(E21) 3-Series 1977-1983 (E30) 3-series 1984-1991 (E30) M3 1988-1991 (E36) 3-series 1992-1999 (E36) M3 1995-1999 (E46) 3-Series 1999-2005 (E46) M3 2001-2006 (E90) 3-Series Sedan 2006-2011 (E90) M3 Sedan 2008-2013 (E91) 3-Series Touring 2006-2013 (E92) 3-Series Coupe 2007-2013 (E92) M3 Coupe 2008-2013 (E93) 3-Series Convertible 2007-2013 (E93) M3 Convertible 2008-2013 (F30) 3-Series Sedan 2012. E46 3 Series 98-05 ALL Models + M-Sport front FENDER splash RIGHT Vehicle compatibility. 3 Series E46 prefacelift (1997 - 2001), 3 Series E46 Facelift LCI (2001 - 2006), 3 Series E46 Coupe Cabrio LCI Facelift (2003 - 2006), 3 Series E46 Coupe Cabrio PreLCI (1999 - 2003), 3 Series E46 Compact (2000 - 2004) Body types. RealOEM.com BMW Parts website. This site can be used to look up BMW part numbers and approximate part prices. The Parts are grouped into diagrams and diagrams are grouped into categories and subcategories.
The Redish Motorsport E46 M3 Inspection 2 Service (which is widely recognised as the most comprehensive on offer in the UK): £715.
Introduction:
Introduction:
Having worked and trained at a BMW Main Dealer (Wellsway, Bath) for the 6 years of 2001-2006 (spanning over the entire E46 M3 production/delivery) James Redish set his standards extremely high when building Redish Motorsport and especially his trademark Inspection 2 Services.
This means as a company Redish Motorsport strictly follow and always adhere to BMW service schedules and repair instructions whilst using BMW Special Tools and predominantly Genuine BMW Parts.
Protection:
This means as a company Redish Motorsport strictly follow and always adhere to BMW service schedules and repair instructions whilst using BMW Special Tools and predominantly Genuine BMW Parts.
Protection:
![E46 Arches E46 Arches](/uploads/1/1/8/1/118120518/386372431.jpg)
First of all the vehicle receives it's protective internal coverings:
Genuine BMW Seat Cover
Genuine BMW Gearknob Cover
Genuine BMW Seat Cover
Genuine BMW Gearknob Cover
Genuine BMW Handbrake Cover
Premium Steering Wheel Cover
Premium Double-Size Floor Mat Cover:
Pre service checks:
Premium Steering Wheel Cover
Premium Double-Size Floor Mat Cover:
Pre service checks:
Once in the workshop we use BMW Diagnostic Software to check the live-data of the engine's temperature to see if it's below BMW's specified value of 35'c to be able to carry out the Valve Clearance Process (more on this below).
We will also check your service book and service counter (on the cluster) to see if the M3 is due the separate service BMW call the 'Annual Service' which entails either the Brake Fluid Change (every 2 years) or Coolant/Antifreeze Change (every 3 years), or both.
Initial paperwork:
We then print out a date stamped 'Inspection 2 Service Check Sheet' from a BMW system using your unique M3 chassis number.
This is a 3 page document which details everything which has to be done/replaced/checked on the M3 Inspection 2 Service.
This is a 3 page document which details everything which has to be done/replaced/checked on the M3 Inspection 2 Service.
We follow this meticulously and once all items have been completed and ticked, this paperwork is handed to you to keep for your M3 service records.
Main Worklist:
The following items are carried out during our Redish Motorsport E46 M3 Insp 2:- Castrol Edge Supercar 10w60 M-Power Engine Oil
- Genuine BMW Oil Filter Kit
- Genuine BMW Pollen Filter
- Genuine BMW Spark Plugs (DCPR8EKP)
- Genuine BMW Air Filter
- Valve Clearance Process
- Castrol Syntrans B 75W Gearbox Oil (MTF-LT3)
- Castrol Syntrax 75w140 LS Diff Oil (SAF-XJ)
- Redline FM Booster LS Diff Additive
- Genuine BMW Diff Filler & Drain Bolts
- Comprehensive Vehicle Inspection
- Advisory Report
- Comprehensive Video of our findings
- Digital Picture Pack of key points of the service
- Service Book stamped
- Service Mileage reset
Valve Clearances:
We like to strongly promote that the M3 S54 Valve Clearances are checked and adjusted at every Redish Motorsport Inspection Service.
