Discussion
Regarding remapping - and seeing as there seems to be a fair amount of e46 M3expertise on this thread - I've got a standard e46 M3 myself and after coming from an e36 M3 the one thing that really really annoys me is the way the engine runs on slightly after you lift your foot off the throttle.
I think it's related to the car being drive by wire as opposed to the e36 which had a cable throttle - so when you lifted off in the e36 the throttle bodies snapped shut and the engine cut power. My girlfriends '05 Porsche Boxster does a very similar thing so hence I'm fairly convinced it's inherent to the throttle mapping. It makes clean full bore upshifts hard to do as you end up slurring the shift slightly. It's annoying. I note mentions of similar issues in 911s too.
Is this the sort of thing a remap might sort out? I wonder if it's there for emission purposes, ensuring that any unburnt fuel in the inlet manifold is allowed to burn in a controlled manner when the throttle is snapped shut?
Anyway, an advice much appreciated, and apologies for the thread hijack.
I think it's related to the car being drive by wire as opposed to the e36 which had a cable throttle - so when you lifted off in the e36 the throttle bodies snapped shut and the engine cut power. My girlfriends '05 Porsche Boxster does a very similar thing so hence I'm fairly convinced it's inherent to the throttle mapping. It makes clean full bore upshifts hard to do as you end up slurring the shift slightly. It's annoying. I note mentions of similar issues in 911s too.
Is this the sort of thing a remap might sort out? I wonder if it's there for emission purposes, ensuring that any unburnt fuel in the inlet manifold is allowed to burn in a controlled manner when the throttle is snapped shut?
Anyway, an advice much appreciated, and apologies for the thread hijack.
Nunga said:
M3carbon1 aka Mike off M3cutters does live mapping.
After doing some digging, it looks as though Mike did some map work on my car 2 owners back. I'm hoping he may still have some information relating to it. I've run out of ideas when it comes to tracing previous owners though unfortunately. 
helix402 said:
Martyn who owns / runs this is a far more knowledgeable & capable tuner than anyone else on Cutters imo... Evolve aside who are obviously a serious set-up I'd only go to him for mapping (if I still had my M3 that is). I've only just caught up on this thread, my word you have got stuck in! You certainly don't hang about with hunting down all the nice bits 
.
Judging by how well you built the E30 i'm sure this will end up being something very special, keep up the good work and finding all those nice parts!
.Judging by how well you built the E30 i'm sure this will end up being something very special, keep up the good work and finding all those nice parts!
Dissolved said:
helix402 said:
Martyn who owns / runs this is a far more knowledgeable & capable tuner than anyone else on Cutters imo... Evolve aside who are obviously a serious set-up I'd only go to him for mapping (if I still had my M3 that is). I've been home for almost a week and had a chance to put a few miles on the M3. The geometry is finally sorted and it's way more stable at speed. It may not be quite as sharp on turn in but realistically, it's still pretty good. Overall is just inspires far more confidence and is way more enjoyable to drive. I no longer feel like I'm fighting it and it's simply much nicer to drive. The ride height is perfect too and much as I dislike the word, the stance is just how I envisaged. I've also fitted facelift LED rear lights, the amber front indicators and the CSL splitter I managed to wipe out of a speed bump!
As well as changing the engine oil (10w60 and filter) again, I also opted to flush and refill the LSD. There's still a very slight drone between 50 - 60mph but hardly noticeable really and the groan on tight turns is much less too. I don't know when the diff' oil was last changed but the 4:1 final drive was fitted by the last owner bar one so I'd hazard a guess that this was when the oil was last done too. Either way, I like knowing exactly when stuff like oil changes have been done so that I can keep on top of maintenance schedule.
Inside, I am going to give the leather seat squabs and bolsters a thorough clean. I bought a bar of Pears transparent soap and a couple of soft nail brushes and am looking forward to seeing just how well the method works. I've seen some pretty good results pictured on Cutters though but I still need to get some hide food and/or leather conditioner. Hopefully the leather will lose the nasty shiny finish many years of sweaty arses have given it? I've also swapped out the OE steering wheel for my MOMO and it's just so much nicer to use. The quick release boss makes it easier for me to get in and out with my dicky left leg and is a bonus from a security point of view. It looks much better too but I'd like to change the gear lever gaiter for black suede and maybe the gear knob? Did CSL have them? I've also got an Alpine head unit to fit which I think really suits the E46 dash. I've always liked Alpine and Nakamichi when it comes to ICE and the Alpine was a steal at just £40 delivered!
