I BOUGHT A HIGH MILEAGE *SMG* E46 M3!

[@CalvinsCarDiary]

Yo! Follow me on insta instagram.com/calvinscardiary 👊🏼

[@moist.teabag]

i'll give you 6 for it

[@mokay1580]

Calvin this one has a gearbox map thats why its more responsive than the stock smg. I love these.

[@s1playz733]

Yo

[@aaronb4796]

Calvin's Car Diary Calv you mentioned to launch an SMG M3 you just plant your foot and go... However, if you put the car into that 6th SMG bar setting, push and hold the gear stick forward (- downshift) position then fully depress the accelerator. The car will hold the revs at 2.5K if I remember correctly and then soon as you let go of the gearstick the car will launch from 2.5K to redline :)

[@stuartherring8307]

Beautiful car M3

[@caseywent9682]

Nothing wrong with a high mile car as long as it’s been looked after 👌🏻

[@Jason-im3pz]

If anything, the high mileage cars I bought were also the most trouble free

[@leonhenry4861]

It think it's more so the fact the car has an SMG gear box. They 're notorious for breaking down.

[@gameisgame3000]

Yeah but you see here it’s a 15 y/o bmw m3 with SMG so no matter what the mileage is on it it will still cause SHIT ton of problems

[@griffin_kith6214]

@@gameisgame3000 there are 3 things to do to the vanos and it will be completely reliable and their cheap parts

[@joshross2629]

@@griffin_kith6214 vanos, subframe, rod bearings? or what are the main things?

[@mikeford1362]

Who painted that wing on the S4.....stevie wonder??? That colour match is shocking..😂😂

[@Broomhillwood]

At last someone talking sense about SMG M3’s, great box if you take the time to learn how to use them properly, had 2 manuals and 2 SMG’s and both were great but SMG better for track IMHO. Looking forward to the M3 estate!

[@beenzer1109]

Totally, I've had mine for 12 years and there's no way I'd change it for a manual

[@tomosjohn230]

I like the way you update everyone with all the cars first mate, wouldn't mind one of these but would rinse my bank account on fuel lol

[@clarke89]

Tomos John he updates for potential buyers lol good tactic.

[@michaelsmedley7519]

My daily. Quite frugal for the performance you get

[@amosy8345]

Always prefer a high mileage cars with everything done. You know you have nothing to worry about.

[@Lukec4ge]

Finally, someone who understands how to use /drive an SMG M3. Thanks Calvin Drive an SMG car like a manual. Only use auto mode, when cruising, or in heavy slow traffic. You also forgot to mention how, if in auto mode, you can override the gearbox by pulling a paddle/flicking the lever, to change up or down...

[@_mxxhi]

Imagine Calvins wife... bet she’d be pissed cause of his obsession with high mileage e46 M3s 😂

[@adamwhite2946]

That’s pretty much the same as mine, I have a 04 e46 m3 SMG in Dark blue with the eventuri intake and identical head unit...just a lot less miles, but I love mine, and love the SMG.. if anyone hasn’t driven one you need too they are incredible machines, love the content keep it coming

[@davidm3maniac201]

Totally agree Adam. I had my SMG M3 for 8 years and just sold it. Best car i ever had for a driving experience. Regret selling it as spent a load of money on common faults and wear and tear.

[@MB-qj8fd]

This was my car I already miss it

[@adamwhite2946]

M B great example, mine has had some work that yours has had... spent £4K on it last year.. so nothing to be done on mine now

[@MB-qj8fd]

Great cars I may have went over the top with the maintenance with this one ☝️

[@adamwhite2946]

M B but it looks great for it..

[@zunaids32]

P.s to answer your question..I'd buy a high mileage car with all the work and history to it then buy a lower mileage and do it myself..who got time for that ahem ahem lol... I'd rather be out in it driving it enjoying. Unless you own your garage then it's just parts. But for me higher miler with good history never fails. Bloody long message my bad.

[@BeeOX3]

@Calvin’s Car Diary, I don’t know if anyone has mentioned it cause I haven’t read all the comments BUT That’s not how you launch an smg m3, if I remember correct (been a long time) you take traction off, put gearbox to manual and max, then hold the gear stick forward floor it then let the gear stick go.

