Ride: 6/10. The M3 is a hard-edged performance car, so don't expect to cruise in total comfort. The suspension is stiff enough that you will be well acquainted with the bumps in the road. But here 5 days ago · 4. 2000-2006 BMW M3 (E46) Plagued by the same S85 engine issues as the M6, the M5 E60’s common faults like a failing SMG pump and rod bearings can cost upwards of $6,000 and $2,500 BMW M3 GTS (2010-2011) – 4.4 lt V8 – 444 HP (331 kW) – | N65B44 engine; Common Issues on BMW E90. Following the E46 3 Series, the E90 has been a solid replacement as a reliable machine. Of course, it was more electronic and more complex than the E46 and was one of the more complicated cars BMW had to offer at the time. While 1) BMW M60 Nikasil Damage. This issue is mostly a thing of the past. However, there could be a few M60 engines still out there that went under the radar and weren’t fixed. Early M60 cylinder liners are made from Nikasil, which is a combination of aluminum, nickel, and silicone. This video goes over the common issues of the E46 M3. I talk about the VANOS system, subframe cracks, throttle position sensors, valve adjustments, rod beari Beware: Widespread Vanos failures in E46 M3s. My vanos failed two weeks ago on my 2006 E46 M3 with about 29k miles:thumbdwn:, literally on my way home from the dealer after having the service II performed a second time (after I caught the dealer not performing the work in the first service II:tsk. Now BMW NA is refusing to cover it under warranty. Look for any tears and grease that may have leaked from them. If they are in need of repair have the problem fixed before you buy or adjust your offer accordingly. The control arms/suspension are different up front to allow for the added weight the AWD system brings with it. Buying & Maintenance Everything You Need to Know Before Buying an E46 M3 The E46 M3 is one of the best-driving BMWs of all time. Here's how to buy the right one. By Brian Silvestro TM7ega.