WRECKED BMW E46 M3 from COPART! NOT WHAT WE EXPECTED!

In this video I look over a wrecked 2006 BMW M3 that was bought from Copart. We estimate the repair costs and find a bunch of hidden issues with the S54 engine. This E46 M3 will be getting a smg to manual conversion, full vanos rebuild to fix the engine noise, rod bearings, big brake upgrade, KW V3 coilovers and more before it is sent out to a body shop to get the cosmetic repairs done. Some of the cosmetic issues include: rear tail panel/quarter panel damage, clear coat failure, broken side mirror, front and rear bumpers and more. Stay tuned to watch us perform many of these repairs and upgrades!
#bmw #bmwe46m3 #e46m3 #m3 #bmwm3
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Disclaimer: Some links will contain affiliate links. Due to factors beyond the control of ShopLifeTV, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. ShopLifeTV assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. ShopLifeTV recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ShopLifeTV, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ShopLifeTV.

[@daddydoug9430]

I remember seeing this on Copart and seriously considering buying it due to the rare color combo. Pretty happy I didn’t go through with it seeing the extreme paint damage and wear throughout the car!

[@VehicleVirals]

I'm experiencing buyer's remorse and I'm not even the one that purchased it. That said, it'll make a killer transformation series assuming he follows through with the project.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Sometimes it is what it is lol He is definitely excited about the car and is moving forward with the build. Can't wait to see how it turns out!

[@danl4222]

That is funny! unfortunately you won't be the one who forgets the price very quickly once the benefits are available! I hope Jason puts some videos up showing us how they get that PSRear ding straightened out. I feel certain it can be done, and I hope to learn how. our M3 needed only engine work .. and a starter. I followed Jason's tutorial completely .. except I bought a set of needle nose pliers and made a tool to re-install those crazy BMW hose clamps !

[@manueliglesias4212]

Just paid 5k for a m3 couple months ago here in cali, it was in rough condition but running good. I’m glad i got it though cause 14k is pretty expensive for a car in that condition

[@SpawnyWhippet]

$14k for a wrecked SMG! Holy crap, I passed on a clean, driving 2005 M3 manual with 140k miles for $9k 2 weeks ago!

[@nenorv11]

Respect to the owner for his love and passion, wishing him all the best.

[@ShopLifeTV]

thanks for the kind words!

[@Khan_Art_]

Yikes 14k for a damaged smg m3. Hopefully he paints the entire car. Will be watching. Love E46 M3 content.

[@bigguapo_503]

Clean title, low miles can be had for under $12k in Oregon.

[@Khan_Art_]

@@bigguapo_503 send me a link of a clean title low mileage e46 m3 for 12k

[@bigguapo_503]

@@Khan_Art_ i dropped you a link on one for $10.5k in Seattle. Clean title.

[@Khan_Art_]

@@bigguapo_503 where? Can't find it.

[@Dd-mt5ol]

Thete was one sellin for 17k 39k miles in my area

[@BeefyMon]

He’s trading a ZHP in the hand for an M3 in the bush? That’s nuts. :)

[@manuelfieg9329]

dude i remember when i had a 325 Ci and the first fix i made was the oil filter housing gasket with your tutorial. Greetings from argentina. Keep up the good work

[@dustincercado]

Good luck with the rebuild, Jason! I've enjoyed and learned a lot from your videos. My 03 330i will last for years thanks to you.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thanks Dustin!

[@peterw5568]

Gold video. Restoring my 2001m3 fully rebuild gearbox vanos rebuild all new engine bearings. With new synchro mesh rings. (do not try at home) carbon black full options.. Do change big end. Bearings @200k kilometers with a well.maintained car

[@thomass3559]

Yes my favorite bmw channel posted a video this is gonne be a good one👌👌👌👌

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thanks Thomas!

[@YaroCarHustle]

14k... wow, insane how market changed for these m3's... Glad i've picked mine up when the were still relatively affordable...

