Beauty and a Beast: 2004 BMW M3

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I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again: The E46 generation BMW M3 is one of the greatest automobiles ever produced for mass consumption. It isn’t a “only drive on Saturday morning when the weather is dry Ferrari F40” or a “my 993 Porsche has appreciated 25% year over year since I bought it for $12K in 1999 and is now worth more than a loaded oil tanker that’s made it throught straights of Hormuz“. What the E46 M3 offers is the best performance, style, exclusivity, parts availability, utility, and performance for today’s market asking price. Let’s get into it, because this next M3 isn’t for the faint of heart. Find this 2004 BMW M3 offered for $8900 in Rancho Cordova, CA via facetick bearingboom.

This is probably the lowest priced E46 M3 you’ll find without some massive rust issue that’s sitting right side up. BUT, the seller mentions a few key problems that I want to address. First is the salvaged title — not a total dealbreaker. I’ve owned many salvaged title cars over the years; you pay less for them and sell them for less, it’s just paperwork (insurance isn’t a problem, just check the before/after damage photos, be aware that bondo is bad). Next up is the SMG transmission – not a preferred setup for an M3, but fabulous on the racetrack and easier in LA traffic. It’s also $3K to pay someone else to swap it to full manual using your exisiting gearbox. Small cosmetic issues and a strut bar that needs replacing – easy to solve if you are DIYer. But then we get to the real juicy part…”Engine has a small tick sound most likely rod bearing around crank shaft.”

High mile (not to be confused with high smile) E46 M3 owners will talk about the “big-3” with fluency, but if you aren’t familiar — they are; 1 rear subframe reinforcement, 2. vanos refurb/upgrade, 3. rod bearings. The ticking that the seller describes with “small tick” could be a dreaded S54 rod bearing going if it is original, that’s never been replaced/upgraded. It could also be an issue with the solid lifter camshafts that require regular shim maintenance or vanos or…but for the current asking price, this could be a steal. Or a wallet-draining love fest.

From the seller:

2004 BMW m3
$8,900
Listed 18 hours ago in Rancho Cordova, CA
About this vehicle
Driven 115,411 miles
Automatic transmission
Exterior color: Grey · Interior color: Black
Fuel type: Gasoline
Fair condition
Seller’s description
Selling my 2004 e46 m3.

  • Salvaged Title
    -SMG Transmission
    -115,000 miles
    -Strut bar needs replacing
    -Driver side Fender grill needs replacing
    -Paint chipping mostly on front bumper
    -Engine has a small tick sound most likely rod bearing around crank shaft

I’ve has this car for almost 8 years and around 35k miles… still drives great, just not the car for me anymore. Message me if you have questions or to see it. $8,900 OBO.

See a better way to drive something that’s either the most incredible car you’ll ever own or the most incredible car you’ll ever sink thousands of dollars into owning while it lives at the mechanic? tips@dailyturismo.com