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BMW M3 E46 - Running/Service costs

  • 16-02-2009 3:20pm
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 46 robio


    Hi All,

    I am currently in the market for an e46 m3 and was hoping to get some info regarding running costs and servicing.

    I am currently looking at a 04 with approx 66k miles on the clock.

    Just wondering if anyone has price information for various services, extending the warranty, your avg mpg etc.

    I rang Frank Keane BMW and was given an estimate for a basic service €300 + VAT and for inspection 2 which is due after 60k: €1300 + VAT.

    This car was just serviced so i presume inspection 2 was already done. I'll check the service history to confirm.

    They couldn't check the warranty as they need the chassis number, which i don't have but i'm sure the garage i would be potentially buying from would have the warranty info. Otherwise i can just get the chassis number. Also said you can only renew if it is currently under warranty??

    No idea if those prices are expensive or not but have been told to expect the services to be expensive on an M3.

    I would be grateful for your feedback, recommendations etc.


«13

Comments

  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 21,235 CMod ✭✭✭✭Eoin


    Lots of good posts on www.bmw-driver.net/forum - there's a thread about MPG on it at the moment actually - people getting up to 30 something on a motorway trip.

    There are also some good independents around, if you're not too concerned about having non-franchised stamps in the log book. AC Cars are great.

    I may be wrong, but I think this is the type of car where it's handy to have some cash in reserve for servicing. When things do need fixing, it does seem to cost.

    Edit - there is a cracking example for sale for an excellent price, if you check the classifieds section on the BMW site I linked to above.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,280 ✭✭✭Ferris


    I wouldn't go to a BMW main dealer if it was out of warranty, there are plenty of BMW specialists around that would take care of the car for probably 2/3 of the price that Frank Keanes are quoting. Tyres are going to be another big expence along with fuel and some of the guys (Cyrus and Jimbling?) here have M3's and would be able to give you a better idea of costs. Tax as you probably know is the killer at 1600quid of course.


  • Registered Users Posts: 19,549 ✭✭✭✭Cyrus


    robio wrote: »
    Hi All,

    I am currently in the market for an e46 m3 and was hoping to get some info regarding running costs and servicing.

    I am currently looking at a 04 with approx 66k miles on the clock.

    Just wondering if anyone has price information for various services, extending the warranty, your avg mpg etc.

    I rang Frank Keane BMW and was given an estimate for a basic service €300 + VAT and for inspection 2 which is due after 60k: €1300 + VAT.

    This car was just serviced so i presume inspection 2 was already done. I'll check the service history to confirm.

    They couldn't check the warranty as they need the chassis number, which i don't have but i'm sure the garage i would be potentially buying from would have the warranty info. Otherwise i can just get the chassis number. Also said you can only renew if it is currently under warranty??

    No idea if those prices are expensive or not but have been told to expect the services to be expensive on an M3.

    I would be grateful for your feedback, recommendations etc.

    basic service he refers to is an oil service, main cost of this is the oil which most dealers charge €160+ for, i got my oil from opie oils in the uk for €70 when the rates were good :) pays to shop about.

    Unless the car is under warranty id go for a good independent over a dealer for servicing, AC Cars as mentioned or Chelmsford Motors (Gary was a bmw mechanic in murphy and gunne for a long time).

    Oil service with your own oil should only cost 1-2 hrs labour, the inspections are more expensive due to the number of checks but costs can be mitigated by buying the spark plugs and other parts yourself.

    other expensive jobs are Rear trailing arm bushing (common enough over 50k check if it has been done), snapped springs (rear), brake discs and pads are pricey, any sort of repairs to an smg (the auto box if you are going for it) will cost ya.

    got a link to the car you are looking at?


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,280 ✭✭✭Ferris




  • Registered Users Posts: 19,549 ✭✭✭✭Cyrus


    nice colour and spec, red leather would be nice tho :p

    miles are a little big but if it has had a lot of tidy up work done that could be a good thing, either that or it will cost you a lotta money over the next 24mths!


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3 GUNIT


    Would you not just think about going down a model.... 330ci has loads of poke (235bhp) but more economical and service cost should be cheaper. Mate of mine has a nice 320SE (black) its fully kitted and drives nice 35-40Mpg with tax @ 800€... ;)

    Plus it would seem the re-sale value of the M3 is been hit hard in the UK.. Might be the same here. :confused:


  • Registered Users Posts: 19,549 ✭✭✭✭Cyrus


    GUNIT wrote: »
    Would you not just think about going down a model.... 330ci has loads of poke (235bhp) but more economical and service cost should be cheaper. Mate of mine has a nice 320SE (black) its fully kitted and drives nice 35-40Mpg with tax @ 800€... ;)

    Plus it would seem the re-sale value of the M3 is been hit hard in the UK.. Might be the same here. :confused:

    to be fair there is absolutely no comparison between an m3 and a 330ci

    if someone wanted a 320ci id be urging them to go for the 330ci as tax aside running costs are similar but noone who wants an m3 will be happy with a 330


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 21,235 CMod ✭✭✭✭Eoin


    Cyrus wrote: »
    to be fair there is absolutely no comparison between an m3 and a 330ci

    if someone wanted a 320ci id be urging them to go for the 330ci as tax aside running costs are similar but noone who wants an m3 will be happy with a 330

    Plus the re-sale value of the M3 being hit hard is a good thing for people in the market for one.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 46 robio


    Hi Cyrus the link Ferris posted was the latest one i was looking at alright.
    Test driving it tomorrow
    Ferris wrote: »

    I'm after the engine as well as the looks so thats why I'm after an M3 not a 330ci.
    Fuel costs don't really put me off (i probably would only cover 8000 kilometers a year anyway) but its handy to know all the costs I'm getting into.


