E46 Service Manual

The E46 BMW M3 was built and superbly equipped. This is the last of the six-cylinder BMW M3, and what a car is really fantastic this. As great as it is, you still need your homework if you decide to own one of these cars, you need to avoid being caught unprepared, here's how.

History
The BMW M3 was introduced in October 2000 and was part of the E46 3 Series range. The wait for this car was high, but the BMW M Division proved they could live their promise and delivered near perfection in making this supercar fantantastic to life.

It did not take long for the BMW E46 M3 convertible option with a fabric roof to appear. Around the same time, BMW has added a SMG gearbox, offering fully automatic or sequential manual modes.

In summer 2002, as it may seem impossible, BMW Motorsport, did better, they brought the BMW M3 E46 CSL legendry. The new baby had a carbon fiber roof light but very strong and has added an extra 17bhp. The breakes have also been increased and 19-inch allow wheels have been fitted. The new BMW M3 CSL was wonderful and went even better. But it would cost you more top £ 19,000 on the cost of a standard BMW M3 have one.

In 2005, BMW presented the BMW M3 CS M3 family. It was equipped with rupture discs and a nice set of drilled alloy wheels 19 inches. It was presented as a BMW M3 CSL at reduced prices, but it lacked the reduction of the launch weight of 110 kg.

What to look for when buying a BMW M3 E46

The BMW M3 is a real car drivers, and is often driven hard and fast by its owners, but well maintained. Regardless of how these cars are supported, wrecked cars are still common, especially the young speed freaks. Therefore, one when buying these cars, it is better to buy from a BMW M3, so you get a full a full warranty, which is better than going down the private road without warranty.

If you decide not to do the sensible thing and buy your beloved BMW M3 from a main dealer, then at least make sure you check out HPI and the car fully inspected by the AA or organization similar car, you will save money in the long term. Many people are choosing a convertible with factory hardtop, which is desirable (if you have a place to store them), although the triple-layer hood is good to keep the elements away.

The next thing you must do is decide whether you want the manual gearbox, or SMG, both are nice but they give the car different driving characters. If most of your driving is urban, then the SMG gearbox is more logical.

Buying Tips

* Do not buy the first one you encounter, try one of the early years, before taking any decision.
* Try to manual and SMG models (not being an SMG laid off after only 10 minutes a test, it's a fantastic little kit).
* Things to keep in mind when considering BMW M3, they are not always cheap to run or maintain.
* Do not forget to have the HPI'd car.
* If you are not buying from a main dealer, it can pay to have the car inspected for the peace of mind.
* Ensure the service history is present and correct, including the important 1200 mile running in service (BMW will not honor any warranty if it is not correct).
* Make round and under the car for accident damage and obvious signs of abuse track.
* Springs back - they are prone to cracking.
* Clutch - Mine has been replaced.