What was the first model year for the current M3?
First US E46 M3 cars were 2/01 production 2001 models. The current M3 is the third generation of the M3 mark (E30 M3 1988-1991, E36 M3 1995-1999).
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What does E46 mean?
E46 is the general model designation for the current generation of 3 series cars. Starting with 1999 production for 323i and 328i (sedans), 2000 production 323 and 328 models (coupe & sedan), 2001 on all 325, 330 and M3 models. E is for "Entwicklung" in German or development (maybe evolution) in English. Pervious 3 series cars were designated as E36, E30, etc.
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Do all E46 M3 engines blow up?
No, they don't. There was apparently a bad production run centering on cars built during the period of 10/01 - 12/01 (all of these cars were sold as Model Year 2002 vehicles). BMW apparently changed some parts vendors and tolerances during this period and the result has been a failure rate in these particular cars of over 10%. Failure rates outside of this range (both before and after) is no higher than any other comparable car. BMW has ordered a service action to correct the problems in these cars by replacing rod bearing shells and oil pumps.
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Did BMW extend the warranty on E46 M3's?
Yes, BMW has extended the warranty on all S54 engine equipped North American M3's and M Coupes/Roadsters to 6 years or 100,000 miles on internal mechanical engine components lubricated by engine oil (this warranty extension does not apply to any other parts of the vehicle). So far all 2001, 2002 and 2003 M3's are covered by this warranty.
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Did BMW recall E46 M3's for engine failure related issues?
Technically no: BMW issues a "service action." To quote BMWNA, "The problem has been identified as contamination of the engine lubricating system during assembly in combination with unfavorable tolerances in the engine oil pump for the M3 coupe/convertible produced from October 2001 through February 2002. These cars require replacement of the engine oil pump and as a precautionary measure, replacement of the connecting rod bearings. In addition, the engine control module will be programmed with the latest software, which includes improved cold start characteristics.
We ask that you contact your authorized BMW center to arrange a service appointment to have this service action carried out. Your vehicle can still be driven with no immediate need to have the repairs carried out. The service action will take approximately one days work, however, the actual time will vary with center scheduling. BMW of North America, LLC, will cover all necessary repair costs related to this action as well as providing you with alternate transportation if necessary. After the service action is performed on your M car, a 1,200 mile break-in period must be observed. Do not exceed 5,500 engine rpm or 105 mph road speed during this period. Please observe your local & state maximum speed limits. " - This "service action" is being done by VIN number and generally effects 2002 M3's manufactured between October of 2001 and February 2002.
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Is SMGII the same thing as a manually shifted automatic?
No, its not even close. While SMGII does have an Auto mode (actually 5 of them) its still not an automatic transmission in the traditional sense. SMGII is a "sequential manual gearbox" or in English: its a manual transmission with a computer actuated clutch. The only real difference between a standard manual M3 gear box and an SMGII gear box is how the clutch is engaged. In a traditional manual the driver controls the clutch by depressing the pedal. In an SMGII car the clutch is controlled by a computer (Drive Logic) which disengages and engages the clutch automatically during gear changes. The speed with which the shift is completed via SMGII is controlled by a series of settings (1-6) and by driver input (e.g. throttle input or brake application). An SMGII car can be driven in Auto mode but its really not the world's greatest automatic. Since SMGII is a manual transmission with an automatic clutch it does not have a fluid filled torque converter to smooth out the shifts (and rob power and slow down shifts) - SMGII auto shifts can be somewhat unpredictable and abrupt. Also, SMGII will not automatically up-shift if you red line the car. You cannot "stack" shifts by multiple presses of the lever. SMGII will not let you downshift if the downshift would rev the motor above the red line. The biggest advantage of SMGII (in my humble opinion) is rev matching during downshifting. SMGII can arguably rev match downshifts as well as or better than world class drivers. From personal experience I don't think it offers any advantage over a stick during upshifts.
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What does "Sport" mode do?
