M3 Craigslist to buy or not to buy

[Bmwpower603]

I am going to check out an e46 m3 posted on Craigslist tomorrow for $7000. I’ve never owned an e46. But currently have an e90 m3, and looking to add to the collection.

I contacted this seller within 25 minutes of the posting. And have dibs on it tomorrow

The car is a 2003 6 speed with 166k. Original rod bearings. Is this worth purchasing? How much longer before bearings spin? It’s a 2 owner maintained.




Any advice would be helpful.

Here’s the link.

https://maine.craigslist.org/cto/6981442090.html

[MauiM3Mania]

I've not been following prices of these cars, but $7K is cheap. It was a $50K+ car when new... and it's going to cost what a $50K car costs to maintain.

I'd count on spending the funds to do rod bearing job, not that this car is from the time span that had issues from the factory, I'd do it just because it's a S54 and that engine is reported to wear bearings out. You might be OK... if you buy it, get an oil test done to see if wearing bearings are indicated.

Rear sub-frame and VANOS are areas to look at. Much of the rubber in the suspension is at life's end, simply based on age. And rust simply because of where it has lived.

Probably worthwhile to have a competent BMW specialist shop do a PPI.