02 vs 06 - Buying Advice

[RichardBstl]

Hey everybody. I’m on the hunt for a manual transmission car. Wondering if the brain trust can give me advice on buying an early (ie 2002) vs a later (ie 2005-06) car? I’ve heard BMW strengthened the subframe in later models years and also sorted the rod bearing issues. Is that true? And, would you avoid buying an 02 for that reason or just go into it knowing you have some surgery to perform?

Any other major differences between the 02 and later year cars that I should be aware of? I’ve searched and done a lot of homework but…ya never know what you don’t know…. Any help or advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[lmtfi]

At this age, the degree that it was maintained is more important than the age. At some point you'll want to get around to reinforcing the rear SMPs anyway, and have the VANOS bulletproofed. A PPI is key - but cannot fully ID subframe issues unless the rear end is dropped (which no-one is going to do in a PPI). But a thorough and competent PPI is important to knowing what you are buying. As far as maintenance - "if its not on paper, it never happened". A Blackstone oil sample at the PPI is a good idea as far as I'm concerned. Its cheap insight.

Rod bearings are wear items and will have to be every 100K miles or so. Just plan for it.

[snaponbob]

There were changes in the engine mid March 2003. Besides rods and rod bolts, the entire oiling system was improved which allowed longer rod bearing life. Other than that, the cars are essentially the same ---- for better and worse. As the response above indicates, condition and history are critical. Also, where the car "lived" is important. Simply stay away cars from the east coast of Florida, and anything from the upper midwest and northeast. WHATEVER you buy, and no matter how well one was reputed or actually maintained, expect issues. (BTW, the Blackstone test mentioned is REALLY important. I have two S54 cars, and both have Blackstone sample sent out at EVERY oil change.)

That said, besides miserable fuel mileage (but who cares with an M3) a properly maintained M3 is a joy to own and drive.

[MauiM3Mania]

To detail down a bit, there was an issue with bad bearing shells in mid 2001 through 2002 which was covered by a recall in 2003.

It would seem likely that the affected vehicles have received the two decade old warranty/recall.

The recall provided the replacement of the problem bearings with proper shells or in some cases replacement of the mighty S54!

[RichardBstl]

Thanks for the responses. I found a 2006 with 20k miles. Great condition with really good maintenance records. Excited to be part of the ownership group!

[DBZ33]

Thanks for the responses. I found a 2006 with 20k miles. Great condition with really good maintenance records. Excited to be part of the ownership group!

How much is that going for? $60k+?

[RichardBstl]

It was a convertible SMG, so I picked it up for $32,500. I’m in the process of converting it to manual as we speak. The car looks brand new inside and out. Whether it’s true or not, I feel like I got a great deal. It’s a time capsule car.

[SMcLeod]

Good information as I am new to the forums and own a 2023 M5 Competition currently, but am looking to buy a 2001 M3 - the only concern I have is that its been supercharged by Autowerke. They have had the recall completed on the rod bearings in 2004. Anything that i should listen for when i drive it? I know the Vanos has not been completed. The car has 75000 miles on it, 5 speed and in excellent condition visually

[lmtfi]

Good information as I am new to the forums and own a 2023 M5 Competition currently, but am looking to buy a 2001 M3 - the only concern I have is that its been supercharged by Autowerke. They have had the recall completed on the rod bearings in 2004. Anything that i should listen for when i drive it? I know the Vanos has not been completed. The car has 75000 miles on it, 5 speed and in excellent condition visually

I personally wouldn't consider a SC M3. YMMV

[MauiM3Mania]

I must agree. It likely has been driven hard.

[snaponbob]

Good information as I am new to the forums and own a 2023 M5 Competition currently, but am looking to buy a 2001 M3 - the only concern I have is that its been supercharged by Autowerke. They have had the recall completed on the rod bearings in 2004. Anything that i should listen for when i drive it? I know the Vanos has not been completed. The car has 75000 miles on it, 5 speed and in excellent condition visually

The cautions about buying it are valid. I have driven couple. They are a hoot ..... for a while. Then they are a bit of a PIA because they are ALWAYS boosted, unlike turbos, which are more boost on demand. Also, even though rod bearings were done, they will have to be done often as they already took small to last, anyway.

[ryanmkincaid]

It was a convertible SMG, so I picked it up for $32,500. I’m in the process of converting it to manual as we speak. The car looks brand new inside and out. Whether it’s true or not, I feel like I got a great deal. It’s a time capsule car.

I just picked up an 2002 SMG with 63K on the engine. Doing the subframe and SMG to Manual conversion now, will tackle the rod bearings and Vanos in March. I know that the rod bearings were never done. I wonder if BMW would do them now or is it too late for the recall?