[@Bonkatronicks]

Dont worry because you will be paying a mechanic more to fix it bmws are funny like that people always think they get the better deal untill they gotta get there hands dirry

[@sebastianromero420]

Now wait for parts… 🤣

[@YaroCarHustle]

@@sebastianromero420 😂

[@jonowen6612]

Fabulous content! Keep it coming!

[@ShopLifeTV]

More to come! thanks for watching

[@BIMMERZEITT]

E46 M3 prices about to start going up with you and Vehicle Virals making these vids! Great car!

[@ShopLifeTV]

Lmao and I dont even have a clean one of my own! Should hurry up and find one lol

[@johncoss5604]

Yes I have had a similar situation with a 2003 330ci. Got the car cheap but the repairs to get it in good order will cost 3 times what I paid for it. Which will be more than its worth. I feel the m3 owners pain. Once you start it’s hard to give up on the car. Good luck to him and I look forward to the future videos.

[@razorrich]

PPI (Post-Purchase Inspection) are really interesting and informative. Great job guys! Interesting fact, DINAN E46/ M3 quad exhaust has only two functioning tips.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thanks Rich, I actually didn't know that!

[@razorrich]

@@ShopLifeTV If memory servers me correctly, the driver’s side isn’t functioning. Man, you guys have several cool project series; C10, E39 Touring, E36 M3, and E46 M3. Look forward to seeing all of them.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Lol no kidding! So many things going on and it's not easy sourcing a lot of the parts due to inventory and pricing, but we are doing our best. We will continue to post updates on each project as progress is made. Realtime updates will be posted on Instagram as always!

[@houseofno]

Low volume, late production car on top trim for a popular platform. Four qualities that sure to increase the value.

[@razorrich]

@@houseofno I hear you, but I suspect this example may have a salvaged title. I believe a clean ZCP will command the most appreciation.

[@paulp7692]

You made me feel lucky! In 2014 I paid the asking price for an absolutely cherry 2004 with 81K on it: $14,500.

[@SavageBunny1]

I just got an LSB for $7k, 9/10 Exterior and interior, always garaged, with new Bilstein coilovers, it has a rod knock, but I already had a spare rebuilt S54 in the garage :)

[@RajPatel-vq6if]

I am looking to buy an M3 soon, I hope some good DIY videos come from this. That would be fun

[@MrSpaz12]

You better do it quick or you'll be priced right of one. Join a credit union if not already a member because they'll give you a loan for a car that old. Most banks won't. And they usually have much better rates. If you can join Navy Federal then you'll get by far the best rates. Whatever you do, do it quickly.

[@danl4222]

I had an interesting issue that might be here as well A couple of exhaust manifold bolts had rusted weak and almost broken .. but just enough hanging on that they looked ok. However the little gap between the exhaust manifold and engine left just enough space that I could hear the push rod inside (just like yours) or maybe it was just the exhaust air sounding like a loud push rod. I was stunned .. but that was absolutely this issue.

[@markt9438]

In order to bulletproof the Vanos bison and even Dr vanos upgrade is fine the splines are the issue because they literally are the cause of the knock once they get sloppy The hub rubs against the back plate hopefully you do not have backing off set screws in the hub that would be my first inspection and the final bulletproof items is a hardened hub on the exhaust side and an upgraded pressure line obviously all the seals but like I said the splines are the big issue I did mine and it ran phenomenal.

[@gtcreels532]

Wow I’m glad I can do my own work

[@paranorml]

Yes. My favorite car... I love my e46 2004 M3.

[@venomsupe]

Dream car right here

[@selfdriven1343]

Just subscribed because of this video. In comparison to what M3s with that spec and mileage go for here in the UK I don’t think it’s to bad. Even though it is damaged. Good to hear that the subframe is fine. Always a plus.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Thank you!

