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Thread: E46 M3 Big 3 Maintenance work

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2021
    Location
    Long Island
    Posts
    49
    My Cars
    1989 BMW 325i Sedan

    E46 M3 Big 3 Maintenance work

    Good morning all,

    As we have scheduled for the big 3 items(VANOS, Rod bearing and rear sub frame reinforcement) to be done at a local shop, I am wondering what else should be looked it or replaced by the shop while its on the lift. Save more labor if getting done while the mechanics are in there(engine bay, rear end).

    Am I missing anything that need to be added on? So we can have peace of mind for the next 100,000 miles beside just regular oil change/coolant refresh periodically.

    Background of the m3. its a 2005 M3 standard model, 6 speed, coupe with 118,500 miles currently.

    The following list of work will be performed by the shop.


    Rod bearings. That includes:


    VAC coated rod bearings
    ARP rod bolts
    Both oil pan gaskets
    Oil
    Filter
    Cleaners
    Power steering fluid
    Engine mounts (those are in there because they are usually collapsed if they are old)


    For the VANOS, here is pretty much worst case scenario.
    That includes:


    Vanos rebuild kit
    Anti rattle kit
    Valve cover gasket set
    Both VVT gaskets
    VANOS filter
    Upper timing chain guide (they tend to break)
    Exhaust hub
    Oil pump disc



    For the Subframe work - Turner kit


    Any input will be greatly appreciated.

    Zac

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    865
    My Cars
    2006 Estoril Blue/Cin M3
    Check all bushings: RTAB, FCAB, Diff, Guibo. Replace, if needed, with OE.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2021
    Location
    Long Island
    Posts
    49
    My Cars
    1989 BMW 325i Sedan
    Quote Originally Posted by lmtfi View Post
    Check all bushings: RTAB, FCAB, Diff, Guibo. Replace, if needed, with OE.
    Ok. Need to start looking for the set.
    Looks like FCP euro has a kit.

    Thanks for the information.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Saint Louis, Missouri
    Posts
    15
    My Cars
    Z3 2.3
    Can I ask, what are you paying for all that work? Currently looking for an M3 and would like to know what I’m in for re those repairs. Thanks!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    North, NJ
    Posts
    13
    My Cars
    Not a BMW Yet
    Quote Originally Posted by RichardBstl View Post
    Can I ask, what are you paying for all that work? Currently looking for an M3 and would like to know what I’m in for re those repairs. Thanks!
    +1


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    St. Louis, MO
    Posts
    2
    My Cars
    2001 E46 M3 Vert
    Quote Originally Posted by RichardBstl View Post
    Can I ask, what are you paying for all that work? Currently looking for an M3 and would like to know what I’m in for re those repairs. Thanks!
    Can't speak to regional or shop specifics, but as a rule of thumb you can count on $2k for Vanos /almost $2k for Rod Bearings, Bolts, etc. / and $1.5K for Subframe work.
    The problem comes in when the shop gets in there and determines that you need additional maintenance on the engine, transmission, bushings, etc. You're buying a BMW that's probably been driven at least moderately hard at times and is at least 17 years old (mine is 22). Whatever you do...get a Pre-Purchase Inspection done by a dedicated BMW shop or dealership. It is money very well spent before buying. They will identify problem areas which you can use in negotiating a purchase price. If you're in STL, I'd take it to Greg and his crew at Bimmers R Us on Kingshighway.
    Last edited by Bunnyslope; 03-01-2023 at 08:12 PM.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2023
    Location
    Pittsburgh, PA
    Posts
    1
    My Cars
    E46 M3, F80 M3
    I would change out the Constant Pressure Valve while you are at it: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...hoC4IEQAvD_BwE

    Cheap part that makes a mess when the gasket goes and there is a good chance it is already gone.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2021
    Location
    Long Island
    Posts
    49
    My Cars
    1989 BMW 325i Sedan
    Sorry for the absence. The big 3 was done over last winter. It was about mid 5k out of the door including whatever bushing that should be replace while sub frame is done.

    I would recommend TKX Performance in Long Island for Tristate area.

    also planning to do the rod bearing and TAs at the same shop this winter time for the e92.

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