I bought my dream car! [Archive]

CybrSlydr

August 30th, 2011, 15:06

http://m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=376158

It's a 2005 BMW M3. For years I've had a love for the E46 M3, never thought I'd ever get one. But now I have. :D

Some may say that buying a manual when you have a broken ankle is stupid. I call it motivation to heal faster. :D

I can't wait to drive it!

Toastmaker

August 30th, 2011, 15:27

Very cool, Cyber - good choice !

:running:

OBIO

August 30th, 2011, 15:30

I too bought my dream car. A 67 Chevy Nova...but unlike your M3, my dream car came packaged in a Hot Wheels wrapper.

OBIO

CybrSlydr

August 30th, 2011, 15:45

I too bought my dream car. A 67 Chevy Nova...but unlike your M3, my dream car came packaged in a Hot Wheels wrapper.

OBIOUntil recently, that sounds a lot like my budget! lol

Thanks guys. :)

dmaloof

August 30th, 2011, 16:02

Well, can never afford a dream car now as I am still unemployed. guess I'll have to drive one in Grid 2 or NFS series. Only reality i have left.

Willy

August 30th, 2011, 16:51

My dream car would be a restored 1939 to 1947 Chevy half ton pickup. Love those old art deco stovebolts..

Congrats Jordan and I hope it serves you well.

Jagdflieger

August 30th, 2011, 17:15

Good news Jorden and a great motivation for a road trip to San Antonio or Dallas-Fort Worth.

I used to travel I-35 quite a bit when I was stationed at Fort Hood. Just remember that in Texas, when oncoming cars flash their lights at you, it means that there is probably a DPS trooper or country sheriff up a head of you with radar or a lazer. While my pick up at the time was hard pressed to hit the pre Jimmy Carter era speed limit of 70 mph, I'll bet your new Beemer can exceed the current speed limit by quite enough to get the attention of the local authorities.

CybrSlydr

August 30th, 2011, 17:22

Well, Jagd, I'll probably never drive it at Hood for the simple fact that when I'm recovered enough, I'll probably be back at Polk. The idea is to ship it home and then when I go home for Christmas leave, drive it back to Polk.

However, trips to Houston/Shreveport/etc are certainly in my future. Thanks for the tip - and the speedo goes to 180. ;) Then again, I rarely speed. No tickets ever.

Wing_Z

August 30th, 2011, 19:29

Congratulations, it's a real pocket rocket.
You WILL be tempted, because the limits are so high... might be an idea to take it to a few track days and get it out of the system!
Very good price, too.

Rezabrya

August 30th, 2011, 19:33

Congrats! I am very jealous of that beautiful car.

CybrSlydr

August 30th, 2011, 19:50

lol Thank you, Wing and Rez. :D

SpitXIV

August 30th, 2011, 20:49

I hope you have it insured to the hilt. :icon29:

Gdavis101

August 30th, 2011, 21:17

you earned it!! Enjoy.

CybrSlydr

August 30th, 2011, 21:24

I hope you have it insured to the hilt. :icon29:Progressive is quoting me around $150/mo for lots of coverage, like uninsured, comprehensive with $0 glass deductible, etc.

It's not registered to me yet, so I won't buy until I have to. Got about another month and a half or so before I can drive it most likely. It will probably sit at my folks until I come home for Christmas leave and then drive it back.

wombat666

September 1st, 2011, 00:25

Nice car CybrSlydr and a good introduction to BMW.
One caveat, ALL of the BMW range are expensive to maintain, but give a lot of driving enjoyment.
Madame 'Wombat' (aka Sofie) owns a 2010 135i M Sport coupe and loves it, she lets me drive it on special occasions only, as I like to wind out the twin turbo six more than she does.
Sofie is 'looking' at the current limited model 1 series M Coupe, which means she is actually going to buy one ........... it's her $$$$$ and I'm not arguing against it.
:jump::jump::jump:

Ferry_vO

September 1st, 2011, 04:44

Nice car; enjoy it!

I should post a few pics of my new car (Nothing as fancy as an M3 though!) but I'll have to wait until it is sunny long enough to wash it and take a few photos..

stuartcox

September 1st, 2011, 05:30

Congratulations on your new toy!
I was sometimes allowed to drive my Dad's original M3, the one with bulky wheel arches and four cylinders.
Buying an M3 wouldn't really be a problem, but the running costs...
The petrol (gas) prices are ridiculous in the UK, not to mention the insurance!
I'll stick with my motorbike.

Daveroo

September 1st, 2011, 06:37

great car...congrats.....just wish i could fit in one again...LOL

CybrSlydr

September 1st, 2011, 07:15

kilo delta

September 1st, 2011, 09:08

Thanks everyone. :)

Everyone has mentioned running costs with this car, thankfully I can learn how to turn a wrench. I see new brakes in this car's near future. Thankfully, previous owners kept up and took great care of this car.

