E46 M3 Project
Discussion
The second handbrake handle/grip arrived and I'm much happier with the 'M' stitching.
Fitting the thing was far from easy, it took a lot of force to get onto the lever.
It seems that summer has returned for a few hours which has made things considerably more pleasant for the PDR chap I booked to remove a small crease in the N/S wheelarch. The dent was too small to photograph before he started, so I won't even attempt an 'after' shot
I wanted this out of the way whilst the rear quarter cards were still out to save removing them later for access. Every piece of trim I have removed will be refitted with brand new clips.
Fitting the thing was far from easy, it took a lot of force to get onto the lever.
It seems that summer has returned for a few hours which has made things considerably more pleasant for the PDR chap I booked to remove a small crease in the N/S wheelarch. The dent was too small to photograph before he started, so I won't even attempt an 'after' shot
I wanted this out of the way whilst the rear quarter cards were still out to save removing them later for access. Every piece of trim I have removed will be refitted with brand new clips.
Edited by mwstewart on Monday 23 December 22:09
I have Steam cleaned the second-hand pieces of Silver Cube trim which I felt were good enough to use.
F10 M5 Gearknob
I really don't like the look or feel of the standard E46 M3 gearknob but thankfully BMW gearknob fitment has remained the same from around the E36 era to the present day, so there are plenty of options. I've chosen to use an F10 M5 gearknob which is weighted and also illuminated like the original E46 gearknob. It's reasonably priced too given it comes with a Nappa leather gaiter.
The F10 gearstick aperture is obviously different to the E46, so what I did was to remove the staples and glue from the F10 gaiter and then gently peel it from its trim piece (left). I did the same on a scrap E46 gaiter to remove its trim piece (right).
I then carefully stretched the F10 gaiter over the E46 trim piece and bonded the two together with Tiger Seal.
Here's the gearknob & gaiter fitted, and also some of the Silver Cube. The F10 illumination multiplug is identical to that used in the E46, making this aspect is plug and play.
I also test fitted a Bluetooth 'Eject Box' with phone storage tray.
Alpine KCA-420i iPod Interface
I have a multitude of AV/Aux input options already wired in but I also want an actual interface. Using Alpine products with something called an 'Intravee' http://www.toysinyourcar.com/acatalog/intravee.htm... is a well-known option, and enables display of iPod details on the Factory Sat Nav screen.
I bought my KCA-420i from eBay, and also a 10m Ai-Net cable so I can mount the KCA-420i at the front of the car to allow iPod connection in the glovebox. The Intravee will be mounted in the boot with the rest of the OEM infotainment modules.
There is a handy module rack system behind the glove box which on my car it is mostly empty. This due to the gradual evolution of the electrical system over the period of the E46's life which has meant that a lot of the functions which used to be provided in discreet modules, are now combined in the one General Module. This is good news as the KCA-420i fits snugly in one of the free slots!
All cables were covered in fleece tape and the glove box refitted with just the right amount of iPod lead available inside.
Electrically Folding Mirrors
I wanted to add folding mirrors as they do sometimes come in handy. They tend to fetch a premium which in my opinion is not justified. I found a tatty set on eBay minus one mirror glass and got them for £120, which isn't too bad.
There are a few types of E46 mirror electronics depending on year for one and also whether memory seats are installed. The mirrors I purchased were an older non-memory type, so my plan was to strip the mirrors and transplant the folding motor alone into my mirrors.
Here's what it all comes down to. The manual folding mirror has a spring loaded cartridge (left) whereas the electronically folding mirrors have a cartridge of the same dimensions, only motorised. It's a great piece of design and probably only costs £15 perm unit to manufacture in bulk- hardly worth the premium these units often fetch second-hand.
I simply swapped the motorised cartridge into my mirrors (which are far better condition than the donors!)
I extended the folding motor wires and covered with fleece tape, and I will now add these wires (blue and white) to empty pins in the existing mirror multiplugs (white to pin 1 and blue to pin 2).
Misc Trim
I'm replacing all of the trim clips in the interior with the later foam backed type which cut down on vibrations.
I also purchased new interior sill trims and clips, as my trims had a few small scuff marks.
F10 M5 Gearknob
I really don't like the look or feel of the standard E46 M3 gearknob but thankfully BMW gearknob fitment has remained the same from around the E36 era to the present day, so there are plenty of options. I've chosen to use an F10 M5 gearknob which is weighted and also illuminated like the original E46 gearknob. It's reasonably priced too given it comes with a Nappa leather gaiter.
The F10 gearstick aperture is obviously different to the E46, so what I did was to remove the staples and glue from the F10 gaiter and then gently peel it from its trim piece (left). I did the same on a scrap E46 gaiter to remove its trim piece (right).