[@antanasrapkevicius3897]

UK is dog shit market anyways. Good e46 M3s in the EU starting 30k+ euros now. UK market will always be shit, as RHD just kills it. Cant export to Ireland due to crazy taxes there and cant export to Europe as nobody needs RHD. Stuffed in domestic market only

[@munich.motorwerks]

@@antanasrapkevicius3897 😂

[@rufiorufioo]

Definitely looks like a car that has been on the east coast in those humid hell summers lol. I moved to Oregon and bought a 2004 e46.. paint is in perfect condition not one spec of rust on it either.

[@MJTAUTOMOTIVE]

That engine noise sounds like it is the factory headers leaking. They are either cracked or has snapped bolts. Have replaced and repaired alot of them. I did a e46 m3 vert about a month ago. The owner just paid big dollars to have the vanos rebuilt at a specialist Euro and BMW shop. Paid the Money went to drive the car home and it made the exact same noise as before. The workshop manager told him that the vanos will take about 500 to 1000 miles to bed in then it will get better. After The Car owner came in to me and I had a look at the car I knew that sound straight away. By the looks of the engine the valve cover and front covers have been removed. You can tell because they used ultra blue sealant that has squished out everywhere and was wiped all over the place it looked terrible. So a quick inspection after removing the heat sheilds you can see a big black stain on the head around number 5 exhaust port and a stain on the back side of the heat sheild. There is a crack in one of the runners on the front header. Removed the headers and replaced one of the broken studs on number 5 (I replaced all the studs with new). Tig welded the front header, faced the gasket mating surface on a linisher new gaskets refitted the heat sheilds and no more noise. The owner came back about a week later and was very happy with the work. After He got the car back from my shop He Fitted a updated Aftermarket GPS stereo. While he was doing this he had to take the glove box out and found a folder that had fallen in behind the inside cover. There was alot of old registration and insurance paperwork and some workshop invoices. He found out that the vanos was repaired along with a new radiator and hoses and expansion tank by a very reputable shop down south. The work was done about 9000 miles ago. About 6 Months before he had purchased it. He was pissed. So please Guys make sure you do a proper pre purchase inspection and ask for all service history. If the car doesn't have any service history with it Go to your local transport department or DMV or get a carfax and find out where the car was located before you purchased it. Once you know where the car was located look for Dealerdhops and workshops around that area. Get in contact with them snd give them the car details and you might get lucky and they could have the some of the service history on file. Sometimes they won't give you a full copy of a invoice (privacy policy) but they can give you a list of what was done and what parts were used and at a what mileage.

[@paulgarcia458]

325 changed cranksensor cam sensors intake boots, maf sensor, fuelpump, fuel filter, all the parts I've bought where from oembimmerparts it's got 170,000 miles still runs

[@emilepapillon2275]

I am so glad I bought mine in 2017. I paid 16k for a 2006 with ZCP in Interlagos Blue / black with 62k miles (now at 73k).

[@randomplayer6831]

Hey bud! I recently bought a black e46 coupé from 01 with full M-pack. It has the 2.0 143 HP. Any experiences with this car? Online there is not many people who go in dept about the 4 cilinder 2.0 the 318 ci has.

[@Selawii47]

i don't know why but when you showed the interior I remembered the video of the guy that crashed his e46 while driving fast and listing to lifestyle

[@michaelblacktree]

Wow, that car is rough! The 330i that I bought was also rough, but I made sure it didn't have any frame damage. Basically, I paid $700 for a good usable chassis.

[@MyHomeGarage]

In Canada you might get a smg e46 m3 02 for $18,000 maybe. Clean ones sre well over 25-30 if your lucky.

[@paulgarcia458]

Hey, Jason I got an 05 325, will not start in am, so I'm guess bad cats?

[@JMUDoc]

I wish to god they had made an M3 saloon on that chassis...😔.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Same here! There are quite a few examples of people doing just that. My 01 330i is mechanically converted into a M3. My buddy, (Shawnrphotography on IG) converted his ZHP into a M3 cosmetically and mechanically!

[@JMUDoc]

​@@ShopLifeTV I wanted the 330i myself, but finding a manual in the UK is pretty much impossible - they're all rep-mobiles, and those guys can't be arsed -driving- changing gear.

