Hey guys, I'm looking into purchasing a 6MT 2001 M3 with almost 60k on the clock. It just recently had Inspection II performed. Are there any wear-and-tear parts that will need to be replaced in the near future? (RTAB's, guibo, etc) Any and all advice would be helpful...thanks!

they are supposed to check for things that need replacement during the inspection.

Well, they are supposed to change spark plugs, engine oil, trans fluid, diff fluid, adjust valves, flush brakes and coolant and change air filter. So if they did what they were supposed to do, you should be in good shape. They should have also checked the clutch for wear.
They inspect RTABs, too, so you might want to ask them if they showed signs of wear.

Just make sure Inspection II was done by someone that knows the difference between Inspection II on an M3 and on a 330. Many independent shops are unaware of (and unqualified to perform) the extra needs of an M3.

Just make sure Inspection II was done by someone that knows the difference between Inspection II on an M3 and on a 330. Many independent shops are unaware of (and unqualified to perform) the extra needs of an M3.


:lol Did you go to BMW of El Paso!!!!!

:lol Did you go to BMW of El Paso!!!!!
I was quoted ~$450 for Insp II. I asked, "Does that include the valve adjustment?" and the reply was "BMW's don't need valve adjustments. It's hydraulic."

Um, oooookaaaay. Next!

Well, they are supposed to change spark plugs, engine oil, trans fluid, diff fluid, adjust valves, flush brakes and coolant and change air filter. So if they did what they were supposed to do, you should be in good shape. They should have also checked the clutch for wear.
They inspect RTABs, too, so you might want to ask them if they showed signs of wear.

Sounds pretty good. It looks like I should probably pay a visit to the dealership where the current owner has it serviced to get more info on the car.

While I'm at it, are there any common faults with the E46 M3? Any reliability upgrades that I should be making? I'm coming from an E36, so things like shock and transmission mounts, window regulators, and radiators come to mind... Are there similar types of weak spots on the E46?

E46 M3s tear through RTABs, on a frequent basis too. They go through rear tires, but thats because most owners like to go fast. I've worked on a fair amount of mid milage e46 M3s and they are pretty solid. RTABs are usually a must but most owners dont want to pay for them. Take the car to the dealer for a pre-purchese inspection and see what they say. If anything breaks or goes wrong shortly after, take it back to them and ask why it wasn't recommended or looked at during the inspection. Other than that, just buy the car, enjoy it, drive it, and see what happens.

Call BMW NA with the VIN number and they can give you a verbal report of the services performed, and where they were performed.