We should start a pool... how long do you think my car is going to last before it needs major repairs or engine rebuilds? Now... take into account, the car gets all the regular maintanence it should and a little extra TLC because I don't want it to need major repairs or an engine rebuild.

Bets?

Well.... I do all maintenance (as suggested by the manual) and slightly more by having the oil changed in between services but I track and autocross my car as often as I have time for. Its got 12,500+ miles on it and so far no issues (knock on wood). I'm hoping the car will last well over 100k miles. By the way, my M serves not only my track and autocross activities, its also my daily driver.

100,001 miles. Then the motor WILL blow ;)

You sound like me... I just drive way more than you do ;)

Im gonna say at least 120k. I saw a 100k mile E46M3 on ebay so with the extras i would stick with 120k

I hope they last a while, I've only had my car for 9 months and I've already logged 13,000 miles for a grand total of 22k on the car. My E36 M3 still felt strong at 130k when I sold it (and that car got flogged).

I've often wondered about the longevity of these high-hp-per-liter engines such as the S2000, e46 M3 and whatnot. These things are still too new to make a conclusion, yet, so I guess we'll see.

I'd say 100,000.1 miles it will blow .... I would after the car reaches 60K, start running compression and leak tests every year with the UV Dye though just to be on the safe side. Better to catch a problem than end up with one.

For a $50000 or so car and it will onyl last for between 100,000 to 120,000 miles? Isn't that a bit to short of a lifespan for a car so expensive?

I ask because my wife and I have been planning on getting one by next summer. And if we do get it, I am hoping for it to last a very long time.

So is this the average mileage before it give you major problems (motor blowing, leaks etc.)?

Thanks.

I would say well over 120K at least.

As a comparison there are quite a few S50 B32 driving over here with 140k+

I have almost 90K and e46's still cant pull away from me. (in fact I would say that i gain on them, but thats a different topic entiley...lol)

So given the care you give to your car, who knows?

Disclaimer: either that or it has just let go and you are being funny

I think if you look back to the S14 engines of the E30 M3 you'll discover the answers you're looking for. Granted, the S54 gets more HP/L. However, better materials and new techniques are being used to build them. So, even with a good flogging I'd say around 150,000 to 200,000 miles max. Little more if they are driven less agressively.

-Prince

For a $50000 or so car and it will onyl last for between 100,000 to 120,000 miles? Isn't that a bit to short of a lifespan for a car so expensive?

I ask because my wife and I have been planning on getting one by next summer. And if we do get it, I am hoping for it to last a very long time.

So is this the average mileage before it give you major problems (motor blowing, leaks etc.)?

Thanks.


Don't worry about it. I really think that BMW wouldn't put a motor out that would die that quickly. Now if you want to start talking about when stuff like vanos, etc. is going to die and cost a pretty penny then..... That is the stuff that I think will fail around 100K or so.

What's the current mileage on your odometer Kevin?
36K for me...

51368 last time I looked...

Fantastic! So... you planning to keep this one until 2nd/3rd year of the next generation M3?
Glad to hear that your car is holding up very well will all the driving and track events!

Yeah, I'm going to hold on to this car for a while...

Yeah, I'm going to hold on to this car for a while...

:buttrock

This is what I'm hoping for. If not I'd be will to invest some $$$ to keep her top... :redspot

It'll last easily at least 200K... I love hearing about owners really driving and
enjoying their Ms :buttrock

Now for a more important question:

332 TMS car, who is that on your avatar (sorry for the hijack Kev)...