Is it safe to buy a used M3 2003 or lower? have the blown engine issue been address?

[TheFuture]

Is it safe to buy a used M3 2003 or lower? have the blown engine issue been address?

[VoltesV]

Hard to say, but I think so. Apparently, there was an issue with one of the suppliers of the rod bearings. As you probably already know, 2001-03 cars have 6yr/100k mi warranties, but the 2004 do not. This would lead me to believe everything is okay now, but who can really say?!

[daihard]

Originally posted by VoltesV
Hard to say, but I think so. Apparently, there was an issue with one of the suppliers of the rod bearings. As you probably already know, 2001-03 cars have 6yr/100k mi warranties, but the 2004 do not. This would lead me to believe everything is okay now, but who can really say?!

I believe the extended engine warranty covers cars built through 9/2003, so it does cover the early 2004 production. Unfortunately, mine was built in 11/2003 and therefore isn't covered.

[ChosenGSR]

Thats a good question, I would like to hear more about this also...

[daihard]

Originally posted by ChosenGSR
Thats a good question, I would like to hear more about this also...

I have a copy of the Roundel magazine that talks about it. I'll look it up tonight.

[aus]

I would actually PREFER a car that falls between 9/01 to 9/03 because you then get the recall to fix the problem and the 100K warranty on the motor.

[VoltesV]

The recall affects only a smaller number of cars in a partiular VIN range. The extended warranty covers many more cars, including those before and after the VIN range for the recall.

[iwannadinanm3]

yeah, but isn't that warranty covered only if the problem was caused by the recall they were having, like it wouldn't cover it if you did something to blow your motor, only if it was damaged cuz of the manufacturing defect that the motors had with oil starvation, right?

[daihard]

Originally posted by iwannadinanm3
yeah, but isn't that warranty covered only if the problem was caused by the recall they were having, like it wouldn't cover it if you did something to blow your motor, only if it was damaged cuz of the manufacturing defect that the motors had with oil starvation, right?

My understanding is that whatever problem that occurs to the engine will be covered as long as it's not caused by the driver abuse. That' what the factory warranty means.