I am seriously looking at a 04-05 E46M. I noticed that consumer reports had marked body integrity (seats, weatherstripping, loose interior trim, air and water leaks, wind noise, rattles and squeaks) as a problem area.

Can someone give me an idea which of these probs they have experienced?

thanks

Seats will wear very poorly if you don't use good technique getting in and out (basically, don't sit on the bolsters). The weatherstripping on the doors is prone to come unglued and drop down. There will be some random squeaks as well. These issues are endemic to all E46es (weatherstripping is coupe only, though).

Provided the seats are in good condition, none of this is a big deal.

Edit: The primary area of concern with the E46 M3 is the engine, and SMGII. One of these issues you can control for.

Edit: The primary area of concern with the E46 M3 is the engine, and SMGII. One of these issues you can control for.

I guess your referring to the regular maintenance requirements of the s54?
What is the area of concern for the SMGII?

Consumer reports. lol

Consumer reports. lol

Ditto on Consumer Reports. My weather stripping has issues. But nothing some contact cement didn't fix.

Consumer reports... yeah, BS if you dont believe in statistics. :/

Tell you what, look at the most reliable cars on the road and see where the rate in CR....

I don't think you are going to find many people who buy an e46m3 for it's "reliability."

I guess your referring to the regular maintenance requirements of the s54?
What is the area of concern for the SMGII?
I'm referring to the S54's tendency to shred itself. It's been largely alleviated, but not eliminated. Valvetrain problems have never been fixed, and there's still the occasional puking out of a rod.

The area of concern for SMGII is everything. The electronics fail, the hardware fails, it even kills the transmissions and clutches.

I don't think you are going to find many people who buy an e46m3 for it's "reliability."

Understood, but their data should not be discounted as being invalid or of no value. In THIS situation it might be of lessor importance than other issues that have higher priorities due to the passion/personal preferences (in someways very subjective or individually varied).

Practicality for me is still very important. If I had weekends to spend at the track, that might be different. Maybe for that reason Im not cut out to be an M3 owner.

Thanks

Understood, but their data should not be discounted as being invalid or of no value. In THIS situation it might be of lessor importance than other issues that have higher priorities due to the passion/personal preferences (in someways very subjective or individually varied).

Practicality for me is still very important. If I had weekends to spend at the track, that might be different. Maybe for that reason Im not cut out to be an M3 owner.

Thanks
Most M3 buyers would have been happier and better off with a 330i.