go-ran

was this car an 01 by any chance?

my buddies dad had a 01 with OEM CSL trunk/diffuser , brembo bbk and ACS parts on it that was an inspiration for me buying a LSB / LSB years ago.

hashash

wow very cool .
i owned an evo 7 lancer back in 2002

itrsteve

I spent the better part of a year looking for a LSB with original 6MT and black interior and never found a single one. Too many configured with either dove interior and/or SMG. That was the unicorn car that escaped me.

6flat

my daily
I can’t put it down

Itzkirb

Since I work from home now I guess this is my daily

RLNTL3S

Chris88

^That's a very pretty turbo Cab!

Finlander

Yeah, I'm referring to the former. I won't buy an E46 without a proper PPI which covers a good inspection of the rear subframe. But if its good, and your tech inspects it regularly, It shouldn't be much of an issue.

handdoc

turner makes the best kit if needed

but yes easy fix

Archimedes

An inspection will tell you nothing about the potential for future shearing, only whether cracks already exist. You either have to spend a few grand for a preemptive reinforcement kit or take your chances. And if it goes, you’re totally ****ed.

And before you buy one you need to find out if any of the prior owners opted into the class action settlement. If they did, you have no claim against BMW if it goes in the future.

I owned a gorgeous E46 M3. I wouldn’t touch one now with a ten foot pole.

Archimedes

It’s an easy preemptive modification, though expensive. IIRC, Dinan’s kit was over $2,500. There is no easy fix once it starts shearing. That’s why there were two class action lawsuits over this issue.

Finlander

Sounds like you've had a bad experience with this subframe issue. What happened to the one you owned?

handdoc

good points for sure, but a well sorted e46 m3 is still a great car that this one issue shouldn't preclude folks from enjoying owning and driving such a great machine

its a known issue that as long as you have had a reputable place look it over, and monitor it, you are safe

like any cars, there is preventative maintenance...my almost 50k mile example has zero issues, and i haven't reinforced the subframe preventatively...i drove it once this year so i just dont see the need

if i was using it more id have it done

but indeed it caused a stir in the bmw world when people saw this happening!

ROCKSTAR.

Yes it was an 01, bought from an older gentleman that had 3 E46s at the time. Low mileage with some authentic CSL bits on, few ACS trim kits.

What a car it was, I miss it everytime I see pictures of it.

ROCKSTAR.

Sounds like mine was something you were looking for, lol. It was indeed one of a most special cars that I’ve ever owned.

I am still in touch with the current owner, if he ever let’s go of the car, I may buy it back.

Since my kids keep asking where my Blue Bimmer is every so often. 😛