BMW E46 M3

[ATM]

Diablo85 said:

^^ I believe this Titan Silver M3 belongs to someone called "Lee" on m3cutters. From what I saw closeup this is one tidy motor, real credit to you pal






























I didn't get much of chance to properly test the brakes on the way back because of traffic on the A6... but from what I sampled soo far I love it! You'll often read high praise about the performance of good brakes but it's hard to quantify unless you've tried it first hand.

I'll provide an update a month or so from now about them. I've found that I need to weary of cars behind me under hard braking with these - it'll take me a short while to adjust.

I was concerned about 'braking feel' with 6 pot callipers due to what I had read. 4 pot callipers will have more 'feel' - but I found the 6pot had pretty decent feel, better than I was expecting. I'll upgrade the rears in due course.

Thanks for reading

Do you know which calipers these are and which pad you're using?

[Glassman]

Thanks for the namecheck

Diablo85 said:

Did he break the glass for illustration, or did this happen when during the removal process? (How?)

Diablo85 said:

Did he pour this on?

[Diablo85]

mcelliott said:

I am a bit biased but beautiful car OP - the E46 M3 shape just gets better with age, future classic for sure.

pstruck said:

Superbly detailed log and a beautiful M3. If I could find and buy one just like yours I would be very happy.

Cheers chaps!

I think the 46's are getting to a classic age now where the OEM/OEM+ theme feels right.

ATM said:

Do you know which calipers these are and which pad you're using?

Hi

The callipers are from the 'CP7040' family. From my research these are often found on high performance Japanese cars.

The pads are DS2500. To be honest there is a chance I might remove the kit all together next year. At the time, I purchased them under the impression that they were the official E46 M3 kit, which they are not. My installer did point out at the time that there was something 'different' about them compared to all the previous AP kits he had installed on M3s. It was a fellow M3 owner who then identified they were CP7040 with modified brackets to fit the M3.

As for the DS2500s I'm not a fan. Not only do they dust too much, but I'm finding they are leaving pad deposits on the discs. (I've tried various hard breaking tests, to no avail) I have noticed this month some subtle vibration when de-accelerating from 60mph+. It's off to the shop first week on Jan 2015 to inspect. Depending on the outcome I'll either refit OEM brakes with PF pads as a temporary measure or keep the APs and buy some new discs/pads.

Actually, the more I think about it, the more I'd prefer to purchase the AP CP5555/CP5575 official E46M kit as this was my original intention, those kits are specifically built for the E46M. The make shift kit fits the M3 well, and I suppose one can't really argue at such a kit for £1k .... compared the official E46M kit at £2.4k! - I'll post an update on what happens regarding the BBK next year

Glassman said:

Thanks for the namecheck

Diablo85 said:

Did he break the glass for illustration, or did this happen when during the removal process? (How?)

Diablo85 said:

Did he pour this on?

From what I remember that corner of the glass initially broke during the removal. I then chipped away at it curiously some more before taking the picture. Neil reminded me the glass was still sharp hahah so I stopped.


No, he used a brush and went the whole way round. I quickly took this picture as he was coating the otherside at the time (work in progress). Neil and his team were very open to me taking random photos of the process which I really appreciated

[Glassman]

Diablo85 said:

From what I remember that corner of the glass initially broke during the removal.

It appears consistent with a 'snap', ie, the glass flexed before being cut/released from the adhesive.

Was he using a yellow-handled knife to cut the bottom?

[Diablo85]

Glassman said:

It appears consistent with a 'snap', ie, the glass flexed before being cut/released from the adhesive.

Was he using a yellow-handled knife to cut the bottom?

I'm not sure what tool was used there - looking back at my photos that part of the screen was obscured to me at the time due to the open bonnet.

[Glassman]

One of these:



The damage on the glass looks consistent with it; also the glass edge has been powdered, which pretty much rules out the screen being removed with wire.

[ATM]

Diablo85 said:

ATM said:

Do you know which calipers these are and which pad you're using?

