E46 M3 - yes it is all that

[soc]

A mate in work picked up an 03 E46 M3 cab yesterday. Complete with hardtop in slate grey - looks amazing. Fully loaded, tv, hardon karmen sounds, etc. Amazing car - sounds incredible. Smooth, no rattles, no knocks. I was thinking about it before but now I'm certain - TT going for up for sale and I'll be on the hunt for a nice 04/05 M3 in the new year.

[Myfeckin FTO]

Sounds nice - would prefer the coupe to the conv. though - these have really come down in money lately - however watch out for those running costs.

[Mustang]

A mate in work picked up an 03 E46 M3 cab yesterday...........................................................................................I'll be on the hunt for a nice 04/05 M3 in the new year.

Be sure to out do your mate anyway, by buying a newer version of the same car. That'll burst his bubble. Don't want to get left behind in the company car park pecking order.
Seroiusly though sounds like a nice prospect

[soc]

A mate in work picked up an 03 E46 M3 cab yesterday...........................................................................................I'll be on the hunt for a nice 04/05 M3 in the new year.

Be sure to out do your mate anyway, by buying a newer version of the same car. That'll burst his bubble. Don't want to get left behind in the company car park pecking order.
Seroiusly though sounds like a nice prospect

Heh, was wondering if anyone would pick up on that as I forgot to include the wink smiley for sarcas

It is definitely a lovely car but with uncertainty in the jobs market and nothing owing on the TT I won't be taking on any debt this side of Feb/Mar (unfortunately).

[soc]

Sounds nice - would prefer the coupe to the conv. though - these have really come down in money lately - however watch out for those running costs.

Agreed, I'm more a coupe person myself. And if I didn't have a wife who seems to have blanket dislike for all jap cars I'd have to be be veering towards a 350z on value alone...

[optical illusion]

Just as well...

A TT? You big girls blouse.

[soc]

Just as well...

A TT? You big girls blouse.

Seriously though - as an overall package it's hard to beat - best interior in it's class by a mile and iconic exterior looks. And it's so easy to mod - maps to 270bhp. Add in a few suspension tweaks and the handling is excellent with oodles of grip (wet or dry).

[Mustang]

Just as well...

A TT? You big girls blouse.

Seriously though - as an overall package it's hard to beat - best interior in it's class by a mile and iconic exterior looks. And it's so easy to mod - maps to 270bhp. Add in a few suspension tweaks and the handling is excellent with oodles of grip (wet or dry).

OT. I know two people who've ran that VW 1.8T engine. Both of whom ended up with that oil sludge formation problem. It looks like a nice performance package, small engine, big power, but not without it's issues. Perhaps it's just down to maintenance or lack thereof.

[soc]

OT. I know two people who've ran that VW 1.8T engine. Both of whom ended up with that oil sludge formation problem. It looks like a nice performance package, small engine, big power, but not without it's issues. Perhaps it's just down to maintenance or lack thereof.

I hadn't heard of this problem - any more details? I've had an oil change ever 6k since I bought mine - 2 years now - longest I've ever had one car.

What are the signs and symptoms of hte oil sludge problem?

[Mustang]

OT. I know two people who've ran that VW 1.8T engine. Both of whom ended up with that oil sludge formation problem. It looks like a nice performance package, small engine, big power, but not without it's issues. Perhaps it's just down to maintenance or lack thereof.

I hadn't heard of this problem - any more details? I've had an oil change ever 6k since I bought mine - 2 years now - longest I've ever had one car.

What are the signs and symptoms of hte oil sludge problem?

Small sump capacity, high running temperature => oil turns to sludge, clogs oil pump, and oil line to turbo. This is a well known issue on this engine I'd expect more from a VAG head like yourself. C-
Google VW 1.8T sludge and all will be revealed. As regards symptoms I don't really know, rough running, deterioration in performance, dash lit up like a Christmas tree etc.

[soc]

never heard of it - never ever saw anything on the mkiv or the tt forum in the 4 years I've had a 1.8T.... must read up about this....

Although regular (every 6k) oil changes should prevent this I'd say... plus I never run much higher than 100deg oil temp - that's the primary reason I got the liquidTT gizom so I could ensure correct oil temps.

[soc]

Google VW 1.8T sludge and all will be revealed.

Looks like this happens on a lot of other engines too - most of the sites I came across listed other makers too (Toyota, Dodge, Chrysler as well as VW and Audi). And the Audi's listed were A4's and the VW's Passats. I know the 225 TT has a different setup to all the other 1.8T engine - stronger internals, extra intercooler, bigger turbo.

Most sites talked about a poor quality of oil and overheating causing the issues.

I only use synthetic and regular oil changes so not too concerned (touch wood).