This is probably the most misunderstood button in an M3. Depressing "Sport" button does not add any horsepower, increase torque or do anything else to boost the car's performance. Since the throttle pedal in an M3 is not physically connected to the throttle bodies via a cable like traditional designs, the amount of fuel the car actually gets is controlled via software and not directly by your foot. The software simply reads the position of the throttle pedal and then translates that into how much to open the actual throttle (actually its a lot more complicated then that but you really don't need the dirty details). The software can be altered to provide more or less fuel per given pedal position. When in Sport mode, the computer simply gives more throttle input per % of pedal input than in standard mode. Other wise, if hypothetically the software give 50% of possible throttle at 50% of the throttle pedal, in Sport mode the same pedal input may give you 70%, etc (these numbers are just examples). Wide open throttle is exactly the same in Sport and Standard modes. The car is not any faster, it just feels that way because it takes less pedal input to pump more fuel into the engine. Also, unlike the M5, M3's Sport mode does not alter steering boost - it only remaps the throttle pedal position sensor.
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Is this the first time BMW has offered SMG type transmission in a production car?
No, SMG was available in E36 M3's in Europe. The SMG transmission in the current M3 is the second generation of the system, thus SMGII. Other manufacturers have also started to make "SMG" style gearboxes available. Many claim that SMG will be the new de facto manual gearbox in the future completely replacing traditional manual clutch systems (this is rather unfortunate).
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How much weight does SMGII add?
SMGII adds about 18 pounds total over the standard stick.
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Is the CSL coming to North America?
No. Why? Because if you believe BMWNA, etc. it would cost too much to crash and emissions certify such a low production car.
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Can I get CSL parts for my car
No. Why? Because BMW requires you to provide a VIN number for any CSL part purchase - no CSL VIN - no CSL part
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How do I figure out the build date of my M3?
The build date is on a sticker on the passenger side door sill (right under the latch for the door lock).
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What are stock tire sizes?
Stock 18" tires are 225/45/18 Front and 255/40/18 Rear and 225/40/19 Front and 255/35/19 Rear with optional 19" wheels.
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Can I upsize stock tire widths to 245 & 275 on OEM wheels?
Yes, the correct upsize is 245/40/18 front and 275/35/18 rear for 18" wheels and 245/35/19 front and 275/30/19 rear for 19" wheels. Many have done this on both stock and lowered cars without any rubbing issues.
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What is the stock offset for OEM wheels?
For OEM 18's the offset is 47mm Front & 26mm Rear, for OEM 19's the offset is 41mm Front & 27 Rear
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What sizes are OEM wheels?
OEM 18" wheels are 18X8" Front and 18X9" Rear, optional 19" OEM wheels are 19X8" Front and 19X9.5"
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Are OEM wheels cast or forged?
OEM 18" wheels are cast, OEM 19" wheels are forged.
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How much do OEM wheels weigh?
OEM 18" wheels weigh approximately 24 lbs for the fronts, 26 lbs for the rear - 19" OEM's weigh roughly the same as the 18" (within .5 lb).
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What are the factory alignment specs?
- Front (specified ranges): Camber -1° 20' to -0° 40', Caster 6° 55' to 7° 55', Toe 1mm to 2.4mm, Turning Angle Difference -2.03° to -1.03°
- Front (specified ranges): Cross Camber -0° 30' to 0° 30', Cross Caster -0° 30' to 0° 30', Total Toe 1.9mm to 4.9mm
- Rear (specified ranges): Camber -2° 00' to -1° 30', Toe 1.7mm to 3.0mm
- Rear (specified ranges): Total Toe 3.4mm to 5.9mm, Thrust Angle -0.07° to 0.07°
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How much do OEM seats weigh?
OEM manual leather seats weigh 58 pounds per, power seats weigh 62 pounds each (cloth about 2 lbs lighter).
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How much weight does the sunroof add?
The sunroof adds about 40 pounds
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How much headroom does the sunroof take away?
The sunroof eats up between 3/4" to 1" of headroom
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What is the correct torque for lug nuts?
The correct torque is 88 ft. lb.
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Will European Spec OEM drilled rotors fit a US spec car?
Yes, they are a direct replacement item.
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Is the M3 OK for winter driving?
With proper snow tires the M3 will get you through most winter driving with ease. With stock Conti or Michelins, you may want to secure a burial spot before heading out. With correct tires, the M3 is no worse than any other 2 wheel drive car in the snow.
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How fast is an M3?
Magazine reviews have shown the M3 to do 0-60 in 4.6 seconds and 13 flat in the 1/4 mile (individuals have run sub 13 second 1/4 miles with stock cars). Factory sets a top speed governor at 155 mph, with the governor removed the car will pull speeds just south of 180 mph.
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How does the M3's tire pressure monitor work?
