BMW M3

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2002 BMW M3

2002 BMW M3 questions and answers

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Q: Is the 2002 BMW M3 worth the buy?
I am looking into a 2002 BMW M3, Estoril blue, with 62,000 miles on it. It has black leather interior and looks to be in very good condition. Is this a good year? Good car? It is listing for 20 thousand dollars.

A: Cracking car! If you can afford the upkeep of such an expensive car, go for it. I'd want to check the service history and maybe get an independent mechanical inspection done on a car like that, but I'd drive an M3 no worries! Looks like you're in the US, I'm not sure about the prices your side of the pond, but in the UK that car might fetch £12k from a dealer, so maybe $20k is a bit steep. It's always good to haggle anyway.

Q: Advice for buying a 2002 BMW m3 with high mileage.?
I'm planning on getting this M3 that i've been lucky to find, but the only thing that's got my a little worried is the fact that its got about 95K worth of mileage. I'm gotten the vehicle history and the only thing that seems to show up a lot is tire repair. Everything else is just normal maintenance. Does anyone think I should get this one, the price is around 17K and that's actually the cheapest one i can find without going out of state.

A: ...on the positive side the M3 is -a good (not great) handling auto - very nice looking and well assembled -nice interior, good seating -and.....well thats about it ...on the negative side -its expensive to buy and maintain, with cost of repairs , servicing & maintenance right at the top of the scale (approx 1.5 to 2X cost of american or japanese product). -BMW dependability ratings are only so-so (they are not rock solid, and are prone to requiring repair regularly especially with added mileage) -for a performance car with reported rating of about 330hp at the crank their performance is actually not outstanding and most road tests report it takes them more than 5.5 sec to go 0-60 (BMW claims it will do it in 5.2 which seems to be dead wrong.). a g35 infiniti, will easily match this time at less cost and with much higher dependability ratings/less cost of ownership. -fuel consumption ratings are really high so if you really want a BMW they are nice cars (especially for posers), but the costs of ownership are as high as they can get and dependability is somewhat lacking. from a performance perspective you will be looking at a lot of tailights from high performance sports sedans/coupes that are less pricier. regards, owner past & present of supercharged cars, fan of forced induction (former owner of 2 BMW's, never again).

Q: what is the diff between the bmw m3 and the bmw 330 ci both 2002 model?
m3 http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/attachments/f162/76321d1205537385-fs-2002-bmw-m3-excellent-condition-going-cheap-picture_-007.jpg 330 ci http://www.keycops.co.uk/images/cars/2753.jpg

A: Actually there is a world of difference. Engine: 330 ci uses BMW's 3.3 litre straight six with a single throttle. This engine was widely used in slightly different configs on many 3 series cars and the same block was used for some 5 series as well. The M3 has its own engine. Like other M engines it follows the F1 technologies and uses an individual throttle for each cylinder which requires a special fuel injection and completely different management s/w. It uses a higher compression rate, has double VANOS to independent variable valve timing and produces 333 HP stock with higher rev limiter than regular 3 series. Gearbox: The M3 has a six speed close ration Getrag manual as standard. It can also be purchased with SMG sequential manual gearbox which actually uses the same manual Getrag box with electro-hydrolic system to shift gears. This generation SMG is not preffered over the manual unlike the newer units used in M5. By the way, the 330i can also be ordered with the SMG used in M3, but the management is not the same due to the fact that M3 engine was designed with special fly by wire for computer controlled throttle blipping during gear shifting. Suspension: BMW M3 has a specially tuned suspension. It is quite hard comparing to stock 330i and is not adjustble from factory. Pretty nice on the track though, but your girlfriend might compain that her teeth are being shaken out if you drive it around town. Differential: M3 has it's very own diff that is a limited slip like all other cars with a lower gear ratio. To finalize BMW M3 has a sports tuned 4 tip exhaust with it's very own note that sounds better than the car stereo. It would be easier to list all the things they have in common.

Q: Looking into a 2002 BMW M3?
Great overall car? But I would need to drive something else in the winter time with the snow, yes? lol

A: Great car, if you throw on some winter tires you wouldn't really need a winter car, but that's up to you. I would recommend getting a '03 instead of an '02 or under simply because they made some minor improvements that year (i.e. tail lights are LED lights etc..) so its worth to just get 03 or higher.

Q: Where can i find a used BMW M3 2002-2005 (30 grand or below)?


A: http://www.bmwcca.org/ They'll know. Also search for "bimmer" as the name.... there used to be a great nationwide classified ads database but I couldn't find it for you just now. Look at http://www.kbb.com under Used Cars, too.