[@tangoengineering]

The paint job on the red Audi wings NO!! get them done again

[@MR_MT_222]

Paint is horrendous on s4

[@user-wl3lm2un5e]

It looks like a base model a4 tbh

[@phantombigballs8165]

I agree looks shoddy AF

[@darrensutton3793]

Bang on bro wit that comment, looks like patch work 😂 that's why I wud never have a red car 🤢🤮

[@voterking]

@@darrensutton3793 it looks like it might be Brilliant Red, which is harder to match. I have Misano Red Pearl, which matches easy by just buying the correct paint code z3m. Audi Pearl paints as a rule are far better from this point of view than normal colours or metallics

[@TheDolkNess]

@ 12:46 - NEGATIVE! Lift off the throttle just after you shift for a slight second and then back on the throttle...smooths right out and doesn't abuse the driveline 😉

[@TregTube]

Usually if you told me a car had already spat out a diff, spun a set of rod bearings, needed a transmission pump, and the subframe had shat itself on top of normal wear and tear I would say that car is a lemon. But I would buy this thing. Great to see an honest, enthusiastic sales man! Keep up the good work mate

[@honestreview1043]

Calv. You looked about 16 in that old video 🤣

[@13ionic5ausage]

With that SMG lift off slightly as you change gear, gets even better 😉

[@ericlees314]

Calvin feeding his e43 m3 addiction😁

[@shaneunknowndoesyoutube3869]

You should make a pc game.... car buying simulator :)

[@zunaids32]

2nd that. Like a free app. With most games in app purchases. Couple cars. Random cars. I'm guessing you'd need copyright to use certain cars in app. P.s I'm no expert but logically lol.Auction storyline missions with a little calv and binca twist. Guess food for thought.

[@KylePetersonDmaster223]

NGL, I'd play the shit out of a game like that.

[@billroller8410]

just play forza horizon 4 and buy/sell in the auction house

[@comeonman7423]

Loving these videos Calvin, this is proper consumer advice! The little details like extra features on the car and your own opinion makes the video so unique. Also loving the extra detail regarding the SMG box, keep up the excellent work bro

[@TheBakerBoy]

Calvin: “I bought another M3” Me: “Oh go on then”

[@sKuNKdoSE]

I'm pretty sure 9/10 when diagnosed with bad pump, it's actually the motor that primes a "pressure-vessel" (AKA The Accumulator) that is used to always maintain a certain hydraulic pressure for clutch-depressing and gear actuation. The problem is, even specialists will say a new pump is needed, costing 5x as much as a replacement motor which is basically the same as an ABS motor. I know this from experience having replaced mine after being told the entire pump needed replacing, when it would not start after being used for a while. I'm so glad I did the job myself. The fluid was probably a factor in it as well, probably never being replaced and lost some viscosity causing the motor to run for longer which would make the car think there is a problem, and drop gears into neutral. I replaced the temperature sensor (might as well) and motor from the same "Burkhart Engineering" you mentioned... using soldered connections and heat-shrink wrap to isolate each wire. I used INPA software to prime and re-train the hydraulics. The biggest, most important thing before removing the pump yourself is to remove the salmon relay to stop the pump from pressurising, and with just the ignition on, to go back and forth between neutral and first to release the hydraulic pressure.

[@KingsleyCheesman]

Great video and perfect timing for me! I’ve been looking for an e46 m3 for a few weeks now, finally found one and put a depo down. I really wanted to find a manual that fit my budget but In the end I compromised and have gone for the SMG with extremely good history and immaculate condition. I had a few doubts about it but after watching this it has just reassured me it will be just as fun. 👌🏽

[@pwrtek9138]

Kingsley Cheesman you can manual swap without dropping the tranny. Just need a self centering shifter

[@willchalk7424]

This takes me back to your video with convertible SMG which made me like the idea of an SMG. (ended up getting one) Great vid as always

[@liamtozer6074]

‘Just pulling up to a gearbox’ 👌🏼 😂

[@Mattbart1980]

My fave M3 yet, looks beautiful in standard fair ....best colour . Go on Calv 👊👊👊

[@KH-sj6qo]

the e46 M3 is still the car I had most fun with... the fun came with a high maintenance and repair cost but imo it was worth it... im still driving it daily and I love it...

[@pb3]

K H manual ?or auto ?

[@MrMark00024]

My E46 M3 has 186k on the clock and still runs mint.

