Going broke owning a used BMW M3

Richard discloses the total ownership cost of his E46 M3 over the last three years. Unfortunately, it's a big number to maintain and modify a classic German car. Laugh at the money that was set on fire for no reason other than the sunken cost fallacy. Lesson learned.

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#cars #cartrouble #bmwclassics #bmw #e46 #e46m3 #m3 #bmwm3 #carmaintenance #carproblems #automobile

[vegeta]

All of your maintenance costs seem about right. I paid $2k for Bearingd and $2800~ for subframe reinforcement. Haven't done my Vanos yet but anticipating a $3k bill. $13k for a manual swap was an astronomical rip off though, you were actually robbed.

[BMWCubsMan]

As an E46 M3 owner, you can’t call a manual swap as maintenance cost. That’s a modification. And the prices for the big 3 are greatly reduced if you can DIY like I did. I have a 03 Coupe Manual (factory) Slicktop. I fall in love every time I drive it. Worth the money it takes to keep it on the road

[galazoulay]

Bro, 30k m3 should have had all that done already!!!!

[Ulesca]

In fairness the rod bearing issue wasn't a flaw or bad engineering on bmw's part. Bmw was looking to claim the highest power to liter title at the time. The rod bearings were designed more narrow than typical to reduce bearing drag, freeing up hp. An argument could be made if BMW should have done this for a daily driver street engine, but it wasn't some blunder they missed. VAC motorsports sell a cut crank that uses small block chevy width rod bearings, to remove the "issue". When oem's dabble in the race tech for street used cars, they have these kind of issues

[Nachizl]

13k for a manual swap?!?! Oh man sorry you got hosed 😢

[NorthOz]

Thanks for sharing. If you love your car, the cost doesn’t matter. I have spent tens of thousands on building out my Landcruiser. The good thing about doing this stuff now, is you know it’s done properly for you to enjoy without issues. Keen to see more vids where you are enjoying this vehicle more. Mark from Australia 🇦🇺

[gtgtr]

Hopefully you learned your lesson. Cheap M3s are never cheap. Spend the money upfront, buy a car in the spec you want, that has been well taken care of and maintained, and you will be well ahead.

[DonBMW]

Yo this is madness to pay that much. I own a 2006 BMW M3 ZCP in interlagos blue that I bought for $18k. It needed a clutch ($750), rear main seal ($20), pinion seal ($50), shifter rebuild ($35) and new tires ($900). Why is my cost so low? Because I can do all the work myself. This car does not need to be expensive. You just have to be able to wrench a little bit.

[TNation]

Life is more than money! Still worth it though, it will always be a special car! I think a 6 speed manual and a short shift kit, in good condition with the areas addressed (Vanos, subframe, rod bearings) etc will only appreciate in value. Nice car! Show some more vids of you driving it!

[murphy]

Crazy costs, I have a 2003 330ci Clubsport (UK) - I had a replacement engine, new rod bearings, seals etc, diff seals, new cooling system all for around £5k. Prices in the USA are crazy! Great Video, great car!

[hotshotfx]

Thanks for sharing, big number but worth it . Always was and always will be a unique experience driving a E46 m3

[onespeed]

The Balance, size & feel on the this car when everything is working is remarkable; it feels old school & modern all at once such a great era for BMW!

[philmedor]

Hey brother I feel you when it comes to these cars. I recently purchase one myself and I plan to fix it up like you did. They can be expensive to maintain but when it's something you love it's worth it. The e46 M3 has a timeless look and is incredibly fun too drive. This is what a local shop I trust coated me
Rod bearing:
$2, 706
Valve adjustment:
1, 407
Rear diff:
$2, 362
So in terms of maintenance I say you didnt do bad!

[shaunsnyman]

I had one for 3 years and never even blown a fuse

[chrisbradley]

What rod bearings and bolts did your shop go with?

[ChinoDesignsNYC]

33k for an SMG what was the miles? I have the same one but I paid 12k with 190k then did the big 2.

[rangelphi]

Thank you for sharing u absolute nut ball

[LegolasD]

Crazy costs. 60k in maintenance? And you thought it was worth it? How much time was it in the shop. I owned a Honda Manual for 20 years, I think I’ve need 3 12v batteries, tires, and 10x oil changes. I do it all myself except for the tires. Costs me on avg less $100 a year to maintain. Never spent any time in the shop except to get new tires. Hella fun manual

[ActionScene]

As long as you’re happy and not actually broke. Lol

[William-McCueRC]

wont ever gamble on german cars. i daily a 1987 corvette. you work on it the same way you would a truck. go to AutoZone and buy parts same day. can do anything in your driveway on jackstands. not to mention the reliability. gets good mpg too. i could buy and maintain 5 different beautiful, low mile C4s for less than 55000 dollars! and not to put your car down, but a different corvette every day of the work week would turn a lot more heads than an M3. crazy!