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 21,235 CMod ✭✭✭✭Eoin




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  • Registered Users Posts: 19,549 ✭✭✭✭Cyrus


    eoin wrote: »

    here it is if you arent registered on bmw drivers

    well maintained car from what i know of it and lower mileage, i have the same colour combo and it works really well.

    http://www.adverts.ie/showproduct.php?product=85715&cat=all


  • Registered Users Posts: 6,462 ✭✭✭TheBazman


    what about this one....:D

    http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1325255

    Probably "da" best looking M3 in the world...not!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 46 robio


    Cyrus wrote: »
    here it is if you arent registered on bmw drivers

    well maintained car from what i know of it and lower mileage, i have the same colour combo and it works really well.

    http://www.adverts.ie/showproduct.php?product=85715&cat=all

    thats nice alright


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 21,235 CMod ✭✭✭✭Eoin


    If you're not sure about the kiwi interior - make sure you see it in person. It works much better than you might think. Cinammon is my favourite though.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 363 ✭✭cancan


    I know this is from the US, but it does give you some idea of running costs of an M3. (Basically, have deep pockets)

    http://blogs.edmunds.com/roadtests/Vehicles/2002BMWM3/


  • Registered Users Posts: 19,549 ✭✭✭✭Cyrus


    eoin wrote: »
    If you're not sure about the kiwi interior - make sure you see it in person. It works much better than you might think. Cinammon is my favourite though.

    i second that, pictures never do it justice

    cinammon with silver grey is a rare combo but the best imo

    http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e90-m3-sedan-e92-m3-coupe-e93-m3-convertible-e46-m3-e36-m3-z4-m-z4-m-coupe/31115-christmas-comes-early-new-silver-gray-cinnamon.html


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,251 ✭✭✭kdevitt


    eoin wrote: »
    If you're not sure about the kiwi interior - make sure you see it in person. It works much better than you might think. Cinammon is my favourite though.

    And I'm happy to swap my black interior for a kiwi one!!


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 21,235 CMod ✭✭✭✭Eoin


    kdevitt wrote: »
    And I'm happy to swap my black interior for a kiwi one!!

    I must admit I didn't like it at all, until I saw it in the flesh - the pictures rarely do it any favours.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 46 robio


    eoin wrote: »
    I must admit I didn't like it at all, until I saw it in the flesh - the pictures rarely do it any favours.

    Yeah i was in one with the kiwi interior, was nice alright, pitty that one wasn't looked after enough.
    I know what you mean about seeing it in the flesh.
    I was the same about that funky blue/green one, have to admit that grew on me too :D

    Anyone ever have hassle with people trying to steal your m3, or more like trying to steal the keys first


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 21,235 CMod ✭✭✭✭Eoin


    robio wrote: »
    Anyone ever have hassle with people trying to steal your m3, or more like trying to steal the keys first

    No, no problems at all. Mostly because I don't have one :(


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  • Registered Users Posts: 2,251 ✭✭✭kdevitt


    robio wrote: »
    Anyone ever have hassle with people trying to steal your m3, or more like trying to steal the keys first

    Haven't ever heard of one being take over here - most cars taken for jobs have 4 doors.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 169 ✭✭jimboddb


    Christ I'd love a M3, been looking for ages myself but the VRT is a joke.

    Id go for this on the morning if the VRT came down.
    http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/898590.htm




  • TheBazman wrote: »
    what about this one....:D

    http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=1325255

    Probably "da" best looking M3 in the world...not!

    I have seen that M3 around galway a few times alright. Its certainly different to say the least :D!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 46 robio


    I have seen that M3 around galway a few times alright. Its certainly different to say the least :D!

    why did he put them wheels on it!! :mad:
    Think if i did change the wheels, i'd only put the csl wheels on




  • robio wrote: »
    why did he put them wheels on it!! :mad:
    Think if i did change the wheels, i'd only put the csl wheels on

    I know complete madness. Its a woman I have seen driving it!


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 21,235 CMod ✭✭✭✭Eoin


    robio wrote: »
    why did he put them wheels on it!! :mad:
    Think if i did change the wheels, i'd only put the csl wheels on

    Nah, there are loads of wheels that look good on the M3 - BBS rims for a start. But that colour combo and the rims just don't go together.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 174 ✭✭DirtyOilBurner


    Be prepared to give it away when your finished with it i have a 2004 silver with red leather m3 with all the toys sat nav tv bluetooth harmonkardon xenons and cant give it away, its uk reg and id say il get approx 12euro for it!


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,663 ✭✭✭stealthyspeeder


    Be prepared to give it away when your finished with it i have a 2004 silver with red leather m3 with all the toys sat nav tv bluetooth harmonkardon xenons and cant give it away, its uk reg and id say il get approx 12euro for it!

    I'll give ya 10 for it!:D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 174 ✭✭DirtyOilBurner


    12 and your the proud owner :D:D


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  • Registered Users Posts: 4,663 ✭✭✭stealthyspeeder


    11 cash!:D:D:D


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