Q: BMW e46 M3 with RPM fluctuations at Idle?
I have a 2002,BMW M3.When car is idling the the rpm meter shows around 1000 rpm. At stop lights the rpm drops a bit (just 200 - 250 less) rpm for a second and comes back to normal. I can stay with the car at idle for several minutes and it will keep doing it every 3 or 4 minutes. It doesn't matter if its cold or already warmed up... I'm really concerned as repairals to this car are extremely expensive!!!

A: if it does it at a stoplight it probably because the car is in drive(automatic) and you have your foot on the brake but aren't applying the same amount of pressure the entire time you are stopped. try putting it in park when it starts doing it to see if it keeps doing it. if its a manual transmission the clutch it starting to grab. if you still have problems its also possible that your fuel pump is acting up and giving inconsistent pressure: have you ever let the tank go completely dry?

Q: Are there any major interior/exterior differences between a 2002 and 2005 BMW M3?


A: The 2005s have LED tail lights among other minor things.

Q: 2002 Bmw smg M3?
Just bought a M3 with an smg transmission....passenger door will not close and the trunk will not close...the car was in a roll over.....engine is in great shape, but my question is the smg transmission will not shift into gear when the car is running....the gears just keep flashing..when the engine is off it shifts into first and revirse...what could be the problem? is there any sensor that will not let it shift when the door or trunk is open...or is there someting wrong with the transmission????

A: JUST GO TO A MACHANIC

Q: BMW E30 M3 vs. BMW 2002, which car is more collected?
just out of curiosity, which of the two cars is more commonly collected? or considered more of a prized possession, etc...you get the idea.

A: The 2002 is definitely rarer and therefore, more collectible. So much so, that BMW AG built a one-off version in "Inka Orange" in the public eye a couple of years ago. This resurrection created quite a sensation on the streets of Munich. In the US, the 2002 was the model that caused Americans to sit up and take notice of this car maker in the early 1970's. With 4 passengers and their luggage aboard, this boxy-looking car was capable of running circles around Mustangs, Camaros, and other muscle cars of the era. Auto writers termed the 2002 a "pocket rocket, Q-ship, and whispering bomb". It was truly a great machine.

Q: Should I buy a Manual or SMG Gearbox BMW M3?
I am looking to replace my 2002 Lotus Elise Sports Tourer with a 2002 onwards BMW M3. I understand there are two options for the M3 in the form of a manual gearbox and a SMG Paddleshift gearbox. Does anyone have a preference or any advice relating to this topic? Are there any known issues with either car? Thanks.

A: I drive a 2005 SMG M3 and I couldn't be happier. None of the e46 cars (2001-2006) had issues with SMG. The actual gearbox (Getrag) itself is the same, and so is performance. SMG is only an electrohydraulic clutch, so it allows ultra-fast shifts, making the SMG car faster anytime shifting is involved. SMG also rev-matches on downshifts (eliminating the need for double clutching), and provides different launch modes for drop clutch starts. The choice comes down to personal preference. Classic gearbox vs F1 technology. Purist vs function. In response to other answers - tinkypinkles, a 6MT feels sloppy and delayed compared to SMG, not the other way around. SMG shifts in 80 ms; the fastest drivers would be lucky to shift in 500. zzycatch - your 3-point turn example makes zero sense - both 6MT and SMG will roll backwards on a steep grade. And why, if SMG is better on the track (and it is) would you NOT want it on the roads? So you can drive worse? Sam S - you lost me. 2002+ M3s will all have SMG II; all the e46 M3s do. Only the e36s had SMG I. And SMG III is out right now, in the M5 and M6.

Q: Question about the BMW M3?
I am looking into a 2002 BMW M3 Estoril Blue. It has 59K miles on it, with black leather interior. It is being sold for almost $22,000. Is this a pretty good deal?

A: I have an 01 when i bought it had 37,000 on it and i only paid 23k. maybe i just got a really good deal idk. but they are amazing cars i now have 130,000 miles on it and i haven't had a problem with anything. just watch the car on wet roads and forget about driving in the snow with it

Q: bmw m3 e46 interior..?
how much would it coast to put a whole new interior on a 2002 bmw m3 the one i have is good but i would like a different color , problably the red one ..but i want to do it in the bmw dealer so thjat i can get the work done good...do any body have an idea of how much would it coast including seats and everything

A: Unless you have a lot of money invested in modifications in your current car, you might wanna just look for a car that has the colors you want. On the other hand, if you want something custom that was never offered by BMW. If they'll even do the work, the price will make your eyes bulge for sure. Best to just go ask a dealer, but I'll eat my hat if they tell you less than $5000, and wouldn't phase me if they said $10,000 Also check out http://leatherique.org/default.aspx just for curiosity's sake.

