M3 E46 Issues

[pikey]

ok, i had a thread asking same question in the "3 series" section and no-one answered :(

i just wanted to know if there is anything to look out for on the e46 m3 (common faults or known issues), any info would be much appreciated. :)

1 thing is that i've just got someone to check my oil and it's low, yet i only took delivery of it on the 12/09/11 and he apparently had a service done on it (garage man person thingy) and i cant seem to see any puddles? any ideas? :blink:

[G4VHD]

Head gasket?

[Guest Mister Dabsy]

Might just need topping up if it's a recent oil-change, as the filter takes a short while to purge air... Just an idea!

[pikey]

ok, i'll top it up when i get back to work monday as i work for a motor factor, would there be any signs if the head gasket is gone (apart from a lack of oil).

how many hours labour would i be looking at for a garage to do that? :unsure:

[Guest DazH]

Head gasket?

If its just had a service and the oil is noticeably low (even considering the space taken by the new oil filter), Shes going to be burning it... (Gasket, Piston rings etc.. etc..)

Keep an eye on the levels for the next couple of weeks defo

Daz

[Guest Mister Dabsy]

Have a sniff at the tail-pipe while she's running... You will notice if it is burning oil ;)

[pikey]

cheers guys, so i may of bought a banger, i hope the warranty will cover what ever it is :(

[Guest Mister Dabsy]

Roll with it for now... How was the smell test?

There will be light at the end of the tunnel as we're here to help you ;)

[pikey]

uuummm! there is a smell there but not a smell i'd associate with burning oil, but i don't really know much :unsure:

i check the oil and did notice funny little lumps (about 3-4mm roundish) it runs like a dream really. i have got a rac gold warranty with it as well so hopefully what ever it is it'll be covered...i sooo hope :unsure:

[Guest Mister Dabsy]

Lumps? Are they beige in colour? If yes then Gasket !

[G4VHD]

Lumps = not good news

[pikey]

well they look dark, almost like tissue or something, weird?

[G4VHD]

Im out of this thread lol..

I have no experience with head gaskets, I don't want to give you any misleading advice mate...

Dabs the mechanic mate, or he sells scooters or something like that

[pikey]

hahaha, ok. thanks gav, i'll await a response. :rolleyes:

[pikey]

ok, i'll try tomorrow to get a pic as i'm getting some oil from work and gonna top it up and keep an eye on it. £29 for a 4lt castrol 10 60w, bit cheaper than the £45 at halfords. :P

[pikey]

well how weird is this! I got into work today and picked up my oil, checked the oil on my lunch break and hey presto i now have NO lumpyness at all and probally the most strange is that the level was to the top, full, opposite of empty, completely ruddy full :huh: :blink: :o

weird or wot!

[M3Loon]

I'd do an oil change anyway then monitor it from there

[Y13HYA]

I'd do an oil change anyway then monitor it from there

Agreed