RRT, Curry's, or $tealership for an E46 M3 PPI?

[M3zie]

My buddy is looking at an E46 M3 and would like to take it in for a full comb-over tomorrow Nov. 1 - where is the best place to take it? Heard nothing but great things about RRT, but will they check for frame damage/paintwork along with the usuals? What does a PPI cover, and how much should he expect to pay? Where have you taken your vehicles for PPIs in NoVA?

TIA.

[joenationwide]

My buddy is looking at an E46 M3 and would like to take it in for a full comb-over tomorrow Nov. 1 - where is the best place to take it? Heard nothing but great things about RRT, but will they check for frame damage/paintwork along with the usuals? What does a PPI cover, and how much should he expect to pay? Where have you taken your vehicles for PPIs in NoVA?

TIA.

Wes,

You forgot FunKtion Auto in Dulles. They are a great place for PPI because they will scrutinize the car completely for damage, mechanical, electrical, maintenance issues, etc. They'll let you know what issues need attention so you can take that info back to the seller and renegotiate the price (if you are seriously interested in the car). Any PPI I need done I will not hesitate to take it to them.


www.funKtionauto.com
(703)-544-0015

[RRT]

We could do it this afternoon if need be. Give us a call if we can help.

-Ash

[RRT Adam]

My buddy is looking at an E46 M3 and would like to take it in for a full comb-over tomorrow Nov. 1 - where is the best place to take it? Heard nothing but great things about RRT, but will they check for frame damage/paintwork along with the usuals? What does a PPI cover, and how much should he expect to pay? Where have you taken your vehicles for PPIs in NoVA?

TIA.

We also have one of the top body shops next door that can give a more detailed look if that makes you more comfortable relative to the body work, but our guys' deep bmw experience will find anything out of whack.

[lax01]

Had I known about RRT before I bought my car, I would have taken it to them...but I went to Currys and they seemed to check it over pretty well...

Its usually about an hour of labor (~$90)

[JamesM3M5]

Yes, we definitely check top, bottom, inside, and outside the vehicle during a PPI. We've also seen enough problems and problem cars to know what to look for in common models (E36, E46, E39, etc) such as rear subframe/chassis issues on the E36 and E46 alike. Another important aspect is a check of all vehicle electronic systems with the Autologic to look for any problems in things like the alarm/body control module, SMG (if equipped), climate control, etc. Many other diagnostic systems are unable to see BMW specific codes in many of the various modules. Also with the engine running we can see whether any operational parameters are getting out of spec on the engine. Many times the fault codes have been cleared from the DME, but watching the live parameters can sometimes indicate whether an O2 sensor is going bad, presence of vacuum leaks that will trigger various fault codes in the future, and other aspects of proper engine operation. If the codes are cleared on modern DMEs, the Autologic will also report when that last was. Pretty cool stuff....

[RRT Adam]

Had I known about RRT before I bought my car, I would have taken it to them...but I went to Currys and they seemed to check it over pretty well...

Its usually about an hour of labor (~$90)

That is good rough estimate, but if you want to go more in depth such as a leakdown/compression test ( I would recommend it) it probably go past an hour. In addition, you can hook up the diagnostic machine for a check of codes, high revs, etc.

Edit: James beat me to it....damnit

[M3zie]

Thanks for the info guys - I'll relay the info to my friend.

[ohnoes]

Why was my post removed?

[ZUUD BYE]

not to steal thread or go to far off topic but
what do you think a '98 m3 clutch install would go for, i have parts now.

Have heard very good things on RRT, Curry's and FunKtion- I work in the dulles area

[Car54]

RRT open on Saturdays for PPI?

[Bav///Man]

We could do it this afternoon if need be. Give us a call if we can help.

-Ash

We also have one of the top body shops next door that can give a more detailed look if that makes you more comfortable relative to the body work, but our guys' deep bmw experience will find anything out of whack.

Yes, we definitely check top, bottom, inside, and outside the vehicle during a PPI. We've also seen enough problems and problem cars to know what to look for in common models (E36, E46, E39, etc) such as rear subframe/chassis issues on the E36 and E46 alike. Another important aspect is a check of all vehicle electronic systems with the Autologic to look for any problems in things like the alarm/body control module, SMG (if equipped), climate control, etc. Many other diagnostic systems are unable to see BMW specific codes in many of the various modules. Also with the engine running we can see whether any operational parameters are getting out of spec on the engine. Many times the fault codes have been cleared from the DME, but watching the live parameters can sometimes indicate whether an O2 sensor is going bad, presence of vacuum leaks that will trigger various fault codes in the future, and other aspects of proper engine operation. If the codes are cleared on modern DMEs, the Autologic will also report when that last was. Pretty cool stuff....

That is good rough estimate, but if you want to go more in depth such as a leakdown/compression test ( I would recommend it) it probably go past an hour. In addition, you can hook up the diagnostic machine for a check of codes, high revs, etc.

Edit: James beat me to it....damnit

There's your answer.

[Shady3One3]

RRT open on Saturdays for PPI?

Not generally, but someone is usually there working on projects if not out of town for a race weekend. Give us a call during the week and we'll see if we can accomodate you.