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BMW M3 E46 - Running/Service costs

  • 16-02-2009 4:20pm
    #1
    robio
    Closed Accounts Posts: 46 ✭


    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.


«1

Comments

  • #2
    Eoin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,257 ✭✭✭✭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.


  • #3
    Ferris
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,290 ✭✭✭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.


  • #4
    Cyrus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,190 ✭✭✭✭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?


  • #5
    Ferris
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,290 ✭✭✭Ferris


    I'd imagine its this one:

    http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/M3/3.2-F.S./200907191834222/advert


  • #6
    Cyrus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,190 ✭✭✭✭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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  • #7
    GUNIT
    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:


  • #8
    Cyrus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,190 ✭✭✭✭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


  • #9
    Eoin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,257 ✭✭✭✭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.


  • #10
    robio
    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'd imagine its this one:

    http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/M3/3.2-F.S./200907191834222/advert

    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.


  • #11
    Eoin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,257 ✭✭✭✭Eoin


    Check out this 03 one.
    http://bmw-driver.net/forum/vbfclassifieds.php?do=showad&adid=369&title=bmw-e46-m3-carbon-black-kiwi-interior


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  • #12
    Cyrus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,190 ✭✭✭✭Cyrus


    eoin wrote: »
    Check out this 03 one.
    http://bmw-driver.net/forum/vbfclassifieds.php?do=showad&adid=369&title=bmw-e46-m3-carbon-black-kiwi-interior

    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


  • #13
    TheBazman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 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!


  • #14
    robio
    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


  • #15
    Eoin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,257 ✭✭✭✭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.


  • #16
    cancan
    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/


  • #17
    Cyrus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,190 ✭✭✭✭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


  • #18
    kdevitt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,287 ✭✭✭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!!


  • #19
    Eoin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,257 ✭✭✭✭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.


  • #20
    robio
    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


  • #21
    Eoin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,257 ✭✭✭✭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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  • #22
    kdevitt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,287 ✭✭✭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.


  • #23
    jimboddb
    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


  • #24
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 24,714 ✭ [Deleted User]


    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!


  • #25
    robio
    Closed Accounts Posts: 46 ✭robio


    Courtney Mammoth Joiner wrote: »
    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


  • #26
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 24,714 ✭ [Deleted User]


    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!


  • #27
    Eoin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,257 ✭✭✭✭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.


  • #28
    DirtyOilBurner
    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!


  • #29
    stealthyspeeder
    Registered Users Posts: 4,663 ✭✭✭stealthyspeeder


    DirtyOilBurner wrote: »
    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


  • #30
    DirtyOilBurner
    Closed Accounts Posts: 174 ✭✭DirtyOilBurner


    12 and your the proud owner :D:D


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  • #31
    stealthyspeeder
    Registered Users Posts: 4,663 ✭✭✭stealthyspeeder


    11 cash!:D:D:D


  • #32
    DirtyOilBurner
    Closed Accounts Posts: 174 ✭✭DirtyOilBurner


    Your getting there 11,995 :D:D:D


  • #33
    steevee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 187 ✭✭steevee


    10.50:D:D


  • #34
    steevee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 187 ✭✭steevee


    damn should have refreshed:p


  • #35
    robio
    Closed Accounts Posts: 46 ✭robio


    So i took it out for a test drive last night and was really impressed.
    It's in great condition, full BMWSH but it is out of warranty.
    It will be serviced in a specialist when deposit goes on.

    Also he will be replacing the back tyres, so another question to Cyrus and other M3 owners: Which tyres do you recommend & why?


  • #36
    Cyrus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,190 ✭✭✭✭Cyrus


    is he having the service done for you and if so which specialist is servicing?

    If it isnt someone that is recommended here id get that off the price and get the service done yourself.

    The best tyres are michelin ps2s, good alternatives are eagle f1 asymmetrics or vredestein ultrac sessanta.

    Again he may try hit you with a budget option which is no use at all and gonna be dangerous


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  • #37
    robio
    Closed Accounts Posts: 46 ✭robio


    Cyrus wrote: »
    is he having the service done for you and if so which specialist is servicing?

    If it isnt someone that is recommended here id get that off the price and get the service done yourself.

    The best tyres are michelin ps2s, good alternatives are eagle f1 asymmetrics or vredestein ultrac sessanta.

    Again he may try hit you with a budget option which is no use at all and gonna be dangerous


    Thanks Cyrus, Yes he is having the service done and by Chelmsford Motors. He has used AC before but said he prefers Chelmsford. The michelins are on it at the moment. He said he will only order the tyres i ask for. i suppose it makes sence to keep the front and back tyres the same so might as well stick with the ps2s.


  • #38
    Cyrus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,190 ✭✭✭✭Cyrus


    you are sorted then, chelmsford is perfect (he prefers them to ac because Gary is cheaper, but thats a moot point for you :D)

    and ps2s are the best you can get!


  • #39
    robio
    Closed Accounts Posts: 46 ✭robio


    Cyrus wrote: »
    you are sorted then, chelmsford is perfect (he prefers them to ac because Gary is cheaper, but thats a moot point for you :D)

    and ps2s are the best you can get!