Even today in 2020 we read and hear all sorts of horror stories regarding other specialists and even main dealers just 'listening' to the engine to decide if they need adjusting, or carrying out the process but offering no paperwork, no invoice for shims, and no pictures, or even worse trying to talk the owner out of the valve clearance aspect (laziness) and offering to reduce the service costs accordingly!
On the contrary Redish Motorsport go so far to proving we carry out this crucial practice that we always take a digital picture of your engine 'open' with our BMW Special Tools laid out, and your Reg No. visible.
This not only gives you peace of mind the process has been carried out, but adds great value to the M3's important history records.
We like to strongly promote that the M3 S54 Valve Clearances are checked and adjusted at every Redish Motorsport Inspection Service.
Even today in 2020 we read and hear all sorts of horror stories regarding other specialists and even main dealers just 'listening' to the engine to decide if they need adjusting, or carrying out the process but offering no paperwork, no invoice for shims, and no pictures, or even worse trying to talk the owner out of the valve clearance aspect (laziness) and offering to reduce the service costs accordingly!
On the contrary Redish Motorsport go so far to proving we carry out this crucial practice that we always take a digital picture of your engine 'open' with our BMW Special Tools laid out, and your Reg No. visible.
This not only gives you peace of mind the process has been carried out, but adds great value to the M3's important history records.
We have over 120x brand new Genuine BMW S54 Valve Shims in stock at Redish Motorsport all organised and presented in the Genuine BMW Blue Special Storage Metal Case.
Should we find any of your 24 valve shims which are out of BMW's specified tolerance of Inlet 0.18mm - 0.23mm and Exhaust 0.28mm - 0.33mm then we will replace them during the process.
Should we find any of your 24 valve shims which are out of BMW's specified tolerance of Inlet 0.18mm - 0.23mm and Exhaust 0.28mm - 0.33mm then we will replace them during the process.
E46 Assetto Corsa
This makes it very convenient as you don't have to come back to us for a separate visit, nor leave your M3 with us whilst parts are ordered into stock (like the main dealers usually do).
We are true M3 specialists and therefore cater for every eventuality.
After all, we've carried out over 150x S54 Inspection 2 Services in the past 10 years - so it's safe to say we've honed our procedure to be as smooth, comprehensive, and professional as possible.
After all, we've carried out over 150x S54 Inspection 2 Services in the past 10 years - so it's safe to say we've honed our procedure to be as smooth, comprehensive, and professional as possible.
We don't charge you any additional labour for changing valve shims.
We only charge for any new valve shims IF you need them.
These are priced at just £3 each from BMW and there's a maximum of 24 in your M3's S54 engine - which means at the worst case scenario an additional £72 in shims (if you require all 24 replacing) but that's extremely rare.
We only charge for any new valve shims IF you need them.
These are priced at just £3 each from BMW and there's a maximum of 24 in your M3's S54 engine - which means at the worst case scenario an additional £72 in shims (if you require all 24 replacing) but that's extremely rare.
During the Redish Motorsport M3 Inspection 2 Service, we also carry out a very important check which isn't on the BMW Inspection 2 Service Sheet.
- CSL Exhaust Camshaft Hub (Vanos Drive Pegs can be found snapped)
Pictures:
You also receive 12 pictures of key stages of the service which are listed below:
Picture of the M3 in the workshop lifted in the air on a workshop lift
Picture of the new service parts to be used
Picture of the old engine oil draining out
Picture of the oil gearbox oil draining out
Picture of the old diff oil draining out
Picture of the new diff plugs installed and paint marked
Picture of the new engine oil & filter kit laid out in the engine bay
Picture of the air filter comparisons (old v new)
Picture of the valve clearance procedure with reg no. visible
Picture of the spark plug comparisons (old v new)
Picture of the Pollen Filter comparisons (old v new)
Picture of the M3 parked outside the Redish Motorsport building
Video:
You will also receive a personalised video approx 10 mins long showing the condition of the underside and mechanical workings of your M3, as well as any advisory items that might need recording for your future reference.
