Advice on buying 120k mile M3

[Akershawm3]

I'm looking at buying a 120,000 mile 2003 M3. It has subframe reinforcements but no information on the VANOS or rod bearings. I am getting a pre purchase inspection that will hopefully catch any VANOS issues, but is there any way to tell if the rod bearings are okay? I am planning on replacing them anyway but want to make sure there isn't already damage to the crankshaft etc. Any advice would be helpful.

[Tbonem3]

No way other than listening or maybe pulling oil filter and looking for shavings. An oil test might be helpful, but certainly not definitive without seeing a trend. Most post-recall s54s' bearings are actually just fine at 120k. Many many more still have life at 120k than those that are toast and are scoring the crank or fail.

[Estoril]

The PPI will need to be done by a highly experienced (specifically in the E46 M3) shop to detect a VANOS problem without opening it up. Without proof the VANOS has been bulletproofed - its still mostly a crapshoot. For rod bearings - the best I can recommend is a Blackstone oil test. It not a absolute, but is the best metric of engine health without opening it up. Note: A Blackstone test is not going to work on new/new-ish oil.

Choose a shop that knows their way around the E46 M3 specifically.

[Akershawm3]

No way other than listening or maybe pulling oil filter and looking for shavings. An oil test might be helpful, but certainly not definitive without seeing a trend. Most post-recall s54s' bearings are actually just fine at 120k. Many many more still have life at 120k than those that are toast and are scoring the crank or fail.

This car was produced in October 2002 which is during the RB recall. There is no history of the recall being done. Is it foolish to assume the recall had been done at some point? The carfax says no open recalls for what its worth.

[Estoril]

This car was produced in October 2002 which is during the RB recall. There is no history of the recall being done. Is it foolish to assume the recall had been done at some point? The carfax says no open recalls for what its worth.

If a BMW dealer doesn't have record of the rod bearings done under the Service, then it wasn't done under warranty.

Carfax is not dependable.

[sapote]

but no information on the VANOS or rod bearings.

I would be more concerned about the rod bearing condition than the VANOS, which is fairly simple to improve or fix, but a bad rod bearing and scratched crank is a big headache.

[Tbonem3]

10/2002 is a good month to have a "pre face lift" car from, and if should have gotten the newer shells and bolts. I'll double check. I would seriously steer you towards a 3/03 or later, personally.

And earlier when I said most post recall bearings are fine at 120k, I misspoke. I meant post update, but those included in the recall would also be fine at 120k.

[tlow98]

Compression and leakdown numbers are great too. The US cars are not immune to the HG going, or maybe I’m just damaged goods myself now? :-)

[stephen]

This car was produced in October 2002 which is during the RB recall. There is no history of the recall being done. Is it foolish to assume the recall had been done at some point? The carfax says no open recalls for what its worth.

What’s the VIN? I can see if it shows up in TIS

[Akershawm3]

What’s the VIN? I can see if it shows up in TIS

WBSBL93433JR20148

[Tbonem3]

So it was 12/2002 when the change happened.

IMO, it almost doesn't matter in this case. If you're buying a 120k mile or so s54, it's gonna need a bearing swap anyway (unless you have proof it was done within the last like 60k or whatever).

[bmwfnatic]

So it was 12/2002 when the change happened.

IMO, it almost doesn't matter in this case. If you're buying a 120k mile or so s54, it's gonna need a bearing swap anyway (unless you have proof it was done within the last like 60k or whatever).

Specifically: On vehicles produced up to 12/13/2002.

[stephen]

WBSBL93433JR20148

TIS doesn't show any repair history besides airbag recall.

[lemoose]

I would strongly advise against moving forward with this one without a PPI by a mechanic experienced in this era of BMWs. If the previous owners couldnt be bothered to get a critical no-cost recall done to the car, who knows what else they've neglected...

[stephen]

I would strongly advise against moving forward with this one without a PPI by a mechanic experienced in this era of BMWs. If the previous owners couldnt be bothered to get a critical no-cost recall done to the car, who knows what else they've neglected...

I'm not sure I follow here. It doesn't appear to have any open recalls at the moment. Airbag recall was done 5/11/2021 and TIS isn't saying there's any active recalls.