Buyer's checklist: E46 BMW M3 (2001–2006)

This checklist comes from a draft dossier that has not been approved yet, so read it with care.

What to look for on this generation, worst first. Tick each line as you check it.

Free while the site is being tested. Every line comes from the dossier and keeps its source, and the dossier itself stays free.

Look for 7

Known problems, and how to check for each.

Cracks at the rear subframe mountsAll yearsOn a lift, look at the rear subframe mounts and the floor around them with a bright light, lever the subframe with a pry bar for movement, and ask whether the floor was reinforced.^1,2,3,4
Rod bearingsAll yearsAsk for records of the rod bearings being replaced.^3,4
VANOSAll yearsAsk for records of the VANOS service and the exhaust cam hub replacement.^3,2
Rust at the rear archesAll yearsLook at the rear wheel arches, quarter panels, sills, the area around the license plate and under the trunk liner. Rust on the front fenders matters less.^2,3
SMG pumpAll yearsAsk whether the SMG pump has been replaced.^3,2
Water pumpAll yearsWatch the temperature gauge in stop-and-go traffic.³
Clutch and driveline wearAll yearsMake sure the clutch does not slip, in traffic and under hard driving, and feel for vibration from the wheels, centre bearing, flexible coupling or mounts.³

Recalls filed for these model years. Not every car is covered; check the vehicle identification number with NHTSA.

Recall 13V1720002002The passenger's front airbag can build too much pressure and burst its inflator when it goes off. BMW advises not driving the car until it is repaired. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁵
Recall 15V3180002002–2005Moisture can get into the driver's airbag inflator, which can then rupture when it goes off. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^5,6
Recall 17V0470002002A replacement driver's airbag inflator can rupture as its propellant breaks down. BMW advises not driving the car until it is checked. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁵
Recall 14V4280002002–2005More cars with the passenger airbag inflator fault in 13V172000. BMW advises not driving the car until it is repaired. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^5,6
Recall 20V0180002002–2005The passenger's airbag inflator, made without a drying agent, can explode after years of heat and humidity. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^5,6

What owners and the press say to steer clear of.

A cheap car without service recordsAll yearsECS Tuning warns that the cheapest cars are usually mechanical train wrecks, and asks for records of the rod bearings, VANOS, valve adjustment and rear subframe reinforcement.³