[@johnwoolfrey5093]

Pro tip - Fix / salvage the car to make sure it's worth saving before you start dumping $k's into performance parts. A good paint job alone is going to run you around $5k

[@gmanvuk7740]

When r you doing the body work I have a M3 with literally same damage?

[@primitxve8076]

BROOOOO. I was literally gonna buy this exact M3 from Copart. I did some research and decided not to buy it due to a ton of maintenance.

[@zafer7368]

Hi, I'm from the UK and I found a BMW 330ci clubsport, it's velvet blue which is hard to come by but I don't like the rear wing, is it possible to remove the rear wing on a clubsport without Any holes in the trunk. Thanks 👍

[@jethzeeltorres9727]

Sounds like the vanos needs a look at . And the pulleys also can make this noise .

[@YaroCarHustle]

yay !!! Imola interior (:

[@peterw5568]

Check the rear jack points

[@ritamo68]

Where is your shop located, I have an e46 I'd like you to take look at.

[@josesalinas8516]

I have a rear bumper off an e46 m3 if youre interested. Its oem. Located in texas but I'm sure we can work something out man. Love your content. Lmk :)

[@AutohausGarage]

Hope he gets rid of that SMG. Less problems for him down the road.

[@ShopLifeTV]

He will for sure!

[@danl4222]

Wow !! That was a pretty high price in my opinion. But it is a sweet car for sure. We picked our up with about 100K miles .. for under 10K

[@ShopLifeTV]

Nice! How recent?

[@Wavyy69]

E46🔥🔥🔥

[@DonBMW]

Yikes! Prices are insane. Minty E46 M3 a few years ago were $12-17k.

[@BmwMe-uh9sy]

lol 14 grand for a fuked up m w a smg he got robbed, could have got a clean one for 17 in tx no damage

[@frankfraga295]

Wow this market is crazy! I don’t want to drive my e46 M3 now with 71k miles… Who do you send your bellhousing to get modified?

[@jethzeeltorres9727]

Also another component that can make that noise is a loose coil pack .

[@jalloor]

I can’t wait to watch the mechanical service series so I can learn to work on my vanos as well. I pretty much have everything serviced but that.

[@ShopLifeTV]

I have videos on the vanos already ;) goes in full detail

[@jalloor]

@@ShopLifeTV thanks.

[@CarlosFerreira-0879]

Winky eye!!! I got what you're putting down your swapping that smg for a nice 6-speed!!!

[@skrsys]

Technically he doesn't need to swap it. He just needs to put in a 3rd pedal, shifter and remove the SMG mechanism, since the trans is technically a manual already.

[@andydhillon1977]

He paid too much for it, especially for an SMG. I assume it has a salvage title, too.

[@javarithms]

Yep, that's the reason it wound up at copart because it costs more to repair than it it's worth.

[@venomsupe]

Waaay too much. There's a manual driving one here for 14k

[@grantschmidt8662]

Agree, went like 5-6k overpriced

[@michelg.7006]

I dont understand how thats bad in europe the cheapest e46 m3 costs 17k euros(20k dollar) has smg and 205 k kilometers

[@andydhillon1977]

@@michelg.7006 You don't understand? You're comparing two completely different markets.

[@Che1seabluesdrogba11]

14 for a beatup one ?? Holy shit .. didn't think they've gone up that much since I got my manual about 5 years

[@ShopLifeTV]

How much did you get yours for?

[@gtcoffman]

Clean it up, slap a new light in the rear, quick paint correction, and send that thing back through the auction to try to get your money back lol. Ooof that's a lot of $$.

[@carlosbonilla1637]

Vanos definitely plus valves (need adjustment)

[@thomasv40]

Hi Jason, I have been watching your content for a very long time. Love all the work you are doing to save these beauties. Is there a way to reach you at your shop via email/phone?

[@JamesEckerman1]

UNCC LETS GO!