You will also receive a personalised video approx 10 mins long showing the condition of the underside and mechanical workings of your M3, as well as any advisory items that might need recording for your future reference.
Timescale:
This work can be carried out in 1 day, BUT we do need to carry out the Valve Clearance process when the engine is at or below 35'c (as shown in the BMW Technical Instructions).
So this can either be achieved by dropping your M3 off to us the day before the work is due to commence, or by arriving early on the day of work around 7-8am.
This allows the engine to cool naturally during the morning and usually by lunch (in winter months) or early afternoon (in summer months) the engine is below 35'c (checked using BMW live data diagnostics) so that Valve Clearances can be completed accurately.
This allows the engine to cool naturally during the morning and usually by lunch (in winter months) or early afternoon (in summer months) the engine is below 35'c (checked using BMW live data diagnostics) so that Valve Clearances can be completed accurately.
Optional upgrades/extras available:
During this service work, we offer the following extra items for the discounted rates listed
During this service work, we offer the following extra items for the discounted rates listed
- Engine Compression Test Report £36.
- Vanos Test Report £18.
- SMG Clutch Characteristic Curve Reset £18.
- SMG Clutch Bite Point Teach-In (part of the £18 above).
- RACP Check & Report £151 (usually £260) Link Here.
As mentioned above, if you do require BMW's so-called 'Annual Service' then these are separate service items which are listed in a separate part of your Service Book, with a separate Service Light on the dash (clock symbol), and therefore are charged separately too.
You may not need these, but if you do then our prices are listed below:- Brake Fluid Service and full system bleed using Genuine BMW Brake Fluid £69.
- Coolant Service and system bleed using Genuine BMW Antifreeze £60.
(You can also upgrade from BMW Brake Fluid to ATE Typ 200 Brake Fluid for £10).
You will receive an extensive amount of paperwork for this Inspection 2 Service.
We provide you with the following printed paperwork to take away and including in your M3's History Folder:
- BMW E46 M3 Inspection 2 Service Check Sheet (unique to your chassis no.)
- Valve Clearance Report with all measured (and any replaced) clearances
- Advisory Report (things to consider for the future)
- Invoice (detailed will all works carried out and on headed colour paper)
Please check the following items are present in your car before you bring your M3 to us:
- Service Book
- Locking Wheel Bolt Key
- Any other previous history which you feel may be useful/important
Next Steps:
If you would like to discuss the M3 Inspection 2 Service further, or make a booking, please feel free to call us on 01179 781889 (07928 345724 workshop mobile), or email us on [email protected] and we'll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have or help you find a suitable booking appointment.
Please note, we do require a £100 deposit at the point of booking.
| 15 Nov 2019
Why you’d want a BMW E46 M3
A decade after the Golf GTI had turned the sports car concept on its head and shown that a hot hatch could be as chuckable as a roadster, BMW brought out the M3 in 1986.
This homologation special was only meant to help the company win Touring Car races, but it started a whole new genre and added excitement to the BMW range that it couldn’t do without. The E36 M3 of ’93 was accused of being more of a marketing tool – a tad unwieldy and overweight – but the E46 was designed to address that.
Priced on a par with the Porsche Boxster S, the E46 M3 was streets ahead in performance, challenging the much pricier 911 and Audi RS4. Stiffened, wider-tracked with big wheelarches and a massive front spoiler, it packed a 3.2-litre straight-six substantially re-engineered by the M division to generate 343bhp at 7900rpm and 269lb ft at 4900rpm. A six-speed Getrag gearbox took power to the rear wheels via a variable-lock limited-slip diff, developed with GKN.
Modern technology meant that ABS, switchable Dynamic Stability Control, Cornering Brake Control and Traction Control systems were standard. It sounded brilliant, too. ‘The grunty rumble from the quad exhausts at idle gives way to a serrated wail as the straight-six climbs to its redline,’ enthused Autocar.
(l-r) GTRs won back-to-back Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2004/’05; stunning one-off Touring sadly didn’t go into production
Aluminium was widely used to keep weight down, for the bonnet and brake calipers as well as suspension components, though the car still ended up heavier than its predecessor thanks to a high level of standard equipment inside the opulent leather-clad interior.
