakes ......... I see a very intensive learning process and kinda expensive too. They are tied into the computer system of the car. Best let someone with the tools and schooling do it. You just don't pop off the pads and slide new ones in anymore.
 
JoeW said:
If it has anti-lock brakes ......... I see a very intensive learning process and kinda expensive too. They are tied into the computer system of the car. Best let someone with the tools and schooling do it. You just don't pop off the pads and slide new ones in anymore.
Click to expand...
I've checked the DIY instructions on the brakes and its quite simple. They say that next to oil changes, brake changes on these cars is easiest.
 
CybrSlydr said:
I've checked the DIY instructions on the brakes and its quite simple. They say that next to oil changes, brake changes on these cars is easiest.
Click to expand...

Yep...only electronic items on the brakes are wear sensors ..one at the front left (passenger side for us RHD owners :p) and one on the drivers side rear. Simple to replace and reset the warnings.
Invest in a cheap ebay diagnostic suite too....handy for investigating and clearing errors and the like.



Edit: Just seen the pics...looks like a nice,clean example. :) Enjoy it!


My own personal preference would be to remove the dark tints and throw on a set of 19" BBS LM's with a quality coilover suspension kit.......drool
 
I've been working on brakes with ABS for years and never had a bit of problem with the sensors.

Cybr, Chiltons makes a series of manuals for the DIY crowd that I can't recommend enough. They usually include wiring diagrams and all sorts of useful info. Every time I buy a new vehicle, I get the Chiltons manual for it even if I don't intend on working on it myself.

http://www.amazon.com/Z4--1999-thro...=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1314991557&sr=1-1
 
Willy said:
I've been working on brakes with ABS for years and never had a bit of problem with the sensors.
Click to expand...

Hi Willy,..the brake pad sensors are more or less a consumable item on the BMW E46 and are generally replaced every time the pads are changed. :)

By the way,Cybr...if you ever tire of the standard 320bhp......there's also a (awesome sounding) supercharger kit available for the M3!!!!! :p
 
From personal experience with Sofie's M3 (s) and the X5 SUV (not my choice FWIW) dealer servicing is the best way to go.
Basics are more or less straight forward but unless you have access to the right electronic diagnostics it's not for a shade tree mechanic.
:kilroy:
 
wombat666 said:
Basics are more or less straight forward but unless you have access to the right electronic diagnostics it's not for a shade tree mechanic.
:kilroy:
Click to expand...

That goes for every modern car these days; the amount of electronics inside is just staggering!
 
Before you do anything (and I mean ANYTHING!) ****, it is worth doing from page one, and will save you lots of aggro.
:kilroy:
 
Hi!
As German and former M3 owner with a BMW Mechanic as best friend
can i tell the following:
The M3 is only a thankfully car when you are maintain it right via a
professional BMW dealer with all diagnostics,parts etc.
Its not a Chevy Pick up!
I know in America is a little bit a easy going mentality about self fixing/repair
of Cars-but a M3 isnt the right Car for it.
Its a High performance Car with a Standard and a Technology higher
as the Domestic Cars what comes from Detroit (see the Price of German Cars).
The negativ thing with the M3 and his high rev engine is,these car are owned
only by Speeders and fast drivers.
I cant tell the english word but the most used M3s are "Runtergeritten".
Very pervert expensive repairs are the following-Mostly Engine,Transmission,Suspension.
A used M3 is a expensive fun for people with enough pocketmoney.
The best is you become a Member of a M3 Club and hope for a professional
Bmw mechanic as member who helps for free.
 
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