My next Car me thinks!

[Simon]

mike you missend the rear lower arm issue...

these suffer under the car weight when tracked very heavy....

there are minor things as well, but not to talk about.

The M5 suffers from electronic issues quite often. ;-)

and if your M3 Engine breaks, BMW is so nice and keen, and offers 19249 Eur for a new engine on an exchange basis.

What the hell of an engine can be build for an Escos incl. Gearbox and diffs for that amount. I m sure a reliable 500 hp 4x4 car can be build for that sort of money

[Dan]

mike you missend the rear lower arm issue...

these suffer under the car weight when tracked very heavy....

there are minor things as well, but not to talk about.

The M5 suffers from electronic issues quite often. ;-)

and if your M3 Engine breaks, BMW is so nice and keen, and offers 19249 Eur for a new engine on an exchange basis.

What the hell of an engine can be build for an Escos incl. Gearbox and diffs for that amount. I m sure a reliable 500 hp 4x4 car can be build for that sort of money

20k Euro! Nice!

Mike, I am aware of these other probs if the cars get tracked, hence why only the Escort will be built for it!

The other thing that they suffer from the is rear coil springs snapping at the ends, but this has been a traditional BMW trait since the days of the E36!

[mboon]

E36 Rear springs are a fucker! Common problem and I think its somethin the E46 is suffering from as well.

Lets be honest tho fellas, its the same with any car, they all have there faults, they all have plus's.

Regarding just reading reviews and knowing the car, I dont agree with that. For example the E36 M3 Evo is known to suffer with Vanos issues, leaving you with at least £1500 out of your back pocket. Most BMW forums you go on, and mention this, you will be bonbarded with the Evo drivers telling you its all bull shit and that since they have owned the car they have never once heard of anyone having a problem and then start slating whatever car it is your comparing it too.

I would say the best advice would be from a few previous owners who no longer have the car anymore, or from advice from a local specialist of even BMW themselfs.

Lots of hype about cars being unreliable, PEG never once let me down, I kept it real and didnt go OTT with the power, this saved the weeker points in the car, e front diff, gearbox etc. its only when you go pushing its limits ie tuning the engine for more power or putting the E46 M3 on a track and giving it hell will you find the problems. In every day driving the E46 will be a better car as its newer and has more technology stuffed into it. I would say compare the MK1 Focus Rs with the E46 M3, both same age cars and simular to there predicesors (spelling)