I then carefully stretched the F10 gaiter over the E46 trim piece and bonded the two together with Tiger Seal.
Here's the gearknob & gaiter fitted, and also some of the Silver Cube. The F10 illumination multiplug is identical to that used in the E46, making this aspect is plug and play.
I also test fitted a Bluetooth 'Eject Box' with phone storage tray.
Alpine KCA-420i iPod Interface
I have a multitude of AV/Aux input options already wired in but I also want an actual interface. Using Alpine products with something called an 'Intravee' http://www.toysinyourcar.com/acatalog/intravee.htm... is a well-known option, and enables display of iPod details on the Factory Sat Nav screen.
I bought my KCA-420i from eBay, and also a 10m Ai-Net cable so I can mount the KCA-420i at the front of the car to allow iPod connection in the glovebox. The Intravee will be mounted in the boot with the rest of the OEM infotainment modules.
There is a handy module rack system behind the glove box which on my car it is mostly empty. This due to the gradual evolution of the electrical system over the period of the E46's life which has meant that a lot of the functions which used to be provided in discreet modules, are now combined in the one General Module. This is good news as the KCA-420i fits snugly in one of the free slots!
All cables were covered in fleece tape and the glove box refitted with just the right amount of iPod lead available inside.
Electrically Folding Mirrors
I wanted to add folding mirrors as they do sometimes come in handy. They tend to fetch a premium which in my opinion is not justified. I found a tatty set on eBay minus one mirror glass and got them for £120, which isn't too bad.
There are a few types of E46 mirror electronics depending on year for one and also whether memory seats are installed. The mirrors I purchased were an older non-memory type, so my plan was to strip the mirrors and transplant the folding motor alone into my mirrors.
Here's what it all comes down to. The manual folding mirror has a spring loaded cartridge (left) whereas the electronically folding mirrors have a cartridge of the same dimensions, only motorised. It's a great piece of design and probably only costs £15 perm unit to manufacture in bulk- hardly worth the premium these units often fetch second-hand.
I simply swapped the motorised cartridge into my mirrors (which are far better condition than the donors!)
I extended the folding motor wires and covered with fleece tape, and I will now add these wires (blue and white) to empty pins in the existing mirror multiplugs (white to pin 1 and blue to pin 2).
Misc Trim
I'm replacing all of the trim clips in the interior with the later foam backed type which cut down on vibrations.
I also purchased new interior sill trims and clips, as my trims had a few small scuff marks.
Edited by mwstewart on Monday 23 December 21:22
Sup[erb detail, love it.
Do the foam backed trim clips fit all of the trim/door panels on the E46? Do you have a price for the clips?
Looking forward to the Interior sill trim replacement, one of mine on the CSL is a bit gappy & i suspect one of the clips has broken. I've had a quick go at taking it off, but i'm afraid of breaking it.
Do the foam backed trim clips fit all of the trim/door panels on the E46? Do you have a price for the clips?
Looking forward to the Interior sill trim replacement, one of mine on the CSL is a bit gappy & i suspect one of the clips has broken. I've had a quick go at taking it off, but i'm afraid of breaking it.
Thanks everyone 
I recommend a trim tool for removing the sill trims:
Pry up the top of the trim slightly to get sight of where the clips are attached, and lever the clips away from the body (not away from the trim). The trims themselves are actually some of the cheapest in the interior, both in terms of cost and quality
You can find all part numbers at http://www.realoem.com/bmw/
darreni said:
Sup[erb detail, love it.
Do the foam backed trim clips fit all of the trim/door panels on the E46? Do you have a price for the clips?
Looking forward to the Interior sill trim replacement, one of mine on the CSL is a bit gappy & i suspect one of the clips has broken. I've had a quick go at taking it off, but i'm afraid of breaking it.
Yes, the foam backed clips fit pretty much all of the trim panels; front & rear cards, C pillars, A pillar base trims. The sill trims have unique clips, eight per trim.Do the foam backed trim clips fit all of the trim/door panels on the E46? Do you have a price for the clips?
Looking forward to the Interior sill trim replacement, one of mine on the CSL is a bit gappy & i suspect one of the clips has broken. I've had a quick go at taking it off, but i'm afraid of breaking it.
I recommend a trim tool for removing the sill trims:
Pry up the top of the trim slightly to get sight of where the clips are attached, and lever the clips away from the body (not away from the trim). The trims themselves are actually some of the cheapest in the interior, both in terms of cost and quality
You can find all part numbers at http://www.realoem.com/bmw/
em177 said:
I'm presuming the F10 M5 manual gearknob had to come from the states?