Hi

The callipers are from the 'CP7040' family. From my research these are often found on high performance Japanese cars.

The pads are DS2500. To be honest there is a chance I might remove the kit all together next year. At the time, I purchased them under the impression that they were the official E46 M3 kit, which they are not. My installer did point out at the time that there was something 'different' about them compared to all the previous AP kits he had installed on M3s. It was a fellow M3 owner who then identified they were CP7040 with modified brackets to fit the M3.

As for the DS2500s I'm not a fan. Not only do they dust too much, but I'm finding they are leaving pad deposits on the discs. (I've tried various hard breaking tests, to no avail) I have noticed this month some subtle vibration when de-accelerating from 60mph+. It's off to the shop first week on Jan 2015 to inspect. Depending on the outcome I'll either refit OEM brakes with PF pads as a temporary measure or keep the APs and buy some new discs/pads.

Actually, the more I think about it, the more I'd prefer to purchase the AP CP5555/CP5575 official E46M kit as this was my original intention, those kits are specifically built for the E46M. The make shift kit fits the M3 well, and I suppose one can't really argue at such a kit for £1k .... compared the official E46M kit at £2.4k! - I'll post an update on what happens regarding the BBK next year

Slow down there Cowboy.

I have the same 7040 calipers on my E46. These were fitted by the last owner. I've done some research and from what I can find this was the caliper which was used on the early e46 conversions. It has since been changed to the newer types. From what I can tell the only difference is that the newer types have bolts holding in the pads and they're a slightly different shape. So before you decide they're unofficial think again. Now it is possible that someone has home brewed the brackets and discs rather than buy the official ap kit. That's definitely what has been done to mine. I have PF discs and I'd guess the brackets are home made. My car came with DS3000 pads I believe which I'm currently in the process of changing. I was going to go for APF404 pads but I'm not definite yet.

I also have an AP 2 pot caliper on the back which I think is used on TVR's and the like.

[Diablo85]

Could such a device have been used to make the initial cut though?

I'm sure I saw wire being used, like cheese-wire?

Here is a full res photo after the removal, it may yield some clues:

http://www.imageupload.co.uk/images/2014/12/24/P10...

As for the powdered glass edge, I'm not a window fitter, but if you look at the glass edge of the newer glass on the stand, it also has powdered edges? - I had a new gasket installed too.

ATM said:

Slow down there Cowboy.

I have the same 7040 calipers on my E46. These were fitted by the last owner. I've done some research and from what I can find this was the caliper which was used on the early e46 conversions. It has since been changed to the newer types. From what I can tell the only difference is that the newer types have bolts holding in the pads and they're a slightly different shape. So before you decide they're unofficial think again. Now it is possible that someone has home brewed the brackets and discs rather than buy the official ap kit. That's definitely what has been done to mine. I have PF discs and I'd guess the brackets are home made. My car came with DS3000 pads I believe which I'm currently in the process of changing. I was going to go for APF404 pads but I'm not definite yet.

I also have an AP 2 pot caliper on the back which I think is used on TVR's and the like.

Honestly, ^^ that is the first I've read about any relation of that calliper and the E46M thanks for sharing - very interesting!

Yes, the newer callipers do appear to have a different bolt design for holding the pads. I'd love to run PF discs - could you please share you specs? I assume you have the same bells as mine?

[ATM]

This is from the original owner's build thread here

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

If you look at the full size pics you can see the PF part numbers. I don't know if they came with the bells or without.

Blair357ci said:

So today finally I got to fit my new AP 6 pot calipers and DS3000 brake pads, Phil from Dritworks sorted me out a deal on some performance friction 356 x 32mm discs.




Bolted them up



And ET viola

[ATM]

Just found this pic from his album. Looks like a genuine AP caliper bracket to me. You can almost see the part number.

[Diablo85]

wow - that's perfect, thanks ATM!

