Maintenance for the E46 M3

[Kevlar]

Since this question seems to be popping up once a week... we'll sticky this thread here for the time being. Feel free to post additions or corrections here if need be and I'll update the post accordingly.

Oil Changes every 7000-15000 miles (depending on your driving style):
7 quarts of 10W-60 at $8 to $11/quart + filter
*free if you car still has scheduled maintanence.

Inspection I/II every 15000 to 30000 miles (depending on your driving style):
$1200-$1600

Rear Tires 9000-12000 miles
$450-760

Front Tires 15000-20000 miles
$400-700

[RINGTAXI]

Thank You. I just bought mine, and this update helps. I have 12000 miles so I will take it in for INSPEC. 1.

[eTiger13]

rear tires every 10k miles? wow maybe some people need to stop going to the track. that seems an awfully low number.

[333inlinesix]

rear tires every 10k miles? wow maybe some people need to stop going to the track. that seems an awfully low number.

I have 20k on mine, still some tread, maybe I am not driving hard enough.

[YetiX]

I have 20k on mine, still some tread, maybe I am not driving hard enough.

You're not.

By 20k mine would be gone. They usually last around 15k.

[YACK]

27K, just put my third set of rear tire and changed my front this time.

[M3Tony]

Which manufacturer/brand and size are members getting over 20K on? I have 19s, running the OEM Conti... but I'm debating getting a set of 18s so the price of each tire drops in half...

[YACK]

I am now trying the new Kumho SPT they just came out this year. They were not on tirerack's site yet when I have bougth mine. I have 18" and they only come in 245 in the back, but still they are wider then the 255 pilot sport I had on my car. So far they are as quiet and the traction is as good, time will tell how many miles I well get on a rear set but if it come close to 14 to 15K (this is what I have got with the Pilot sport. I will not change my driving style an the 255 are about $250 a piece VS $160 for the SPT.
The prices are very competitive even for the 19" maybe you should check them out and compare

[mose121]

rear tires every 10k miles? wow maybe some people need to stop going to the track. that seems an awfully low number.

10k on tires is not that bad if you're driving the car hard. I only get 8-11k on my FWD Jetta. Any tire rated higher than an H is going to wear fast. Softer componds=greater grip=fast treadwear. Plus, the road is never straight here in PA so aggresive drivers go through rubber fast with all the hills/turns.

[BLS]

What is the brand of oil that's $8 to $11 a quart?

I don't want to assume it's Redline.

Brad

[Lawrence1]

it's the Castrol TWS Motorsport 10W-60.

[mmm3er]

Since this question seems to be popping up once a week... we'll sticky this thread here for the time being. Feel free to post additions or corrections here if need be and I'll update the post accordingly.

Oil Changes every 7000-15000 miles (depending on your driving style):
7 quarts of 10W-60 at $8 to $11/quart + filter
*free if you car still has scheduled maintanence.

Inspection I/II every 15000 to 30000 miles (depending on your driving style):
$1200-$1600

Rear Tires 9000-12000 miles
$450-760

Front Tires 15000-20000 miles
$400-700

would these stats be the same on the SMG tranny and do you or anyone else here know whats the wear and tear on the SMG parts

[Kevlar]

would these stats be the same on the SMG tranny and do you or anyone else here know whats the wear and tear on the SMG parts

Wear and tear is the same... your clutch will probably last longer tho as long as you do not abuse the launch mode feature.

[06InterlagosM3]

why 10w 60 for an e46 //m3?? just curious - just bought one so kinda wanna know

how about for an e36 //m3? 10w30??

thanks!!

[dan748bp]

I am coming up on my Valve Adjustment as the dealer told me, conveniently just after my maintenance warranty has run out and I have been told the this mandatory service of almost $1000 may be unecessary by a friend. Does anyone have any input on this? If so, can this be performed by anyone other than the dealer?

[Greg W / Oregon]

I am coming up on my Valve Adjustment as the dealer told me, conveniently just after my maintenance warranty has run out and I have been told the this mandatory service of almost $1000 may be unecessary by a friend. Does anyone have any input on this? If so, can this be performed by anyone other than the dealer?

No, it may not be necessary, if lash is within spec.; but if not, it most definitely has to be done. You can use a competent independent shop, but make sure they have a good supply of the many different shims that may be needed. Otherwise, you will find your car laid up until they get them.

Mine requred adjustment at Inspection I (24k).

[Nyc718wolf]

Wear and tear is the same... your clutch will probably last longer tho as long as you do not abuse the launch mode feature.

he he....I think i will be abusing that feature on a good sunny day.

grea "sticky' idea, btw.

[Nyc718wolf]

No, it may not be necessary, if lash is within spec.; but if not, it most definitely has to be done. You can use a competent independent shop, but make sure they have a good supply of the many different shims that may be needed. Otherwise, you will find your car laid up until they get them.

Mine requred adjustment at Inspection I (24k).

you had inspection 1 at 24k??

I assume that is not good, right?

[Kevin2772]

he he....I think i will be abusing that feature on a good sunny day.

grea "sticky' idea, btw.

Has anyone done the launch feature on the SMG and had any significant results. I tried it once this summer and I got some moderate wheelspin for a few feet but nothing spectacular. I can get the same burn out by just hammering the gas from a stop....and my tires are coming to the end with about 15K on them right now. Anyone have alot of experience driving their M3 in the snow?

[lirimb]

Whats a 'launch mode feature' ? Is it a button your press or what? What does it do?

[FL410]

you had inspection 1 at 24k??

I assume that is not good, right?

I had mine at 24K, too. I think that is about right, especially since I do a lot of short haul and frequent starts along with aggressive driving. If you drive on the highway and for longer periods at a time you might get to 30K or something. FL410

[FL410]

Whats a 'launch mode feature' ? Is it a button your press or what? What does it do?

Go here for a full explanation of SMG including in car videos of all features. I learned a lot from the site. http://www.m3smg.com

As for launch control, it has two modes. One is for a straight up burnout, the other opens and closes the clutch 8x/sec. for max acceleration with minimal spin--very fun and fast.

[mi6]

7 quarts of oil is TOO MUCH---READ THE OWNER'S MANUAL!

[///brian92fs]

rear tires every 10k miles? wow maybe some people need to stop going to the track. that seems an awfully low number.

I got 6k on my first set of rears with my 96 M3 running Yokohama AVS. I can only image wear would be faster if anything on an e46 with the extra 93hp.

I now get 10k - 15k on the rears with Khumo Ecsta MX

[Greg W / Oregon]

I got 6k on my first set of rears with my 96 M3 running Yokohama AVS. I can only image wear would be faster if anything on an e46 with the extra 93hp.

I now get 10k - 15k on the rears with Khumo Ecsta MX

The advantage the E46 M3 has is the M Lock Differential which is quite effective at minimizing unintended wheelspin. That undoubtedly adds some life. Most I know get 10k - 15k on rears.