[@MichaelNovak1987]

Maintanence is key on these cars

[@pwrtek9138]

Im at 230K

[@peterbrusey8824]

Hi Calv I’m really impressed with all you have achieved on your channel and how you have built your Business up into what it is today !! Respect to you and your Brothers 👍🏻🏁

[@CalvinsCarDiary]

Thanks mate 🙏🏼

[@mikebader3863]

Hit the nail on the head with the SMG. People assume it’s an auto, it’s not it’s a manual without a left pedal! Drove plenty of manuals, bought an SMG, now that the pump replacement isn’t a dealer only fix there’s no worry with them. Also agree I like using the gear shifter over the paddles generally. The Rev matching is part of the CSL software suite people install, very good upgrade. Not sure the sunroof would add 40kg though, that sounds like nonsense, maybe 10kg maximum, well worth it to have the sunroof open in the summer. Almost a convertible without having to actually drive an M3 convertible which let’s be honest gives off a certain vibe

[@brianaust8897]

Goddam! Thank you for explaining how brilliant the SMG is!! 👍. And I love the “ferocity button” 😆. I bought one new in 2002 and still have it. It’s a vert and our only convertible in the stable now. It’s fantastic listening to those revs and downshifts.. People are all too often hard on the SMG because they’re simply trying to get as much performance and luxury in a used car for their money. Well, as you said..It is in fact brilliant for it’s day. It still is and is very very engaging to play around with and drive. You also can’t mis shift or have a money shift! Which is huge. One note on switching from Auto mode to manual-You just shift up or down and it’s switched 😜 Very nice video and I love your enthusiasm and energy and accent too haha Cheers from Oregon!

[@YaDunno54]

You have to remember for a 15+ year old car the m3 auto box was probably the most advanced for its time and if you jump into new m3s you can tell it’s the same technology that was used in the older m3s but just way more improved.

[@markpaul9445]

I loved this video bruv , from across the ocean here in Toronto Canada awesome video

[@THBULLDOZER]

All I’m saying: That steering wheel tho 👌

[@MrBatwa]

Good buy Calvin! That car is very well maintained

[@chrismunsey3185]

I’d buy this car with zero hesitation. Beautifully done👌🏽

[@kubbz87]

Proper car vlogger mate!! Hats off to ya, well explained everything, top man! Keep the videos rolling in

[@thenullco]

YES, CALVIN! Gimme that Sunday evening E46 juice!

[@Dave_Gearing1985]

Another great video Calvin. To answer your question, I would rather buy a car that has been maintained over the years properly and having all common issues rectified than spend a fortune buying one that has low mileage and then needs throwing ££££s at because all the common issues have not been resolved/replaced.

[@chrisgerrard2381]

I owned a m3 e46 about 7-8 years ago always was my dream car and I remember watching that old video made me buy one. So much fun those cars how time flys

[@twtans2610]

Keep these vids coming pal! Absolute legend

[@CalvinsCarDiary]

Twt Ans thank you sir 🙏🏼

[@friguy4444]

Thank you! I've got the manual vesion of this car and I've often suspected that those giving big grief over the SMG have been those that are expecting a dual clutch and those that aren't really drivers. If I was on a track with this car i would think I'd do much better with the smg. If you understand that it IS a Manual gear box with an automatic clutch system you will be able to use it without much problem. IMHO.

[@markwright74]

Great video, someone i knew had a 2004 e46 convertible in estoril blue with the smg box. Launch was great, you are correct about the issue at roundabouts. Its tricky for slow moving uphill traffic too. Love the E46s hurry with the M3 estate gonna be ace.

[@tramlad2]

Cal you are an E46 addict mate, they are great cars, if you get a well looked after one, some have been run hard and not serviced very well, but they are probably BMW's best ever model for looks, performance and appeal. its a great colour.

[@preetdurhailay5246]

I own this car now. 154k miles now, still going strong. However the eventuri got sold off before i got it. Big thick stack of reciepts and all the major jobs plus more done.

[@gt1r]

146,000 miles on an E46 M3 is nothing, so long as it’s been well maintained. I’ve personally seen SMG E46 M3s with 300+k miles

[@mikeyoakes180]

I actually love this car!! I don’t think the millage is that high considering it’s age but seeing as everything has been done means it’s been looked after! I’d absolutely love to buy this! Great car Calvin

[@Ash-ky8jo]

If a car has been looked after properly and loved mileage are just numbers on the dash. I have found buying BMW's with around 130-150k on them that have had a fortune spent are great value. When i used to battle all over the UK with work i had an e39 530d and an E61 530d. Both bought with 150k ish miles and i ran them both to 210k and 225k with nothing more than fresh oil, brakes, tyres and fuel! I also sold them for not that much less than i paid! Cheap as chips.