My brackets don't look like those. One thing that is bugging me about current set of bells is that I'm sure upon install there appeared to be what looked like a very thin 'spacer' inside of them? They had some surface rust. Would love to know the bells used in that thread - I'll read through it all, looks epic

[Boyles11]

Glassman said:

One of these:



The damage on the glass looks consistent with it; also the glass edge has been powdered, which pretty much rules out the screen being removed with wire.

Hi glass man to set the record straight no long knife was used on the vehicle we are no longer a lowed to use these, the glass actually broke up from prising the original trim out as it was solid in the glue, the screen was Kented round the edge and wire inside and out across the bottom, the screen once out was perposly broke up by the manager to show dal the the in between layers and explained how it all worked, and for pouring the primer on is it not better to have enough than not enough? Sorry to high jack the thread I felt the need to defend mine and my work colleges work

P.s this car is perfect in the flesh

[Glassman]

Boyles11 said:

and for pouring the primer on is it not better to have enough than not enough?

Wouldn't you say that's excessive? The idea is to 'promote' adhesion by providing a better substrate, not layer it with a blob of liquid.

[ATM]

More info on the PF discs by looking at the part numbers on the boxes.

356.32.0054.03
356.32.0054.04

http://www.part-box.com/product_info.php?products_...

I found them for sale at a several places. They are sold as a direct replacement for the AP rotors which I assume you have now. If you compare the AP disc part numbers with the AP site they match.

http://www.apracing.com/product_details/road_car_u...

[Diablo85]

Boyles11 said:

Hi glass man to set the record straight no long knife was used on the vehicle we are no longer a lowed to use these, the glass actually broke up from prising the original trim out as it was solid in the glue, the screen was Kented round the edge and wire inside and out across the bottom, the screen once out was perposly broke up by the manager to show dal the the in between layers and explained how it all worked, and for pouring the primer on is it not better to have enough than not enough? Sorry to high jack the thread I felt the need to defend mine and my work colleges work

P.s this car is perfect in the flesh

Thank you for your input

Glassman said:

Wouldn't you say that's excessive? The idea is to 'promote' adhesion by providing a better substrate, not layer it with a blob of liquid.

Thanks for your contribution in this thread Glassman but I wish end all discussion/critique about the Windscreen install from this point on. I've answered your questions as best as I can, 'Boyles11' from NW has also chimed in. I do not want my build thread turning into a pissing match between two competing firms, it's highly unprofessional. Genuine readers of my thread are well aware of the lengths I go to ensure great workmanship.

While it is true that we touched base a few months ago about a possible install, I later found about Phil Lomas (NW) who I respect in 'equal terms' with yourself. There were a few reasons why I chose NW (Phil Lomas). The main reasons aside from equal rep were location and knowing the total cost. The install workshop is based in Tamworth, very close to me (Derby) compared to travelling to London.

Looking back at my Windscreen install post through another pair of glasses, the thought did cross my mind as to whether the reference to Glasstec and National Windscreens might have been misinterpreted as a 'who's better' slogan. This was not the case as I have outlined my reasons above (logistics). My intention was to share with others reputable windscreens installers I had discovered through my research, that is all. Whilst I chose NW for my needs I know you are passionate about your work and the industry too, hence why I felt you deserved a mention.

If you feel the reference does not come across this way just let me know and I'll to remove it (I have the post on other forums too).

All that said, I need to get back to the celebrations!

Have a great new year!

ATM said:

More info on the PF discs by looking at the part numbers on the boxes.

356.32.0054.03
356.32.0054.04

http://www.part-box.com/product_info.php?products_...

I found them for sale at a several places. They are sold as a direct replacement for the AP rotors which I assume you have now. If you compare the AP disc part numbers with the AP site they match.

http://www.apracing.com/product_details/road_car_u...

Many thanks yet again ATM!

I did have a new years resolution to "limit spending on nice things for the ///M", I guess if I purchased these in the next hour I can circumvent it, muhahah


Have a great new year!

Cheers

[Lancia888]

Really enjoyed reading this thread…. fantastic attention to detail is what it's all about! Thank you.