Q: bmw m3 gtr photos from inside....?
does anyone have any photos from inside the mighty gtr except from this.... http://www.exoticcarsite.com/image.php?image=/pictures/Cars/bmw/m3_gtr_strasse/2002_bmw_m3_gtr_strass-6.jpg the back, the front, how would it look like from either the drivers seat or the passengers seat.... ect.... and from the trunk aswell.... thanx m333, but not only did you give everything i already saw but also everything exept for what i am actually looking for........

A: http://www.exoticcarsite.com/image.php?image=/pictures/Cars/bmw/m3_gtr_strasse/2002_bmw_m3_gtr_strass-1.jpg http://www.exoticcarsite.com/image.php?image=/pictures/Cars/bmw/m3_gtr_strasse/2002_bmw_m3_gtr_strass-2.jpg http://www.exoticcarsite.com/image.php?image=/pictures/Cars/bmw/m3_gtr_strasse/2002_bmw_m3_gtr_strass-3.jpg http://www.exoticcarsite.com/image.php?image=/pictures/Cars/bmw/m3_gtr_strasse/2002_bmw_m3_gtr_strass-4.jpg http://www.exoticcarsite.com/image.php?image=/pictures/Cars/bmw/m3_gtr_strasse/2002_bmw_m3_gtr_strass-5.jpg http://www.exoticcarsite.com/image.php?image=/pictures/Cars/bmw/m3_gtr_strasse/2002_bmw_m3_gtr_strass-7.jpg http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?p=m3+gtr&ni=20&ei=UTF-8&fr=moz2&xargs=0&pstart=1&b=1 http://www.7extrememotorsports.com/lemans/cars/gt-bmw-m3-gt-e46.htm http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisdurst/908943425/sizes/l/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/jalopnik/452251237/ http://www.racecarsdirect.com/listing/15768/E46_M3_GTR_V8.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q8ZNkhxT04 http://www.roadandtrack.com/images/rt_images/2002/may/2002_05_bmwm3_gtr_interior.jpg

Q: Servicing costs for BMW M3 (E46)?
I was looking at buying a 2002 BMW M3 (E46), manual transmission. Does anyone know what the servicing costs are for this car? And what sort of intervals they are at? I have not bought this car yet, I was looking at buying one. I was just wondering what the servicing intervals and costs are, for example if it was a 10000 mile service intervals then what are the: 50000 mile service costs, 60000 mile service costs, 70000 mile service costs.... etc. I have not bought this car yet, I was looking at buying one. I was just wondering what the servicing intervals and costs are, for example if it was a 10000 mile service intervals then what are the: 50000 mile service costs, 60000 mile service costs, 70000 mile service costs.... etc.

A: Oil is done once a year or every 15000 miles, depending on type of driving. That 15000 miles changes as you drive it, and ends up being about 12000 miles, but by then it's a year anyway. Cost, about $200. Not really sure as the oil price has probably gone up since I did it last. It was $11 a quart and takes 7 quarts. $200 a year for oil isn't bad though. Every 15000 miles is about $500 or so. Called Inspection 1. Includes changing the oil. Every 30000 miles is expensive, about $1500. This includes adjusting the valves, and Inspection 1. Called Inspection 2. There is no every 5000 mile service, and there are no cam belts. They are run off a chain.

Q: how much hp to 98-02 bmw m3?
how much hp can you run to the 1998-2002 bmw m3 without having to worry about building up the engine or transmission? Sorry, i didnt know I was crossing over into another type of m3. I was interested in the 333hp one, so the 2002 and any previous years that still had the 333hp engine. My question was that if I decided to buy one and add a supercharger or a turbo or a twin turbo, what is the hp cut off I should stick to so I dont damage the engine. For instance, I know with the 04 ford mustang gt, I could add a supercharger but if I run more then 500hp through the engine I will throw a rod or damage a piston but with the 2004 cobra which has all forged internal components I can go all the way up to 1000hp without having to worry about damaging the engine. My question is whats the hp limit for the m3 bmw??

A: You are covering 2 series of the M3 here... 98' would be a E36 with the S52 engine. In US dress, it makes (rated at) 240 hp. The US version also used a single throttle body. 02' would be a E46 with the (Magnificent) S54 engine. It delivers a massive 333 hp. This engine uses 6 throttle bodies - one for each cylinder. As previously stated in other replies, these engines are tuned pretty sweet all ready and will not benefit much from any after market add-ons. You can add a supercharger, but in my humble opinion... BMW's are not street drag or rice racers and for what they truly are designed to do - carve up the twisties with great gusto - they have plenty of juice built in!