[@butters_]

the cupholders came with the car. It was an optional extra I believe. If you remove the cupholder and have a look underneath it should have a bmw stamp. If not, someone probably bought it off ebay. Like I did with my touring lol.

[@jamesgarrett7187]

You say the gearbox is slow however it's still one of the fastest changing shifts in the world... top 5 if I remember correctly

[@realMaverickBuckley]

0.008s

[@carguy9276]

love the e46 m3 fantastic car great content calvin legend im on the look out for new car as we speak im going to check your website out again 👍

[@paulpalmer8235]

Few things Turn DSC off and you gain S6 (an extra SMG speed setting) Also this car has probably got CSL rev matching and CSL settings for the gearbox Another thing it looks like the SMG pump was fitted with a Burkhart Engineering motor and temp sender and SMG fluid Not a new pump (they are £3k!) but the Burkhart Upgrade is all that’s normally fitted (Btw I have a SMG M3 lol)

[@MB-qj8fd]

The pump was £600 with temp sensor the pressure accumulator was fine pump prone to go also gear box compression springs changed also you can tell by the way it changes down properly and calvin reaction to the gear changes

[@danielsellors4831]

Calvin mate, don't worry about how long your videos are, because you have great content and talk passionately about the cars, I/we won't mind if it's a long video. Keep up the great work, looking forward to the RS6 update 👍😎

[@CalvinsCarDiary]

Daniel Sellors thanks for this comment mate 🙏🏼

[@phillpidgeon8961]

06:31 some John John stuck some glue in door seal, instead of a oem job

[@JV-or7mv]

Currently own a low mileage e46 m3 vert thinking about getting an rs4 b7 which is the better car do you think?

[@amaan2977]

J V b7

[@garethwilding2067]

Keep the m3

[@NATHAN-vr6ru]

Been looking forward to the upload all day

[@HD33P1]

I paid just under £11,000 for my e46 m3. It's an individual in estoril blue with £8,000 worth of optional extras. It has 108,000 miles but needs some work doing to it. But I'd rather pay to get the work done since a newer car with lower mileage will need all that work doing at some point anyway. And the chances of finding one with all the extras in that particular colour are slim to none. I'm chuffed with it

[@stichupman]

Congrats mate. Any problem can be fixed so no need to worry to much I've bought some right shitters lol.

[@HD33P1]

I know what you mean. I've got to address rod bearings, diff and sub frame. All part of the process and good fun lol

[@michaelsmedley7519]

Cupholders not UK spec. European only. I've got them in mine. SMG 142,000 miles still daily it. Great car. Wanted manual originally but drove SMG and went for one of them instead

[@ray5952]

Out of all the BMW's you bought (excluding the M6) this one has been kept under good condition 👍

[@MB-qj8fd]

It was washed every week on a Sunday :)

[@dav3bpt]

Hold the dsc for 5 seconds to turn traction off fully will bring up two yellow lights instead of one

[@justanotherdashcam24]

I want the S3 but can't find it on the site?

[@Jake-ud9qo]

For me I would prefer 1 that’s been done as you say if it’s been looked after and what needs doing has been done then mileage is just a number, IMO 👌🏻 great vid again!

[@steeltones15]

I bought a SMG w/ 137K last year from a Doctor in Los Angeles. Well maintained and all it needed was a tune up.

[@w5kky]

What about the headlights on the type R they need a restoration seem a bit foggy

[@tassoskouspos316]

how should i take care the car in order to avoid any gearbox problems?

[@chrisbutler2636]

Even better with csl software on.

[@mjk8710]

Honest views will get you everywhere! Great channel always following 💯👍🏻🇬🇧

[@AK-hi4hm]

shifting a manual is still more fun, makes me feel cool

[@beckygair2272]

Great video again Calvin x ❤️

[@gwilko6452]

Another quality video Calv. Smashing it 100% 👌

[@djpainT]

if you deactivate the stability control you will be able to access mode 6 of the gearbox which is the fastest

[@marchewitson6191]

Miles don’t matter if it’s been looked after, you could have one with half the miles that’s absolutely knackered

[@CrushiChris]

i love the fact that you want to prove a point with the smg

[@HS786UK93]

thats actually an alpine type r sub in a jl box. Either way its nice to see some decent audio gear in a car.

[@MB-qj8fd]

It was installed by bcss car sounds audio specialists sounds amazing

[@santana9537]

Personally like the sequential smg transmission, looking for One in an e46 just for a couple years 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@Zeus-kj7nn]

Yeah the E46 M3 with the SMG box is lighting quick. I bought an E36 Evo years back with the SMG 1 box, big mistake, stuttered its way through gear changes. It was the way it was..

