2002 BMW M3: Pit Stop
February 12, 2008
Our M3 has been making an odd noise - a thump, thump, thump sound at very low speed. The tires also seem to be wearing unevenly - chunking on one rear tire too.
This morning we dropped it off at Long Beach BMW. About an hour later, our service advisor Anthony called us and recommended the following:
Replace front pads and rotors - $1,041
Replace rear control arm bushings - $800
Four wheel alignment - $280
4 new OE spec tires - $1,331
We believe the thumping noise is tire related and the dealership all but confirmed this. Therefore, we're going to replace the bushings, get the alignment and hold off on the brakes... Recent track testing confirmed the M3's stopping prowess so we think there's a little life left in the binders.
As for the tires, we'll get our own from Tire Rack and have a local shop install them.
Other than these minor problems, the M3 continues to run strong and provide more fun than pretty much any other car in the long term fleet.
Brian Moody, Road Test Editor @ 52,094 miles