I've carried out most of the maintenance on my E46 over the last 7 years (sadly nothing as interesting as an M3 version,however). Parts can be expensive if you buy through the dealer network, but can be quite reasonable if you buy from BMW specialists. Generally the items are identical,same part numbers from the same factory...just in different packaging. Expect to get through a few sets of rear tyres during the "honeymoon" period! :icon_lol:

An M3 is on my list of cars to own...though at ~€1500 a year for motor tax,€1.50 a litre for petrol and huge insurance premiums (as the M3 has a bit of a "reputation" in insurance circles)...it may be a while!

Willy

September 1st, 2011, 21:30

(as the M3 has a bit of a "reputation" in insurance circles)

So did my Pontiac GTO back in the 70s. I got rear ended and my insurance company freaked out and dropped me.

wombat666

September 1st, 2011, 22:05

QUOTE=kilo delta;622712](as the M3 has a bit of a "reputation" in insurance circles)

[/QUOTE]So did my Pontiac GTO back in the 70s. I got rear ended and my insurance company freaked out and dropped me.[/QUOTE]

I owned an LJ202 XU1 Torana in the early 70s.
One of our unique 'Bathurst Specials' and frowned upon by the Insurance Gnomes.
I never even scratched it but they would have dropped me faster than a Seagull onto a piece of hot fat if they had known I drove it in 'Club' events.........we even managed to be part of the team that won the Six Hour Inter Club Relay.
:jump:
As a matter of interest Sofie gets a good 'Insurance Package' on her M3, a clean record helps and being a member of the 'Medical Profession' is another plus.

JoeW

September 1st, 2011, 23:55

Thanks everyone. :)

Everyone has mentioned running costs with this car, thankfully I can learn how to turn a wrench. I see new brakes in this car's near future. Thankfully, previous owners kept up and took great care of this car.

If it has anti-lock brakes ......... I see a very intensive learning process and kinda expensive too. They are tied into the computer system of the car. Best let someone with the tools and schooling do it. You just don't pop off the pads and slide new ones in anymore.

CybrSlydr

September 2nd, 2011, 08:25

If it has anti-lock brakes ......... I see a very intensive learning process and kinda expensive too. They are tied into the computer system of the car. Best let someone with the tools and schooling do it. You just don't pop off the pads and slide new ones in anymore.I've checked the DIY instructions on the brakes and its quite simple. They say that next to oil changes, brake changes on these cars is easiest.

Cazzie

September 2nd, 2011, 09:00

I've scrolled through two pages with no piccie! Way to go soldier, you've earned it.

Caz

CybrSlydr

September 2nd, 2011, 09:15

lol Didnt realize the seller took downnthe pics.

Here ya go!

https://picasaweb.google.com/103331947579243802287/August312011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCOm84tWwqufJpQE&feat=directlink

kilo delta

September 2nd, 2011, 09:21

I've checked the DIY instructions on the brakes and its quite simple. They say that next to oil changes, brake changes on these cars is easiest.

Yep...only electronic items on the brakes are wear sensors ..one at the front left (passenger side for us RHD owners :p) and one on the drivers side rear. Simple to replace and reset the warnings.
Invest in a cheap ebay diagnostic suite too....handy for investigating and clearing errors and the like.

Edit: Just seen the pics...looks like a nice,clean example. :) Enjoy it!

My own personal preference would be to remove the dark tints and throw on a set of 19" BBS LM's with a quality coilover suspension kit.......drool

Willy

September 2nd, 2011, 11:21

I've been working on brakes with ABS for years and never had a bit of problem with the sensors.

Cybr, Chiltons makes a series of manuals for the DIY crowd that I can't recommend enough. They usually include wiring diagrams and all sorts of useful info. Every time I buy a new vehicle, I get the Chiltons manual for it even if I don't intend on working on it myself.

http://www.amazon.com/Z4--1999-through-Chiltons-Repair-Manual/dp/1563926091/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1314991557&sr=1-1

Cazzie

September 2nd, 2011, 11:55

That's a beauty Cybr, don't going doing any Kyle Busch stunts with it now, ya hear! :icon_lol:

Caz

kilo delta

September 2nd, 2011, 13:40

I've been working on brakes with ABS for years and never had a bit of problem with the sensors.