Hopefully I can get across the Nurburgring this year but am also doing something with Sideways Sid which should be fun.
Anyway, a few pics from 2 owners ago...
As well as changing the engine oil (10w60 and filter) again, I also opted to flush and refill the LSD. There's still a very slight drone between 50 - 60mph but hardly noticeable really and the groan on tight turns is much less too. I don't know when the diff' oil was last changed but the 4:1 final drive was fitted by the last owner bar one so I'd hazard a guess that this was when the oil was last done too. Either way, I like knowing exactly when stuff like oil changes have been done so that I can keep on top of maintenance schedule.
Inside, I am going to give the leather seat squabs and bolsters a thorough clean. I bought a bar of Pears transparent soap and a couple of soft nail brushes and am looking forward to seeing just how well the method works. I've seen some pretty good results pictured on Cutters though but I still need to get some hide food and/or leather conditioner. Hopefully the leather will lose the nasty shiny finish many years of sweaty arses have given it? I've also swapped out the OE steering wheel for my MOMO and it's just so much nicer to use. The quick release boss makes it easier for me to get in and out with my dicky left leg and is a bonus from a security point of view. It looks much better too but I'd like to change the gear lever gaiter for black suede and maybe the gear knob? Did CSL have them? I've also got an Alpine head unit to fit which I think really suits the E46 dash. I've always liked Alpine and Nakamichi when it comes to ICE and the Alpine was a steal at just £40 delivered!
Hopefully I can get across the Nurburgring this year but am also doing something with Sideways Sid which should be fun.
Anyway, a few pics from 2 owners ago...
Butter Face said:
Saw you on the A30 last night mate, car looks ace.
Thanks. I must admit, I'm kinda falling for its charms more and more. It's levels of performance are certainly well above mine but it's quite flattering to the driver, much like the E30 was. I'm always a bit nervous about putting my trust into a new car, especially when the potential for expensive failures exists, but at least a complete s54 can be had for circa £3K, whereas the s14 could wipe out much much more. I just want to get a weekend away in Wales or out on track in it now. 
Have been enjoying using the M3 but had noticed the well known 'drivetrain clunk' seemed a little louder. A quick scan on Cutters and there didn't seem to be much left that I hadn't already addressed, so I kinda figured an LSD rebuild would be on the cards at some point. Anyway, yesterday there was a sudden noise from somewhere, that resembled running over cats eyes at speed. As I was only doing 30 though it was clearly something else. It was clearly diff related though. In fact it turned out to be all the output flange bolts had sheared on one side! Once the mains had been drilled out and replacements fitted we were good to go again! As the sun was out again this morning, I took a run down to deliver a part to Mark C in Helston and the road from Redruth is good fun, with some twisty sections and a few nice straights. Wide open in third, with revs climbing to 8k, is a pretty good noise and certainly puts a smile on your face. The only downside of pushing on in such a capable car, are the speeds you can find yourself travelling at in pretty much no time at all. Should anything go wrong, you know it'll hurt, be expensive or both.
Stunning car that. The E46 is one of the best looking and proportioned BMW’s to me eyes anyway. The shape has stood the test of time really well and remains very pretty, especially with derails such as the bootlid.
The induction noise of these with a carbon airbox is fan and absolutely intoxicating. Expensive yes, but worth every penny!
It’s nice to see one being cared for and enjoyed as it should. There seem to be too many ropey ones round here owned by yoofs.
The induction noise of these with a carbon airbox is fan and absolutely intoxicating. Expensive yes, but worth every penny!
It’s nice to see one being cared for and enjoyed as it should. There seem to be too many ropey ones round here owned by yoofs.
Thanks. Yes, after the E30 M3, I think the E46 comes a close 2nd and the styling remains just about spot on for me. I don't think the photos do justice to just how squat and purposeful it looks in the flesh, although the slightly lower ride height clearly adds to that appearance. It's low, but not so low as to mean reversing over speed humps. Mind you, I do creep over some of the larger ones around here.
I've been looking at what might be the cause of the dreaded 'drivetrain clunk' which, although much improved, still remains. BMW did change the diff' mounting bolts from a type that were threaded their whole length, to a a type with a unthreaded shoulder instead. Evidently they're stronger and less prone to shearing and/or backing themselves out. The shoulder is also slightly tapered and people have said that fitting them has removed (or at least much reduced) the clunk on taking up drive. Anyway, at just a couple of quid it seems worth the effort of fitting them. I'm hoping we may be moving home soon and the new place has a proper garage with a pit! So maybe I will wait until then, rather than roll about on the floor?
