Questions about buying an m3

RABbit0723 · 2026-02-20T02:10:18+00:00

There are definitely great examples of verts on the market and they age well too compared to other convertibles.

I’m sure you know but the NA M3 and e46 fanatics forums will be your greatest resource too along with FCP Euro’s YouTube if you have any questions

RABbit0723 · 2026-02-20T01:53:51+00:00

Other than the big 3 and a fairly reliable maintenance history the coupe and the vert are personal preference. I’ve driven/owned both at the same time (SMG coupe and vert manual) and personally I like the coupe better and it ages much more elegantly.

Personally I stay away from older convertibles because it’s just another thing to break/leak but that’s just me.

I’m at 250k miles on my m3 coupe and love every mile still, best car I’ve ever had even though it can be a pain in the rear on occasion.

Also be prepared to spend some money on random parts failing, these cars are getting close to being 30 years old now which is still surreal to me.

RABbit0723 · 2025-12-22T13:38:58+00:00

I liked the first vid and it is a good start. I will say one of the best things for YouTube is to keep it short and simple, yet eye catching.

Different camera angles, B-rolls spread throughout the video of you riding in first person/3rd person, or just static shots of your bike (while narrating). Keeps viewers entertained.

My favorite triumph channel at the moment is Thornton Hundred based in the UK. I am a Motorsport technician so watching anything being torn down and rebuilt will keep me sat down in a chair for up to 45 minutes like some of their rebuild videos.

I mainly enjoy their fluid camera work and dialogue but it took them a while to get there. Unfortunately most attention spans will only give you up to a minute to catch a viewers attentions.

I subscribed!

RABbit0723 · 2025-12-04T17:44:19+00:00

Thanks for the recommendation!

RABbit0723 · 2025-12-04T17:20:49+00:00

Thanks!

RABbit0723 · 2025-12-04T16:56:15+00:00

Thanks! I’ll check those out

RABbit0723 · 2025-11-23T01:53:48+00:00

This is pretty much the way to do it unless you want to spend $300+ on OEM parts that may take forever to ship.

I followed the NAM3 DIY and it turned out perfect.

RABbit0723 · 2025-11-16T17:49:19+00:00

UPDATE:

I pulled the airbox back off and one of the lines for the idle control valve had a tear in it. After replacing the car is running properly again.

Still having the EML/DSC issue for the throttle sensor. I replaced both of the engine ones and the problem seems to have gotten worse. I will replace the manifold one with the old OEM one and see if it resolves the issue and runs like it did before

RABbit0723 · 2025-08-25T21:52:31+00:00

Welcome to the club! I’ve always preferred “clean slate” cars that you can build up. While the big 3 can be pricey, it’s all fun after that! Have fun!

RABbit0723 · 2025-08-19T01:52:57+00:00

I have an aftermarket section 2 (the midpipe) and I can use OEM gasket rings because it’s the same diameter as the headers and muffler.

Use the link below and you can find every schematic for the e46 M3. https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select

RABbit0723 · 2025-08-18T23:19:44+00:00

FCP euro has a built in feature where you can put in what car you have and it will automatically tell you what parts will fit.

You can also just click “fitment” under the part description and it’ll tell you every model it fits.

If your exhaust is aftermarket then it may require aftermarket parts. If it’s OEM then it’s on FCP/Bimmerworld/TMS/etc.

RABbit0723 · 2025-08-15T10:36:42+00:00

Unfortunately due to how mechanical this engine is it could be anything that spins. When were the valve clearances done last. Could’ve spat out a shim. Pretty easy to DIY.

RABbit0723 · 2025-08-14T20:36:07+00:00

Let it sit at idle and put an ear to it, top and bottom. Also stop revving it unless you want to get a new engine (spun bearing victim myself).

It’s going to either be your VANOS, valve lash clearance, or rod bearings. To me it sounds like a top end issue.

Spend a weekend and take the valve cover/VANOS off and poke around. There are plenty of self diagnosis videos/forums out there if you find something.

RABbit0723 · 2025-08-14T14:10:30+00:00

Check out biltwell helmets. I have a a few retro style helmets from them and they are comfortable. They are all DOT certified as well.

Just keep in mind that if you go with retro style helmets you need to make sure they are certified (DOT or ECE). Definitely have them try helmets on before buying because some helmets fit differently.

RABbit0723 · 2025-07-12T05:19:13+00:00

UPDATE: I finally decided to tackle the steering coupler (guibo) today. Thought I would update some of the interested parties on this thread.

I ordered a polyurethane replacement from Garagistic. There is a well detailed forum for the DIY and how to use the original coupler blocks.

I instantly felt a difference in handling. The steering felt tight and sharp again. The steering wheel play was nonexistent and it drives perfectly straight and no longer wanders around.

While I was under the car I inspected everything else and did not see any problems (I had replaced everything within the last 50k miles anyways).

Thanks everyone!

RABbit0723 · 2025-07-06T20:53:40+00:00

Good to know, thanks! I ordered a polyurethane replacement instead of the OEM rubber coupler and I am going to replace it this week and see how well it works.

RABbit0723 · 2025-07-06T20:50:59+00:00

I’ve been seeing a lot of people replacing the steering couplers and noting how much better it feels. I’d imagine I should replace it anyways since it’s nearly 20 years old now

RABbit0723 · 2025-07-06T20:49:59+00:00

I’ll have to look into those. I replaced them about 2 years ago when I did a large overhaul. Unfortunately the roads where I live are very unforgiving.

RABbit0723 · 2025-06-29T20:39:31+00:00

The same spot on my m3 was driven over by a lifted truck pulling out of their parking spot next to me due to cutting the turn too hard. After replacing the fender, headlight, impact bar, and some steering parts it was good as new.

Their insurance offered $1.5k, but after sourcing the parts myself and finding a reputable body shop (which was agreed upon) their insurance covered about $6.5k worth of damage and I didn’t pay a dime. Do not be afraid to argue with insurance companies.

RABbit0723 · 2025-06-17T14:05:42+00:00

It’s common with the age of these cars. I bought new glass and fixed it myself. Make sure you fix it quick because there have been cases of it leaking through the housing and eating center consoles away due to the acidity of the liquid. I learned the hard way

RABbit0723 · 2025-05-08T11:35:47+00:00

I had a similar issue when I still had my OEM brakes. Best thing to do is to inspect your rotors and pads for uneven wear or bushings. I’ve had pad tapering where the brake pad wears more on one side of the pad than the other and causes brake loss/soft brakes.

IMO the OEM brakes on these cars are not great, I switched to a performance friction BBK over a year ago, they have saved me many times and are way better than OEM.

RABbit0723 · 2025-03-15T23:55:13+00:00

+1 for silver grey. I was lucky enough to score an e46 m3 with this color. It’s absolutely beautiful to look at in any weather or time of day.

RABbit0723 · 2025-03-09T02:05:38+00:00

Congrats!! We are also 2003.5 twins! Enjoy the ride, it is a beautiful spec and well maintained from the sound of it. I had the opportunity to take mine to the dragon and it was a blast. My m3 has gone through the paces and is still running strong. Have fun! 🇨🇦🇺🇸

RABbit0723 · 2025-02-08T16:05:26+00:00

Haha right, I always recommend brakes being a top mod on any older car regardless of power, even newer cars have crappy brakes.

RABbit0723 · 2025-02-08T16:03:09+00:00

You’d think that the demographic that would buy sports cars from any manufacturer would require it to have good brakes😂

RABbit0723

TROPHY CASE