[@Daniel-xb4yb]

Out here you can get that fixed, done right ,2500, done cheaply 1200, Los Angeles

[@als5995]

Sound could be coming from solid lifters that need adjustment

[@deebro5794]

Heat and pull should get the trunk fix # easy fix ⚒🛠

[@BeefyMon]

I spotted the power rear sunshade. That’s a rare option. I have the BMW factory manual sunshade, but it’s nowhere near as cool.

[@paulvicks1336]

Mine doesn't even have the manual rear shade. I thought they only came on the M5

[@BeefyMon]

@@paulvicks1336 my understanding is that it was an option you had to request- it wasn’t explicitly offered. I have a few 325/330i sales brochures from that era, and none of them show it as an option, but it has an option cow and its operation instructions are described in the owner’s manual. Perhaps it was more common on M3s.

[@danielratikainen8744]

I have one for sale for sedan if anyone is interested :)

[@BeefyMon]

Option cow? I think I meant option CODE…

[@dokterkarel]

vanos rattle is more likely irregular. This sounds more like valve ticking imo.

[@gregdeschodt9346]

Can you break down the mechanical $$ ? How much is an SMG to manual conversion these days ?

[@Che1seabluesdrogba11]

Trunk sometimes doesn't close on mine or it takes a few trust.. maybe it's the latch

[@dantheman1337]

The ticking will be the lifters need adjusting to the cam wear.

[@ShopLifeTV]

This S54 will be getting a valve adjustment for sure, but the more worrying noise the grinding/groaning which is most likely coming from the Vanos itself. Regardless, Vanos is getting bulletproofed so we will see how everything goes!

[@flippy9133]

i hate cutting and welding into chassis it will never be like oem, might be better to just find stripped m3 chassis and transfer everything in

[@MrSpaz12]

After he already spent a small fortune, he should spend another small fortune? A little cutting and weldind is easy and if he knows how to do it then it's free besides the few parts. Will it be PERFECT? probably not but he's building it for himself so he has plenty of time to message it if he needs to later. He bought it at auction so I'm sure he's a little more budget conscious than the rich guys going out and buying a whole other car because the current one has a few dents and creases. Just sayin.

[@brainfleming8756]

Hey Jason, I am trying to put my car on a diet to loose weight because mine do not seem to be working. I notice on your car, there is some sort of composite bumper carrier. Any chance of letting me know what items would fit on my 01 330Ci ? Cheers.

[@munch90744]

I know that feeling when I got my 2001 330Ci

[@brainfleming8756]

@@munch90744 My latest research indicates the the M3 bumper carrier is not compatible with the non M. I am planning on taking a mold off the aluminum bumper carrier and making a carbon fiber composite replacement. The stock bumper carrier is only a little more than eleven pounds each, but if I can shave off six pounds each by going to a composite, I will be happy.

[@BiffTannenBTTF]

I thought the number was going to be like 6k. Wow

[@SharpTuskWorld]

Wow. I haven't priced M3s but I see e46s available for $2,500-$4,000 frequently in my area. He needs to sell it as is & cut his losses.

[@beyondrepair8949]

Way over paid. Bodywork and full respray alone will run 10k. With a salvage title, high mileage and a swapped out SMG, the car will never bring what better quality ones are selling for on BAT.

[@flippingcars101]

If the car is recovered as a categorised or not a clean title it’s not going to be worth as much when it’s all done. So is it worth even putting all the time and money or maybe just make a track car

[@mannabatth4092]

Noise is kinda same when my car had loose spark plug

[@betatester2560]

just a simply amazing find

[@BmwMe-uh9sy]

hell no

[@omartorres6507]

Hi from México.

[@momo-qg2qm]

There is that Russian guy on youtube that takes cars in far worse damage and he rehuilds them with ease

[@razorrich]

I’m glad to see the E46 M3 appreciating in value. Hopefully, more folks restore them to their former glory.