The tire pressure monitor does not directly monitor actual tire pressure, rather it uses ABS sensors to monitor rotation speed of each tire. As a tire deflates it becomes smaller in circumference. The tire pressure monitor senses this change and alerts the driver.
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What's the best way to make my M3 faster?
Complicated question that is.. A car is really only as fast as its driver. The best way to get more speed, handling, etc out of your car is too improve what typically is the weakest link - the driver! Go to a driving school, do some track time or an autocross, race, etc. Realistically, its very hard to safely push the limits of this car on the street. Learning how to handle the car, how to brake and how to gauge the road will get you going faster than any alleged +10 hp mod a $1000 will buy.
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What engine oil does the M3 use?
Fully synthetic Castrol TWS Motorsport 10W-60 Synthetic, and Castrol Formula RS 10W-60 Synthetic Oils. This is not readily available at your local WalMart. At this time its only available via BMW dealers and a few on-line retailers.
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Does using premium gasoline make a difference?
Absolutely. The M3's computer is adaptive and will advance or retard ignition and make other adjustments depending on your fuel. The higher the octane the better (e.g. more power). Having bought a $50K+ car, this is really not the place to skimp.
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Will the stock head unit or factory changer play CDR's and/or MP3's?
The stock head unit (same for HK and non-HK cars) will play CDR but will not play MP3's. The factory changer (actaully Alpine) will also play CDR but not MP3. To play MP3 you have to either upgrade your changer or your head unit or both. Here's what you need to do.
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What is the "sticky throttle pedal" syndrome?
Some (well, likely most) M3's have an issue with a "sticky" throttle pedal. Most are severe enough to easily notice while driving and tend to get worse when its warm in the foot well area. A simple test is to take off your right shoe and slowly depress the throttle. If you feel it moving down in steps or notchy jumps you're a winner of a free replacement pedal. While this will not damage your car it makes it much harder to drive, especially in sport mode. Dealer will replace the pedal free of charge and BMWNA has issue a tech service bulletin (TSB) for this. Make sure that the dealer replaces your pedal with the correct version as manual and SMG cars have different pedal assemblies.
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Why does my passenger side mirror tilt (or not tilt) when I put the car in reverse?
The passenger side can be set to tilt if so desired to assist when backing up. Its up to the driver to choose if this function will be enabled or not. If the mirror selector switch (the switch used to select which mirror you adjust) is set to the left than the passenger side mirror will tilt when you put the car in reverse. If you slide the switch to the right, the mirror will not tilt when in reverse.
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Does the M3 come with a spare tire?
Nope, but you do get the "M Mobility" kit (a really expensive seal-a-flat can), and more importantly, an 800 number for free road side assistance.
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What is the M-Mobility Kit?
M-Mobility kit is a can of seal-a-flat and pump you get in place of the spare tire. Should you use it if you have a flat? Well, if there is a serious puncture (over about a 1/16") it wont do you much good. If there is a small enough puncture for the kit to work then its probably best to just try to inflate the tire (multiple times if necessary) without using the seal-a-flat goo and get to a tire shop for a repair. If you use the goo, you will likely have to discard the tire and the rim will have to be scrubbed clean before a new tire is mounted or you will have balancing problems. Best option? Call roadside assistance!
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I thought the HK stereo upgrade had 12 speakers - I can only find 10 - what gives?
You've been screwed! Actually there are 2 speakers under the lower grill on each door which accounts for the 2 you're "missing"
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Who is Chris Bangle?
Chris Bangle, in short, is the devil incarnate - this is the ham fisted prick who is responsible for such atrocities as the E65/66 7 Series, the Z4 and the E60 5 series. This simple minded prick has managed to do more damage in the last few years of "flame surfacing" and "forward thinking" design to destroy the gorgeous, sophisticated and classic lines BMW has always been known for that any head on impact into a brick wall in automotive history. Ridiculed widely by both BMW owners and the Automotive press, this asshole's response is only to say that we just don't get the factor of his brilliance and that his garbage will grow on us. This is not my first M3, but from having seen the preview images of the E90 3 series I have a bad feeling it will be the last one. Also, contrary to common belief, Banglefuck did not design the E46 3 series or the E46 M3 - he over saw some of the design work but did not design the car or have the final say. His first real design is the putrid, bloated wart hog E65.
There is a "Stop Chris Bangle" petition that now has over 5000 signatures - Take a moment and add your name and help get rid of this prick http://www.petitiononline.com/STOPCB/petition.html.
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