Now any normal person would be quite happy with their car and just enjoy it as it is. Unfortunately, I (like many of us here) appear not to be normal and I'm thinking I could really do with losing some weight from the E46. It's certainly a cheaper option than chasing more power through engine modifications! Current power is around the 360 mark and as I want it to stay normally aspirated, a swap to Schrick cams and a lightweight flywheel seem the logical next step. The cost without labour would be nigh on £2k though and I'd be wanting to refresh the bottom end first anyway, so the final bill would be tough to justify, even if I could afford it. (which I can't!) So the most sensible (and certainly much cheaper) option is to shed some weight instead. What I don't want to do though, is go full stripped out race car. I did that with the E30 M3 but it had already been caged etc when I first bought it. My E46 has the super rare alcantara M and leather which is pretty mint and really makes the interior feel pretty special when combined with all the carbon fibre. The OE seats weigh a not inconsiderable 30kgs EACH! Add the rear seat and full sized spare and you're at nigh on 100kgs! Obviously some of that weight will go back in, in the shape of a Safety Devices rear cage and a rear seat delete panel kit, but there's still a decent weight saving over stock. I'm also on a diet myself!
The only external changes I still want to make are the wheels and front splitter. I'm thinking Apex SM-10 ten spokes painted bronze like the rims on my old E21. Seats I think will be along the lines of Recaro CS or Speed.
Apex look much like these. Also think I may have the AP brake callipers painted yellow?
Right now I'm just waiting on the chance to get some decent video footage, including decent audio of the intake bark.
I've been looking at what might be the cause of the dreaded 'drivetrain clunk' which, although much improved, still remains. BMW did change the diff' mounting bolts from a type that were threaded their whole length, to a a type with a unthreaded shoulder instead. Evidently they're stronger and less prone to shearing and/or backing themselves out. The shoulder is also slightly tapered and people have said that fitting them has removed (or at least much reduced) the clunk on taking up drive. Anyway, at just a couple of quid it seems worth the effort of fitting them. I'm hoping we may be moving home soon and the new place has a proper garage with a pit! So maybe I will wait until then, rather than roll about on the floor?
Now any normal person would be quite happy with their car and just enjoy it as it is. Unfortunately, I (like many of us here) appear not to be normal and I'm thinking I could really do with losing some weight from the E46. It's certainly a cheaper option than chasing more power through engine modifications! Current power is around the 360 mark and as I want it to stay normally aspirated, a swap to Schrick cams and a lightweight flywheel seem the logical next step. The cost without labour would be nigh on £2k though and I'd be wanting to refresh the bottom end first anyway, so the final bill would be tough to justify, even if I could afford it. (which I can't!) So the most sensible (and certainly much cheaper) option is to shed some weight instead. What I don't want to do though, is go full stripped out race car. I did that with the E30 M3 but it had already been caged etc when I first bought it. My E46 has the super rare alcantara M and leather which is pretty mint and really makes the interior feel pretty special when combined with all the carbon fibre. The OE seats weigh a not inconsiderable 30kgs EACH! Add the rear seat and full sized spare and you're at nigh on 100kgs! Obviously some of that weight will go back in, in the shape of a Safety Devices rear cage and a rear seat delete panel kit, but there's still a decent weight saving over stock. I'm also on a diet myself!
The only external changes I still want to make are the wheels and front splitter. I'm thinking Apex SM-10 ten spokes painted bronze like the rims on my old E21. Seats I think will be along the lines of Recaro CS or Speed.
Apex look much like these. Also think I may have the AP brake callipers painted yellow?
Right now I'm just waiting on the chance to get some decent video footage, including decent audio of the intake bark.
Edited by e46m3Mark on Thursday 4th April 10:48
That e21 sits incredible 
how did you find your e21's, you obviously like them but they always seemed to get criticised for their lack of handling compared to the 02's and the e30's, whats your view?
Plans for the e46 sound good, sounds like what im doing with the 2002, keep it a nice halfway house between road car and track car! On standard engines with Schrick cams and our modified heads alone we've been getting over 400hp on the m power 6's, plenty for an e46!
how did you find your e21's, you obviously like them but they always seemed to get criticised for their lack of handling compared to the 02's and the e30's, whats your view?Plans for the e46 sound good, sounds like what im doing with the 2002, keep it a nice halfway house between road car and track car! On standard engines with Schrick cams and our modified heads alone we've been getting over 400hp on the m power 6's, plenty for an e46!
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