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Does Build Year Matter

Discussion in 'E46 M3 (2001-2006)' started by MDreier89, Mar 15, 2008.

    MDreier89 guest

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    Hey guys,
    I'm currently in the market and I found this meticulous '02 M3 with only 16k miles and owned by the original owner. However, originally I was looking at '03 M3's and newer. Besides the slight differences of the upgraded LED's and such, does build year really matter otherwise?
    • Member

    Nicholas Carney

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    The earlier build dates from 2/1/2001 - 05/22/2003 where suppose to have main bearing failure do to bad casting. SI Bulletin 11 04 04 and 11 02 03. The dealer should have and would have replaced the bearings and oil pump. With your car having such low miles, you could contact the owner and find out. You may also be able to ask the service guys at the dealer where it was performed. I prefer the earlier model for one reason, jack points. The earlier ones have a cool rubber center jack point in front instead of the later aluminum foil bendy plate.

    CryNoMo guest

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    Heres info that may help

    2001 to 2002
    SMGII available
    In-Dash CD Player replaces In-Dash Tape Player (non-Nav cars)
    Bi-Xenon option replaces single Xenon
    Titan Shadow Trim replaces Gloss Black Trim
    Navigation Screen changes from 4:3 to 16:9
    Topaz Blue Metallic added as standard color
    Automatic Headlight option
    19" Wheels option added (mid year)
    Strut Bar added as standard equipment (mid year)



    2002 to 2003
    Basic Scheduled Maintenance Plan extended from 3/36 to 4/50
    DSC/ABS unit moved from rear left of engine compartment under the brake fluid reservoir (leaving large empty space).
    Aluminum Trim added as an option
    DVD Navigation replaces CD-ROM Navigation
    In-Dash CD Player available for Navigation equipped cars
    Revised HVAC controls
    Topaz Blue Metallic & Steel Gray Metallic dropped from standard colors
    Mystic Blue Metallic & Silver Gray Metallic added as standard colors
    LED Tail Lights (mid year)
    Trunk Handle extended (mid year)



    2003 to 2004
    BMW Assist (BMW version of OnStar)
    Square rear view mirror with BMW Assist and Fin at the back of the roof



    2004 to 2005
    Laguna Seca Blue and Oxford Green Metallic discontinued
    Alcantara available as a standard option
    Eucalyptus Malt Wood Trim available as a standard option
    Competition (try not to laugh) package (ZCP) added including 19" CSL "style wheels", Alcantara steering wheel and hand brake, aluminum interior trim, slightly larger (front) cross drilled rotors, M track mode for DSC, modified suspension and steering ratio, cruise control deleted. Available starting with 12/04 production.
    Interlagos Blue Metallic added for ZCP equipped cars only


    *kudos Madrusian
    • Member

    suss1173

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    I'm thinking of making the plung and buying an E46-M car
    This is helpfull info, ty

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