As a package, it was a triumph – the original M3 grown up. If you could criticise anything, it was that there wasn’t a lot of power below 2000rpm. But because it was then seamless up to 8000rpm and you had six gears to play with, it was hardly a big problem.
All cars were officially limited to 155mph, although Autocar’s test model happily topped 160mph and a limiter-delete was optional on the CSL version, allegedly allowing a 170mph top speed.
Coupés now command a price premium of c10% over Convertibles, but while manual gearboxes are preferred over SMG, condition and history are far more important.
There is a huge premium to pay if you want a CSL, however; the CS is currently a good option, with prices about 20% above the standard model. Crucial checkpoints are the rear axle carrier panel cracking, VANOS faults and head-gasket failure.
Images: Tony Baker
Subframe
Rear axle carrier panel is E46’s weak point: the structure cracks from stress loading and proper repair is complex. Check if it’s been done, and done well.
Engine
The engine is highly stressed and can suffer from a number of issues, especially if not scrupulously maintained. Rattling from the VANOS variable cam timing needs urgent overhaul. Head-gasket failure can manifest through misfire or pinking (budget c£1500 to have it done). Conrod bearing weakness should have been cured on an early recall.
Suspension
Forged-aluminium lower wisbones are unique to M3; ditto bearings and bushes. They lead a hard life so look for wear.
Wheels
18in alloys were standard; 19in optional (standard on CSL). Diamond-cut rims are costly to refurbish. Brakes are more than adequate for road; upgradable for track.
Gearbox
Six-speed manual gearbox is strong, but the optional SMG clutchless sequential shift can suffer slow changes and even apparent loss of fourth as pump wears.
Interior
Look for wear on driver’s outer bolster, which a good trimmer can refurbish or replace; Nappa leather can crack if it gets too dry. CSL interior is all different.
Electrics
Damp, especially on cars kept outside, can wreak havoc with electrics, as moist air condenses inside. Inspect the history, and confirm that everything works.
Hood
Folding top should fit well: check carpets for damp, hood for damage and test operation; most parts can be sourced on eBay. New Sonnenland hood is c£1000.
This highly specced car has Nappa leather and burr walnut
All versions are rapid, great-handling cars but time and neglect bring problems. The complex BMW/Siemens MSS54 engine-management system seems trouble-free, but the VANOS variable cam timing suffers with age. If it’s rattling, budget for a rapid service: it may be hardened seals but could be loose bolts or stripped splines that can wreck the motor.
A lack of power (relative to what it should be!) also indicates the need for an overhaul. A diagnostic test will confirm. A misfire, or pinking when accelerating gently uphill at 2000rpm, may be a symptom of head-gasket failure, fairly common at 80-100k miles.
The SMG gearchange can give trouble due to pump wear. A rebuilt pump is close to £1000 exchange, but a new BMW item is more than twice the price. Servicing is not cheap: even at independents, an Inspection 1 will cost £500-plus; and an Inspection 2 £650-plus.
Modifications are common, so check what’s been done and if the car has been abused on track. ECU upgrades, engine tuning, blueprinting, suspension and chassis upgrades, brake upgrades including AP Racing kits, different wheels and body mods are among the options.
The rear suspension incorporates M3-only links with steel balljoints: this stiff set-up plus the massive power put far greater stresses through the E46 shell than it had been designed to take and it cracks. Inspection and the involved repair is best carried out by an experienced specialist.
BMW E46 M3 price guide
M3
- Show: £20,000*
- Average: £10,000*
- Restoration: £5000*
CSL
- Show: £75,000*
- Average: £45,000*
- Restoration: £25,000*
*Prices correct at date of original publication
BMW E46 M3 history
2000 Mar E46 M3 launched
2002 Sep build starts
2001 Feb Right-hand-drive M3 on sale; Mar/Apr Convertible added, heavier so 0-60mph 5.1 secs; autumn, GTR racer announced for American Le Mans Series, with 460bhp 3997cc V8: it won!