It was a special order from Germany, but still through my local dealer.mwstewart said:
Here's some more. I didn't give enough consideration to how long this would take to write up. Must take less photographs.
AV Inputs
I purchased a BMW Aux input socket which I will fit to the centre console, however I since decided to go for an Alpine iPod interface with Intravee which does make this lead kind of redundant.
I have bought an AV input/output lead for the TV tuner and run a set of Audio/Video RCA leads to the centre console area, ready for an iPod AV lead.
Having an Aux input is a good idea, since Apple have now changed their cable standard for the third time (Firewire>USB>Lightning).AV Inputs
I purchased a BMW Aux input socket which I will fit to the centre console, however I since decided to go for an Alpine iPod interface with Intravee which does make this lead kind of redundant.
I have bought an AV input/output lead for the TV tuner and run a set of Audio/Video RCA leads to the centre console area, ready for an iPod AV lead.
Your work is insane though, keep it up!
Edited by Dr JonboyG on Saturday 1st June 13:22
Thanks both. I'm glad I kept the Aux now; I'm still using 5th gen video so wasn't aware of the change.
Bluetooth Retrofit Completed
I've been finishing off the Bluetooth wiring this weekend. This is all in the boot of the car, where the Bluetooth loom integrates with the rest of the Nav and Audio system. The pint is optional
Additional pins added to the BM54 tuner Quadlock.
Now to mount the Bluetooth module, which in BMW speak is called a 'ULF'. I have a 7th generation module which is an 11th revision of the hardware and a 55th revision of the OS software - incredible really. The ULF was second-hand and the mounting bracket and nuts were new from BMW.
Here's the AV lead connected to the TV tuner plugs. The white wire in the foreground is a trigger wire that switches to the reverse camera screen when reverse is selected. The wire needs pulling to earth so I'll have to set up a relay to switch earth from the reverse lamp positive feed.
All of the modules back in the car and wired in.
Most of the electrical work is now completed, sop I could reconnect the battery. Here's a shot of the F10 M5 gearknob illuminated. It actually matches the rest of the illumination far better than the original gearknob, which lit up in more of a red and not amber.
With the battery connected I could test the Bluetooth system. A new 'Telephone' menu item had appeared on the screen which was a good start.
My phone also paired successfully. I made test a call and I was pleased with the sound quality, so the conversion has been a success.
CSL Suspension - Part 1
Although I haven't quite finished phase 1 of the project, it doesn't make sense to delay phase two whilst I wait for a parts order to arrive at BMW. I'm going to convert the entire suspension system to CSL specification, as it is very well judged performance road suspension. Before I start, here's a before shot of car on standard suspension:
Here are the front struts/springs and rear springs; I haven't yet ordered the rear struts from BMW. The front struts, springs, bump stops, and bump stop retainers are all different to the standard M3. The rear components are much the same.
Labelling.
Here's a comparison of the standard M3 strut/spring (left) and the CSL versions (right).
The front uprights were also modified on the CSL so I have a pair of those to fit. It's not uncommon for manufacturers to make changes here on the sports models, for example extra bracing, lighter castings, modified ball joint position etc. however when comparing to the standard hub/upright assembly I just couldn't spot anything obvious. There must be some change however and my assumption is that it's of benefit to handling.
I have the hubs and struts fitted. Everything is just loosely bolted together at the moment as I'm going to order brand new nuts and bolts for everything that was removed.
CSL Exhaust System
The CSL exhaust is slightly lighter than the standard M3 being made of thinwall tubing. The manifolds flow better than the versions fitted to my car, and the cats are 200 cell rather than the 400 cell versions in the regular M3. In terms of a complete exhaust system it's a relatively subtle change, but that suits me.
CSL systems are stamped with green 'CSL' lettering. Corroded clamps come as standard on the M3 They will be replaced.
After buying the system I decided the condition wasn't good enough to go on to my car, so I'm now going with s complete Supersprint system.
Bluetooth Retrofit Completed
I've been finishing off the Bluetooth wiring this weekend. This is all in the boot of the car, where the Bluetooth loom integrates with the rest of the Nav and Audio system. The pint is optional
Additional pins added to the BM54 tuner Quadlock.
Now to mount the Bluetooth module, which in BMW speak is called a 'ULF'. I have a 7th generation module which is an 11th revision of the hardware and a 55th revision of the OS software - incredible really. The ULF was second-hand and the mounting bracket and nuts were new from BMW.
Here's the AV lead connected to the TV tuner plugs. The white wire in the foreground is a trigger wire that switches to the reverse camera screen when reverse is selected. The wire needs pulling to earth so I'll have to set up a relay to switch earth from the reverse lamp positive feed.
All of the modules back in the car and wired in.