[Diablo85]

Small update chaps - slight tweak to the front grills and corners to freshen things up a bit:

















My original intent was to try a chrome outer bezel and gloss black slats for the grills. I wanted to use the gloss black slats from an aftermarket gloss black grill set because the slats are thicker (chunky) and it looks great!

Sadly, the aftermarket slats don't fit the OEM chrome bezel properly. So I'll have to paint the OEM slats black when I have time. For now though I've thrown on the gloss black set.

I've also added some cf side grills for detail.


Also, I treated the car to a set of PIAA wipers, I've heard a lot about them and keen to see if they live up to the hype:











PIAA Part Numbers:
PIAA SI TECH Flat Wiper 20": WUK50E
PIAA SI TECH Flat Wiper 22": WUK55E


Thanks for reading, and I'll be back soon with some more updates

---

Lancia888 said:

Really enjoyed reading this thread…. fantastic attention to detail is what it's all about! Thank you.

Thanks Lancia, very much appreciated, glad you enjoyed it

Edited by Diablo85 on Sunday 1st February 15:18

[Diablo85]

Hello PH'ers - time for another update.

I had the opportunity to purchase a Stoptech ST40 Big Brake Kit a few weeks ago so I bit the bullet. The AP's were sold to a fellow M3 owner who is very happy with the kit.

I've long followed ST, they are big in the USA along with a good variety of pads, but finding a good price was always difficult in the UK. Indigo GT had a great offer on them, I placed the order and 2 weeks later they were shipped from the US.

The callipers are 4-pot and the discs size is 355mm. I chose black as I prefer a more concealed look.

Unboxing the ST40

FAG Wheel Bearings

As a pre-emptive measure, I replaced both front wheel bearings too. FAG is the OE wheel bearing supplier.

Install

... after taking that last picture, I went back into the office, sat on the couch and ended up falling asleep until the job was done. Working too hard obviously




Z3m Coupe
It's probably obvious by now that I have a 'thing' for the Z3M coupe, I always have! This particular one is very well known amongst the Z3M crowd in the UK. From what I remember, the owner left the car in storage and the underside started to rot due to moisture contamination. So he decided to have the entire underside replaced by Darren Wood with brand new OEM parts. The car looked soo fresh.



Stoptech Post Install
I have no feedback to give just yet as I drove home very carefully to avoid using the brakes too much. I had to wait until I arrived home and then plan a "midnight run" on a long stretch of quiet road to perform the bedding in procedure outlined by ST.

The install itself was fine apart from two things. OPIE oils dispatched my Motul brake fluid later than expected, so I had to use a spare can of ATE Super Blue. Once the Moutl arrives I may give that a go.

The other problem was clearance. I have spacers setup on the car, so clearance along this plane wasn't an issue. Some wheel weights however did cause rubbing so we had to remove some of them during the install. My next priority is to fix this. It may mean purchasing some performance 18"s or possibly 19" in the future

Part Numbers:
StopTech BBK
Calliper: ST-40
Rotor: 355 x 32
Color: Black - #83.137.4700.53

FAG Wheel Bearing: 713649400 x2


I'll be back with an update on the kit and those PIAA blades!

Thanks for reading!

Dal

[joesnow]

This thread is probably the blueprint for all M3 owners. Great read with lots of insight, looking forward to the next post.

[Diablo85]

joesnow said:

This thread is probably the blueprint for all M3 owners. Great read with lots of insight, looking forward to the next post.

Thanks Joe, I'm glad folks find the DIYs useful

---

My new grills arrived last week (chrome outer + black slats): - I took some pics of them and the Stoptechs below:





















Stoptech ST40
I had the brake fluid flushed and replaced with Motul RBF600 as originally intended. Also the wheel weights have now been reapplied in such positions as to not interfere with the callipers - all is good! No complaints on the ST40 so far, they are excellent. The braking feel is different compared to the AP racing 6 pot, you tend to 'feel' a lot more of the braking action if that makes sense.... boy do they stop!


From a maintenance perspective the M3 is running sweet, no immediate issues left to resolve... for now