[@Drift-fpv]

Got paddles on my 325d never use them never use ds either cars fast without using them

[@corey4582]

That's no high mileage e46 m3! XD. I bought a 2003 E46 M3 SMG last year in July and it had 228k miles on it when I bought it. Now it has 232k. And it runs amazingly well oddly enough. SMG shifts perfectly fine and the engine runs just as it should. Honestly it's one of the more reliable cars I've had so far mechanically. Never would of thought Id say that after a year of ownership but I just assume that the previous owners took good care of it because the only issues is anything rubber needs replacing. So bushings so far have been my only issues. Nothing else! Absolute dream car!

[@frankiewalnuts]

Front wing on the s4 is completely different shade of red than the door, tells me its had a respray or replacement wing and they haven't blown in the door or bonnet...

[@andyjudd8308]

Calvin I'm interested in buying this M3, did u have the paint mopped?

[@AdrianGrigoreOfficial]

Here's my take on high mileage cars: three years ago I bought a 150k miles Discovery 3 as an all rounder. Budget was low and couldn't afford anything newer with lower mileage. The car was well maintained up to that point and I also kept on top of maintenance since I bought it. The car performs brilliantly and reliably. I'm now at that point where I'm much better off financially and I am looking at a replacement vehicle up to 50k and no older than 3 years. Well, I can't find anything out there offering the same value as the old D3, although budget and cost of ownership is not the deciding factor anymore, I have a feeling my current 190k D3 is here to stay, despite it's reputation as a money pit, it seems to be the best car I ever owned and, at the time of writing this, the only car worth owning for myself.

[@Murtayafourfun]

Adrian Grigore Nice to hear a good story about a high mile Disco mate. My late father had 7 over his life, loved them.

[@davidmoody2797]

Calvin. I’m interested in the 225 hp figure you achieved on the 330d. Was that the power VRS would recommend you take it up to ? Or is that it pushed to the limit ? I have a 2002 330d and the dude I bought it from said it was 270hp I was sceptically the time ????

[@MichaelNovak1987]

Waayy better than the junk produced today. I have a 330ci & I love it

[@drewhollins2655]

Any problems I have one myself

[@spoonageDC2]

Stock brakes are not terrible. Most need rebuilding that's why people the brakes are no good when in actual fact they are perfect for the car.

[@davidboyce9838]

You make sundays even better Calvin 😀👍👨‍🔧

[@sh4rpyvwr324]

The Binca yard is going to be full of BMW M3’s for sale only and nothing else 🙈👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@mikebader3863]

Also I think anyone buying an E46 M3 and is worried about mileage needs to have a word with themselves. Buy on condition, this car has had all the necessary works done, I’d buy that car over an 90k mileage car with none of the jobs done for same price no question. The big 4 jobs, not including SMG upgrade and new diff is £6k to have it done properly.

[@usman1alam]

What are the things to look for when buying e46 m3 smg? I’m in the market for one!

[@yungfinstaaa7474]

Hi Cal, are you looking to sell the headunit? If so I’d be interested! 👍🏾

[@sheldonm3535]

Great looking M3. I would def update the tails to OEM LCi ones. And also updated SMG software. I like all the extra bits on it like the steering wheel and Alcantara bits

[@MB-qj8fd]

Already got the csl gearbox software

[@ahmetahmet9673]

24 people have never driven an e46 M, no need for the hate! Keep on buying those 46's Calvin, we need to save the good ones. Any update on the turbo touring?

[@SteveAFCLondon]

I could watch content about e46 M3s allllllll day long. Good work Calvin.

[@namegoeshere6638]

'them wheels'. Calvin you are not that bad. THOSE

[@harrytilley4905]

The stereo looks sooo clean and tidy

[@KlaximumSkroeft]

should I buy an e46 m3 automatic and have it swapped to manual?

[@caseycrosby9535]

Very good and informative video, thanks for cutting through the B..S

[@becomewealthytoday6880]

Nice work Steve how can I get this car shipped to Nigeria ?

[@carguy_0627]

Could already tell it was a great video from the start👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@neilmurphy845]

How does the sound speaker work in the boot of the car

[@j15mrk]

The only ever made the M3 in pre facelift there wasn’t a facelift version in E46 they kept them pre right through the years only on the M3.

[@videos1692]

Cal, I bought a high mileage golf GTI cos it was imaculate with full history and a grand cheaper. No brainer!!!