[@ShopLifeTV]

/hope the people that own them already take care of them

[@Buglife59]

Good for a parts car

[@RealBoss520]

I would find a car shop in TJ and pay 1,000 dollars or less to get the dented part taken care of. Mexico always has great prices compared to here in the states

[@Vgk36]

Purchase price plus body and paint he's touching 20k. Then complete cooling system I mean all of it including heater hoses and rad. Plus subframe reinforcement and all new suspension that puts him at like 28 Think I could have found a Clean title car. But not my money. Will be a nice video series

[@tutspaul]

Hi, I have an E60 with N54 engine..where are you located? I would like you to have a look at my car.

[@bobirvin7991]

First & Most important, you have to understand that buying a car from Copart or other insurance processed car sales is that the title will be a SALVAGED TITLE!! So this means, when some idiot hits the car in the future, you will get salvage car value compensation money. Period. No exceptions. It doesnt matter how much $$ you spend on it to make it brand new again. You will not get paid for any of that. All of you - please be aware of that. Don't get glassy eyed over a lightly wrecked sports car or any vehicle for that matter. You can't submit receipts to an insurance company for how much you spent on fixing a car with a Salvage title. Salvage title = Salvage value. For this car as the example, he won't even get that $14K. That was the auction winning bid. NOT the cars value! I would say about $3K !!!! No joke. Seriously!!

[@eagleeye7399]

Damn he over paid, 14k? That's at best a 5k car not running

[@Nico_335i_DCT]

Hi guys. 14k is a lot money for a body damaged m3. And the SMG will cause some major headaches in the future. Dutch regards, Nico.

[@ShopLifeTV]

Hey Nico! It is quite a bit of money, we won't have to worry about the SMG for much longer ;)

[@jethzeeltorres9727]

Give me a couple of days , a comealong and a hammer 🔨 I’ll straighten that rear end for $300 hehe

[@ShopLifeTV]

lol

[@ZacharyCastro]

Got mine a little less than 2 years ago for 10k with 110,000 miles

[@ShopLifeTV]

I remember those days lol

[@rizierirodas6580]

my boy you fucked up !!!! 30k salvage title m3 e46????? DAMNNNNNNNNNNN

[@caesarguzman5831]

Facts!

[@JosepinoRizal]

Bruh should've had kept on looking on Craigslist or Facebook marketplace. I got one lsb repainted manual conversion for 11k

[@drowe160]

Lemme buy the red guts

[@truth4reel]

Lotta games on copart. Gotta b careful. Salvage don't mean a lot as insurance adjusters can salvage a car that should be clear title or clear a car that should really be scrap. In Michigan they scrap a lot of cars that should be clear title or salvaged at least. Clear titled cars fetch more money for the insurance Co so they do play game.

[@KKE1978]

Damn 30k...holly molly

[@caesarguzman5831]

And still a salvaged title! Ouch

[@ahoneyman]

Strip it and get as much money back as you can. Salvage title, 7k+ in bodywork.... There are just better fish out there. The engine should fetch good money, the SMG is working so someone will need it, and there's no rust. Or just offend everyone and LS swap it and make a smoke machine.

[@KareemSumner]

I've got an e46 that can use your expertise if you're willing to take on another project? I'm in south Charlotte and could use some help!

[@sterlingdiaz6205]

How much was the Copart fees ?

[@fcknhellmate]

For 14k$ that's not a good deal. Also the body damage is clearly visible on the auction photos. Unfortunately, I think that your buddy just got too engaged...

[@BestMotorWerks]

Still 14k is a bargain. Here in my country m3 prices are skyrocketing. Also guys you want 5 6k to repair that rear end damage?? That's a lot of money..

[@caesarguzman5831]

You are nuts! This is a complete trashed and clapped out m3!

[@caesarguzman5831]

What country! This car is trashed! It should be a parts car..

[@erezyoal]

Only 125k miles ?

[@adamstuchlik1576]

Worst deal of the century. Excited for the repairs though

[@caesarguzman5831]

Agreed! This car was neglected and trashed!

[@frankmfeb13]

14k? Man, thats rough.