Most of the electrical work is now completed, sop I could reconnect the battery. Here's a shot of the F10 M5 gearknob illuminated. It actually matches the rest of the illumination far better than the original gearknob, which lit up in more of a red and not amber.
With the battery connected I could test the Bluetooth system. A new 'Telephone' menu item had appeared on the screen which was a good start.
My phone also paired successfully. I made test a call and I was pleased with the sound quality, so the conversion has been a success.
CSL Suspension - Part 1
Although I haven't quite finished phase 1 of the project, it doesn't make sense to delay phase two whilst I wait for a parts order to arrive at BMW. I'm going to convert the entire suspension system to CSL specification, as it is very well judged performance road suspension. Before I start, here's a before shot of car on standard suspension:
Here are the front struts/springs and rear springs; I haven't yet ordered the rear struts from BMW. The front struts, springs, bump stops, and bump stop retainers are all different to the standard M3. The rear components are much the same.
Labelling.
Here's a comparison of the standard M3 strut/spring (left) and the CSL versions (right).
The front uprights were also modified on the CSL so I have a pair of those to fit. It's not uncommon for manufacturers to make changes here on the sports models, for example extra bracing, lighter castings, modified ball joint position etc. however when comparing to the standard hub/upright assembly I just couldn't spot anything obvious. There must be some change however and my assumption is that it's of benefit to handling.
I have the hubs and struts fitted. Everything is just loosely bolted together at the moment as I'm going to order brand new nuts and bolts for everything that was removed.
CSL Exhaust System
The CSL exhaust is slightly lighter than the standard M3 being made of thinwall tubing. The manifolds flow better than the versions fitted to my car, and the cats are 200 cell rather than the 400 cell versions in the regular M3. In terms of a complete exhaust system it's a relatively subtle change, but that suits me.
CSL systems are stamped with green 'CSL' lettering. Corroded clamps come as standard on the M3
They will be replaced.After buying the system I decided the condition wasn't good enough to go on to my car, so I'm now going with s complete Supersprint system.
Edited by mwstewart on Monday 23 December 21:29
Parts Update
A few more parts arrived at BMW. I've replaced the captive fittings in the dashboard that secure the belt-line trim, to make sure everything is nice and secure.
Also the pins that attach to the trim and in turn push into the captive fittings.
Some more of the Silver Cube arrived too.
I also replaced one of the sun visor clips that I marked when removing to fit the Bluetooth microphone.
I'm replacing all of the suspension nuts, too. The old ones had corroded.
CSL rear anti roll bar and bushes.
AV/ Aux in Complete
I bought a new trim surround for the Bluetooth Eject Box in the centre console, as the one I'd bought second hand had a few marks.
My Dad spent a lot of time helping me yesterday evening by making a template to mount my AV connections in the storage tray at the back of the Eject Box. We then made a prototype of the old housing and it worked out OK; here's the final result in the new housing.
I put some Silent Coat Absorber 15 underneath the Eject Box to cushion the AV wires.
The final result that I'm very happy with. The armrest hides this area when down, and the rubber mat that originally sat in the tray can turned upside down and placed over the connections to hide them.
The phono connections are for audio and video in via the TV tuner. The USB socket is a 12v to 5v adapter for charging USB devices, and the small jack is a direct AV in to the Nav system, which offers a slightly shorter signal route than audio in via the TV tuner.
A few more parts arrived at BMW. I've replaced the captive fittings in the dashboard that secure the belt-line trim, to make sure everything is nice and secure.
Also the pins that attach to the trim and in turn push into the captive fittings.
Some more of the Silver Cube arrived too.
I also replaced one of the sun visor clips that I marked when removing to fit the Bluetooth microphone.
I'm replacing all of the suspension nuts, too. The old ones had corroded.
CSL rear anti roll bar and bushes.
AV/ Aux in Complete
I bought a new trim surround for the Bluetooth Eject Box in the centre console, as the one I'd bought second hand had a few marks.
My Dad spent a lot of time helping me yesterday evening by making a template to mount my AV connections in the storage tray at the back of the Eject Box. We then made a prototype of the old housing and it worked out OK; here's the final result in the new housing.
I put some Silent Coat Absorber 15 underneath the Eject Box to cushion the AV wires.
The final result that I'm very happy with. The armrest hides this area when down, and the rubber mat that originally sat in the tray can turned upside down and placed over the connections to hide them.
The phono connections are for audio and video in via the TV tuner. The USB socket is a 12v to 5v adapter for charging USB devices, and the small jack is a direct AV in to the Nav system, which offers a slightly shorter signal route than audio in via the TV tuner.
Edited by mwstewart on Monday 23 December 21:33
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