[Corrupted]

You clearly don't know what the definition of "facelift" is. Even changing motors doesn't qualify as a facelift (when the M54 got it's technical update in 2001, along with a 500cc bump in displacement with the 330, the car was still pre-facelift). You don't know anywhere near as much about BMW as you think you do.

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by Corrupted

You clearly don't know what the definition of "facelift" is. Even changing motors doesn't qualify as a facelift (when the M54 got it's technical update in 2001, along with a 500cc bump in displacement with the 330, the car was still pre-facelift). You don't know anywhere near as much about BMW as you think you do.

I know what a "facelift" is and I know that my 2006 M3 had the same face as pre-facelift E46 cars. I was responding to your statement that "they were all exactly the same throughout production"

Whatever makes you feel good about yourself - cheers!

[FL335]

I owned an e46 m3 for 4 years. First off is it a 6MT, you're in better shape, if it's the SMG, don't bother.

Maintenance is key. Basic stuff: oil changes, coolant, and inspections. The LED tails were added in 2003...there was no " facelift" the car was the same body from 2001-2006. There were "updates" but no true aesthetic changes. It's a great car. prepare to spend reasonable $$ and take care of it. Enjoy!

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by FL335

I owned an e46 m3 for 4 years. First off is it a 6MT, you're in better shape, if it's the SMG, don't bother.

Maintenance is key. Basic stuff: oil changes, coolant, and inspections. The LED tails were added in 2003...there was no " facelift" the car was the same body from 2001-2006. There were "updates" but no true aesthetic changes. It's a great car. prepare to spend reasonable $$ and take care of it. Enjoy!

I had a 2006 Dinan M3 for almost 8 years. Never spent a dime for maintenance other than tires and oil/filter changes, etc. It was a great trouble free car. Of course, it only had 60k miles when I sold it last year.

[SW19]

Originally Posted by FL335

I owned an e46 m3 for 4 years. First off is it a 6MT, you're in better shape, if it's the SMG, don't bother.

Maintenance is key. Basic stuff: oil changes, coolant, and inspections. The LED tails were added in 2003...there was no " facelift" the car was the same body from 2001-2006. There were "updates" but no true aesthetic changes. It's a great car. prepare to spend reasonable $$ and take care of it. Enjoy!

There was an aesthetic change when they did the facelift on the E46 coupe in 2003.BMW made the design of the painted handle piece,that is just above the licence plate,on the trunk,longer than the original one.The facelifted E46 M3 coupe also received this design change in 2003.

[1MOREMOD]

Can you face lift your ass?

[docmfg]

FWIW I have a 2003 LSB M3. It had the rod bearing recall, I reinforced the subframe at around 50K and have followed old school maintenance. I changed the OEM radiator to a Fluidyne/Turner rad at 150K as a preventative measure, original rad was still fine. It only spent one year in NJ when new and then I moved to Socal, It now has over 152 K on the clock still on original clutch and Vanos. So german high mileage sports cars can be reliable if looked after. Now I have to make an effort to drive it a least once or twice a month as I am enjoying my frozen black F82.