2002 Feb M3 GTR on sale: 380bhp dry-sump alloy V8, carbonfibre roof, spoilers, rear wing; 10 made, three ‘sold’ for €250,000 but later returned to BMW. SMG II: 11 modes and ‘launch control’
2003 May M3 CSL added: 110kg lighter (carbonfibre/GRP and thinner glass used), 360bhp, faster semi-auto gearchange, bigger brakes, sharper steering and suspension; c1395 made, code BL95 LHD, BL96 RHD
E46 M3 Arches
2004 M3 Silverstone (cosmetic special) offered in the UK market only; 50 built
2005 M3 Coupé Sport (CS/ZCP) pack offered for base model: CSL wheels, steering and suspension
2006 May Coupé production ends
2006 Aug Soft-top production ends
“I’ve always had petrol in my DNA,” comments Peter Brewin, having sold his TR6 and M635CSi to buy this M3 eleven years ago. “I’d had them both for 10-12 years and wanted one car that combined the best of both. Porsches were too small and I like BMW detailing. I wanted one that was spot-on and spent 15 months looking.
“This car had one owner, full BMW history and has averaged 2500 miles a year. It was pampered by a wealthy collector and had all the options. I’ve taken it to the Revival, Le Mans Classic and touring in France.
“I drive it only when I really want to, and the conditions are perfect. Even the wiper blades are original: they never get used! The only repair it’s needed was a diff seal. I’ve fallen in love with it to such an extent that to prise me away from it would be a real challenge!”
Audi RS4 (left) and Mercedes-Benz CLK55 are alternative buys
AUDI RS4
With a 2.7-litre turbo V6 producing 376bhp, the 4WD 5-door estate RS4 flew. It’s scarce and still reassuringly pricey. Quicker in a straight line than M3, if not as much fun on the twisties.
Sold 2000-’01 • No. built 6030 • Mpg 16-25 • 0-60mph 4.7 secs • Top speed 155mph (limited) • Price new £46,500 (2001) • Price now £18-25,000*
MERCEDES-BENZ CLK55
AMG decided the only way to build a Merc to match the M3 was to sling a 5.5-litre V8 under the bonnet, with a five-speed paddle-shift auto and firmer set-up. Now, it’s quite a bargain.
Sold 2001-’07 • No. built c15,000 • Mpg 16-33 • 0-60mph 5 secs • Top speed 155mph (limited) • Price new £57,000 (Coupé, 2002) • Price now £7-15,000*
*Prices correct at date of original publication
E46 looks its best in M3 form, with fat arches over the signature 18in alloys, which are easily kerbed
The E46 M3 is thoroughly worthy of the name, and enthusiasts have wasted little time in pushing prices into the collector zone – especially for the rare CSL (and the half-way-house CS is beginning to follow).
E46 Touring Wide Arches
If you possibly can, buy a car with good, full service history and evidence of having been garaged and cherished. Neglect is extremely costly to rectify.
FOR
- Great handling and glorious noise
- Fabulous performance
- Usable every day
- Values for best are appreciating
AGAINST
- Rear end cracking: costly to fix
- Some engine issues as they get older
- Many have been modified and/or abused on track, so inspect uprated ones carefully
BMW E46 M3 specifications
- Sold/number built 2000-’06/55,506 Coupé, 29,633 Convertible
- Construction steel monocoque
- Engine iron-block, alloy-head, dohc 24-valve 3245cc ‘six’, with sequential multi-point injection; 343bhp @ 7900rpm-360bhp @ 7900rpm; 269lb ft @ 4900rpm-273lb ft @ 4300rpm
- Transmission Getrag six-speed manual, driving rear wheels; about 50% (including all CSLs) have optional SMG sequential semi-automatic
- Suspension: front MacPherson struts rear multi-link, coil springs; anti-roll bar f/r
- Steering power-assisted rack and pinion, 3.2 turns lock-lock (3 on CSL/CS)
- Brakes ventilated discs, 325mm front, 326mm rear, with servo; CSL/CS 348mm front
- Length 14ft 9in (4492mm)
- Width 6ft 41/2in (1947mm)
- Height 4ft 6in (1372mm)
- Wheelbase 8ft 11in (2725mm)
- Weight 3047-3649 (1385-1655kg)
- 0-60mph 4.5-5.1 secs
- Top speed 155-170mph
- Mpg 15-30
- Price new £37,850/41,400 (Coupé/Convertible, 2001)
READ MORE
Malcolm McKay is a regular contributor to Classic & Sports Car