My E46 M3 Coupe

[rainmasterb]

Mr Tidy said:

A great update, and it's good to see you are still enjoying your M3 5 years later. It sounds like it has become part of your family!

Your remap sounds interesting as my Z4M Coupe doesn't run too smoothly from cold - I'd appreciate it if you'd message me to say who did it.

On the rod bearing shell issue from what I've read how the car is driven before it is fully warmed up seems to be a major factor, and as my car had 7 previous owners (1st was BMW UK) I suspected maybe at least one of them may have been less than sympathetic so I got my shells replaced last August at 76K miles.

And looking at the old ones I was glad I did!

Yes it certainly is part of the family and that was very much what I had hoped for when I bought it - could easily have gone for something more exotic with less seats etc but I wanted something we can all enjoy for a long time - I’m not sure there are many better at playing this role.

Will message you the details of the guy who mapped my car, it’s a worthwhile upgrade for sure.

You’re right about the shells - i’m the 11th owner of my car so could easily be even worse! Though 4 in the same family and car is generally in great condition, so fingers crossed they last until I can get them done.

[shalmaneser]

I like the idea with Porsche seats but it needs Sports seats really. The standard ones aren't much good.

[rainmasterb]

shalmaneser said:

I like the idea with Porsche seats but it needs Sports seats really. The standard ones aren't much good.

I think you’d be surprised. The alcantara centred Porsche seats vs the old leather M3 seats is a big difference, the Porsche seats being much grippier. Plus I’m 6’5 and have always found the Sports seats a little narrow across the shoulders

[BrotherMouzone]

rainmasterb said:

Custom Interior Trims

Wanted a little project over lockdown, to set to the interior trims. Bought some in reasonable condition off ebay, rubbed them down, few coats of grey primer (good match to the grey plastics in the dash), M tricolor 'splashing', few coats of clear. Done. Wont be to all tastes but I'm really pleased with it. subsequently found a chap selling sets for $250 in the US!

8FFF3AFE-5142-47BD-AE13-586DDECE46CD by ben chambers, on Flickr

Got a bit of BMW Art Car vibe...... I like it.

[Baked_bean]

If someone described that interior I wouldn't be impressed, but in the flesh i really like it!

The E46 M3 is a scratch i need to itch at some point.

[okenemem]

beautiful

[rainmasterb]

Thanks for the kind comments all.

Now I’ve got it how I want I’m talking to Darragh at Everything M3 about ‘the big jobs’.

My RACP is fine for now so I’m leaving that, but I’m in the window for rod bearings and then need to get the Vanos and Head Gasket done.

Not cheap but should be good for another 100k miles after that!

[Mr Tidy]

Thanks for your message about the remap.

Apologies if you know already, but when you get your bearing shells replaced it might be worth having new engine mounts fitted - assuming the E46 ones are similar to E86 ones.

[rainmasterb]

The recent spate of new E46 M3 owners on here reminded me I haven’t updated this for a while. Car was in regular use until a month ago but the only thing to report of any note is a recent trip to Darragh at Everything M3 for Rod Bearings and new RTABs. Rod bearings were in reasonable condition but new RTABs have made a noticeable difference.

I picked up a Volvo V70 Cross Country a month back in view to giving the M3 a bit of a break during the grim winter months (and because we recently got a Lab and I really don’t want him chewing up the Porsche seats!) - will still be used but only when the weather is decent and there’s no salt on the roads.

Still love it to pieces and can’t think what I would ever replace it with, and very pleased to see their values continue to climb…

Happy and safe motoring to all in 2022!