Welcome to the classic catalog

[Obioban]

I thought I escaped the NLA monster/overpriced dealer parts coming from E28s, I can't run fast enough.

Given that they made 39X more e46 M3s than e28 M5s, I think we should be better off than that.

Hopefully :P

[Ramage]

The clock really started ticking back in 2016 when the Post‐contractual fiduciary duty to supply spare parts, German Civil Law Code , Art. 242. ran out.

"In German civil law, the concept of a post-contractual fiduciary duty to supply spare parts is rooted in the principle of good faith (Art. 242 of the German Civil Code (BGB)). While not explicitly stated in Article 242, it can be derived from the obligation to act in good faith when performing a contract. This principle means parties must consider the legitimate interests and rights of the other party during contract performance."

BMW typically ensures a supply of new OEM parts for 10 years after a model's production ends, so common parts shared across multiple models should remain available for a while. However, E46 M3-specific parts with the BMW logo may become scarce sooner. I've noticed more parts listed as "NLA" recently compared to when I began my E46 M3 journey in 2012.

[liam821]

BMW sold over 3 million e46s worldwide. Thankfully, a lot of parts were shared across all models, so there should be a huge amount of spares for years to come (at least I hope). Bummer on the limited quantity parts (slicktop headliners, any CSL parts, etc) that are near impossible to get anymore.

[repoman89]

My E39 M5 is my only car right now (besides my wife’s normal person reliable and trustworthy Mazda CX5). It’s been in the classic catalog for years as others have said and the parts availability complaints have definitely made me consider selling it and buying a classic Porsche in its place, plus a normal newer car for daily driving. In practice though, I haven’t actually found it to be an issue yet. Yes parts are expensive but my particular car has been reliable and it doesn’t cost that much money to keep it on the road and in good shape all things considered.

[discoelk]

OP's post is funny just bc it is. Y'all are thinking about it too hard.

[Obioban]

OP's post is funny just bc it is. Y'all are thinking about it too hard.

Spoken like someone who hasn’t lived through this transition before 😜

[STAATS]

I am glad that I am not tied to the idea of OE/M parts so I'm only really pinched for parts where there are no aftermarket alternatives (which is still a few unfortunately)

[bavarian3]

I am glad that I am not tied to the idea of OE/M parts so I'm only really pinched for parts where there are no aftermarket alternatives (which is still a few unfortunately)

Until you need a water pump, kidney grills, or want CSL/ZCP wheels

[BL92]

As long as we keep buying, Surely BMW will keep Supplying???

[Kcalhoun27]

As long as we keep buying, Surely BMW will keep Supplying???

bmw only cares about making money selling shitty new cars with m badges on them for no reason. Theyve long since abandoned non/minimal consumers and those who actually repair their own cars. Its a shame, but i guess we should be thankful for all the owners that find solutions bmw cant be bothered to deal with
i guess now the old joke about being buried in my car might make sense when there are no more parts to keep it running

[chris719]

Try owning a Z4M. NLA city.

[x Spades x]

Is there someone out there making CSL front wheels?

[Carbonvert]

Do we have a registry of what parts are absolutely worth getting BMW OE?

This thread made me move forward with my cooling system parts order this morning.