    Thanks for all the help, i'll keep you guys up to date and let you know if i end up buying this one. I'll post some pics if i do.

    Oh one more thing, there is a phone system in it. has a phone button on the steering wheel and in the menu on the screen it says sat nav, tv, radio, telephone and computer. also a button under the arm rest to answer the phone. Do you know if this is bluetooth. i didn't check the manual and the dealer wasnt too sure about it.
    A lad in work said he had a 04 bmw (not an m3) and said his was bluetooth


  • #40
    Cyrus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,190 ✭✭✭✭Cyrus


    yeah should be

    bmws are fussy as to what phones they are 100% compatible with, but it will definately work for calls etc


  • #41
    DaveD
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 564 ✭✭✭DaveD


    Yeah thats bluetooth alright. The shark fin aeriel is also a tell tale sign.

    Gary in Chelmsford has done most of the work on my car - highly recommend him!

    I wouldn't worry about it being out of warranty once you can confirm its service history, mileage etc. Make sure to ring BMW with the chassis no. to confirm all scheduled services were done.

    Good luck with whatever you decide, the M3 is a fantastic all round car, you won't be dissappointed! And the one you're looking at is the best colour combo imo ;)


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  • #42
    robio
    Closed Accounts Posts: 46 ✭robio


    DaveD wrote: »
    Yeah thats bluetooth alright. The shark fin aeriel is also a tell tale sign.

    Gary in Chelmsford has done most of the work on my car - highly recommend him!

    I wouldn't worry about it being out of warranty once you can confirm its service history, mileage etc. Make sure to ring BMW with the chassis no. to confirm all scheduled services were done.

    Good luck with whatever you decide, the M3 is a fantastic all round car, you won't be dissappointed! And the one you're looking at is the best colour combo imo ;)

    Cheers Dave, will get the chassis number and ring bmw as you suggested.
    Service history looks ok but will double check it with BMW ;)


  • #43
    The Gambler 101
    Registered Users Posts: 265 ✭✭The Gambler 101


    04 m3 fully loaded for €12k? :eek:


  • #44
    Eoin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,257 ✭✭✭✭Eoin


    The Gambler 101 wrote: »
    04 m3 fully loaded for €12k? :eek:

    On UK plates. VRT will be around 15K, so you're looking at 27 or so to be on Irish plates, which seems about right?


  • #45
    The Gambler 101
    Registered Users Posts: 265 ✭✭The Gambler 101


    is that the goin rate for vrt? taught it would have been alot more! €27k for a m3 is good goin, a new diesel golf is that! if id the do, id be buyin one!

    unreal car!


  • #46
    robio
    Closed Accounts Posts: 46 ✭robio


    The Gambler 101 wrote: »
    a new diesel golf is that! if id the do, id be buyin one!

    unreal car!

    Thats why i'm doing it!
    have you got the link to the 12k without vrt?


  • #47
    Eoin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,257 ✭✭✭✭Eoin


    robio wrote: »
    Thats why i'm doing it!
    have you got the link to the 12k without vrt?

    I don't think there was a link, someone mentioned that's all they could expect for theirs.
    The Gambler 101 wrote:
    is that the goin rate for vrt? taught it would have been alot more! €27k for a m3 is good goin, a new diesel golf is that! if id the do, id be buyin one!

    Yeah, just checked it online - I think I selected the correct options, but it doesn't take into account any extras, and I'm totally lost on how they are calculated with the new system.


  • #48
    DirtyOilBurner
    Closed Accounts Posts: 174 ✭✭DirtyOilBurner


    Here it is

    http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/M3/(SATNAV%23/200908191877664/advert

    I think anyone that was going to duty pay it would have to contest the vrt as that figure is completely ridiculos, id say 8k maybe.


  • #49
    TheBazman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,462 ✭✭✭TheBazman


    DirtyOilBurner wrote: »
    Here it is

    http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/M3/(SATNAV%23/200908191877664/advert

    I think anyone that was going to duty pay it would have to contest the vrt as that figure is completely ridiculos, id say 8k maybe.

    hmm the background in those pics look familiar - wasnt there some controversy here a good few months back with someone apparently looking to flog their 535d (or M5) from the North claiming it was their own car (and that this was only one of several high powered cars they had had in a couple of years, only to be followed by another car for sale shortly afterwards (same pic background on all). I think the seller may have come on here actually. I cant remember the exact details. I may be going mad but there are bells ringing.


  • #50
    DirtyOilBurner
    Closed Accounts Posts: 174 ✭✭DirtyOilBurner


    Thats right bazman, you dont miss much, everyone reckoned they were my fathers cars, slight begrudgery lol i change my car every couple of months, although iv had this baby 8 months now....


  • #51
    TheBazman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,462 ✭✭✭TheBazman


    DirtyOilBurner wrote: »
    Thats right bazman, you dont miss much, everyone reckoned they were my fathers cars, slight begrudgery lol i change my car every couple of months, although iv had this baby 8 months now....

    link taken out at request


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