problems with e46 M3

[TBM311]

i have a 97 M3 right now, but im thinkin about buying my self a graduting present in june, a e46M3. But i remember reading somewhere on the forum , people mentioning some problems it had.I'm not sure exactly what they were. But can ppl share some of the frequent problems that they've faced and heard of that exist with the e46m3? thanks for the help fellas.

[QuestMCoupe]

The problem was engine failure with 2002 M3s produced in November of 2001 I believe. You may want to check in the e46 M3 forum, you should be able to come up with something solid. I know a friend of mine and member on here, Dallasbboy (Brian), had this problem and it was covered by the dealer. Good luck.

[nn_bob]

The engine failure problem is not limited to any month. There was a 3-month period centering around build dates of 11/01 that are experiencing about a 10% failure rate. The overall failure rate is estimated at 1 - 2% and includes build dates now including 06/02. Very few people are convinced that BMW has yet determined or fixed the problem. BTW, we are talking catastrophic failure - spun rod bearings and thrown rods.

[///MDriver]

Apparently BMW is working to get everything straightened out. I would do some research before putting money down on a car though.

[themadhatter]

Kevin (Kevlar) has just posted some NEW updates to the S54B32 motor. it looks like they still aren't set on what they're doing with this motor. :rolleyes:

-Ron

[Keda]

From what I've read, it looks like BMW has determined that the failure rate is not high enough to fix the problem. Since only 1-2% of the motors fail, it is cheaper for them to replace the ones that do than redesign an engine which is nearing the end of its production run. Most of the accounts say that BMW will replace everything w/o any questions and handle it as best as they can.

FWIW, maybe you should buy the upcoming JimC PD blower as a present instead...you'll beat an E46 w/it and spend much less $$. In a few years, the M(4) will have an eight cylinder and the E46 will look slow.

[themadhatter]

Keda.....I'm already waiting.

Yo JIM! we're getting anxious here!!! :D

[Kevlar]

Originally posted by Keda
From what I've read, it looks like BMW has determined that the failure rate is not high enough to fix the problem. Since only 1-2% of the motors fail, it is cheaper for them to replace the ones that do than redesign an engine which is nearing the end of its production run. Most of the accounts say that BMW will replace everything w/o any questions and handle it as best as they can.

If this was true... why did BMW just redesign the camshaft, connecting rods, cylinder head and crankshaft bearings as of 11/02?

[Keda]

They had nothing better to do? ;)

After I posted, I read your thread in the E46 section. It does look like they've done some work, but this is the first time I've seen anything about it. The main problems w/the engine occurred over a year ago and since then BMW has quietly replaced engines and claimed the problem was blown out of proportion.

Hopefully, these new tweaks will get rid of the E46M3's reputation as a risky buy. I believe in the car and even had one on order. BTW, I didn't cancel because of engine failures. Its just that after riding and driving in one, I wasn't in love. Its like a woman, the sparks there or its not. Man, I remember the 1st time I saw an E36M, she was purple and my heart bounced. So, I'll be keeping my 98.

Anyways, I'm glad to see thing improving.

[TBM311]

hey keda,
what is the JimC PD blower ?? Ive never heard of, can you give me some details on it, like how much, who makes it, how much hp gain, etc.
thanks

[Keda]

I wish I could give you details, but its not out yet. Do a search in FI for details, but here's the basics...

Its a Positive Displacement(PD) Super Charger sw by JimC (aka The Man). PD SCs keep a constant level of boot across the RPM range. So, the low-end torque is much higher than the Centrifugal SCs out there now (Dinan, RMS, ESS). This is the kind of blower which is used on most stock applications because it feels like a bigger engine instead of a boosted one.

Its a big deal because
-Its PD (see above)
-It is all done w/SW by JimC. Most of the kits out now use a fuel pressure regulator because the tuning isn't all there.

The price is said to be 'competitive.' Peak HP shouldn't be much more than a similar CF kit (about 295-300rwhp) but curves are raised across the RPM band. Like I said, its the basics, but there have been very thorough discussions in FI by people who know much more than me.