Hi Willy,..the brake pad sensors are more or less a consumable item on the BMW E46 and are generally replaced every time the pads are changed. :)

By the way,Cybr...if you ever tire of the standard 320bhp......there's also a (awesome sounding) supercharger kit available for the M3!!!!! :p

wombat666

September 2nd, 2011, 19:11

Ferry_vO

September 2nd, 2011, 23:52

Basics are more or less straight forward but unless you have access to the right electronic diagnostics it's not for a shade tree mechanic.
:kilroy:

That goes for every modern car these days; the amount of electronics inside is just staggering!

CybrSlydr

September 4th, 2011, 13:38

Kilo, a supercharger would be nice. However those aren't cheap!

kilo delta

September 4th, 2011, 14:06

Kilo, a supercharger would be nice. However those aren't cheap!

Neither are M3's :p :icon_lol:

CybrSlydr

September 4th, 2011, 18:06

lol Some of these kits run as much as I paid for the car!!!

CybrSlydr

September 6th, 2011, 13:03

IT'S HERE!!!

Finally got out to get it and dad drove it home - the last hill coming up to our house, I pushed the sport button and had dad give it the beans and... boy. LOL That baby likes to pull. :D

SO EXCITED! Worry not, as soon as the weather is good enough, dad and I are going to wash and wax and clean her up - she still looks good even with some dirt and mud. :D

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cybrslydr/sets/72157627610590160/with/6121768538/

wombat666

September 7th, 2011, 00:22

Before you do anything (and I mean ANYTHING!) ****, it is worth doing from page one, and will save you lots of aggro.
:kilroy:

kilo delta

September 7th, 2011, 01:56

Enjoy!:applause:

Flasheegee

September 7th, 2011, 02:55

Hi!
As German and former M3 owner with a BMW Mechanic as best friend
can i tell the following:
The M3 is only a thankfully car when you are maintain it right via a
professional BMW dealer with all diagnostics,parts etc.
Its not a Chevy Pick up!
I know in America is a little bit a easy going mentality about self fixing/repair
of Cars-but a M3 isnt the right Car for it.
Its a High performance Car with a Standard and a Technology higher
as the Domestic Cars what comes from Detroit (see the Price of German Cars).
The negativ thing with the M3 and his high rev engine is,these car are owned
only by Speeders and fast drivers.
I cant tell the english word but the most used M3s are "Runtergeritten".
Very pervert expensive repairs are the following-Mostly Engine,Transmission,Suspension.
A used M3 is a expensive fun for people with enough pocketmoney.
The best is you become a Member of a M3 Club and hope for a professional
Bmw mechanic as member who helps for free.

CybrSlydr

September 7th, 2011, 04:20

Flash, kd, wombat, thanks. :D

Henry

September 7th, 2011, 05:15

kilo delta

September 7th, 2011, 08:50

From personal experience with Sofie's M3 (s) and the X5 SUV (not my choice FWIW) dealer servicing is the best way to go.
Basics are more or less straight forward but unless you have access to the right electronic diagnostics it's not for a shade tree mechanic.
:kilroy:

Not knocking your experience...but the only time that I'd consider dealer servicing would be when the car was still under warranty. The minute the warranty period expires I'd be seeking out a good independent bmw specialist.
I'm not sure about how the dealer service network is in the US or Australia, but if it's anything like it is on this side of the Pond then I can assure you that just because you are getting your car maintained by the manufacturer's network, it doesn't mean that the level of service is any better than when dealing with an independent specialist (quite the opposite in my experience).
It's a myth and a fallacy that the E46 M3 is any more complicated than a modern day specced up family car. On board computers,diagnostics,sensors,ABS,traction control etc is pretty commonplace on even the most mundane auto-mobiles today. Don't take my word for it...ask on the enthusiast forums and the general consensus will be that once the warranty has expired it'd be wiser to have any future work done by a reputable specialist.....unless you want to pay over the odds for the same (or maybe even a lesser) level of service from the dealership.

Just my 2c :)

CybrSlydr

September 7th, 2011, 14:55

I joined M3forum.com and their consensus is just as you say - only go to the stealership if you have warranty work to do. Otherwise, always find a good indy for work if you can't do it yourself.

Looking at all the DIYs and stuff, it doesn't seem a difficult car on which to work, but parts are expensive as it's a foreign car - however, parts seem plentiful as it's an older model and as popular as it is. The only thing I'm really worrying about is drivetrain (clutch/flywheel) and the VANOS. The Inspection IIs are also a bit pricey, averaging about $1500. Though, if I do the valve timing and other fluid flushes and the like myself, I can bring down the price significantly.

The car is an 05, so I don't have to worry about the subframe issue on the 01-03s, RTABs were just replaced (cheap to replace, relatively) and FCABs are still good. Brakes, as mentioned, new rotors and pads will run me just over $400 to install myself. However, I do have it covered under warranty until 2014 - and it covers lots of stuff.