Estoril Blue E46 M3... I've finally got one!

[E36Dan]

Small update with plenty of pics. No changes to the car other than cup holders, I've taken a few pics on various drives over the past month or so though. It's great to just jump in the car and go for a drive to clear the mind.

I don't clean the car often, but it does come up lovely when done:
M3 exploring... by DanielJames., on Flickr
M3 exploring... by DanielJames., on Flickr
M3 exploring... by DanielJames., on Flickr

Random spot:
M3 exploring... by DanielJames., on Flickr
M3 exploring... by DanielJames., on Flickr

Exploring the Yorkshire Dales:
M3 exploring... by DanielJames., on Flickr
M3 exploring... by DanielJames., on Flickr
M3 exploring... by DanielJames., on Flickr
M3 exploring... by DanielJames., on Flickr
M3 exploring... by DanielJames., on Flickr
M3 exploring... by DanielJames., on Flickr


No plans to change anything, I wouldn't mind a few changes but in no rush.

[TheAngryDog]

Looking good Dan. What are the things you'd like to change?

[e30m3Mark]

Looking good Dan.

I noted that someone in the comments beneath last nights video had said it was too low? Looks just about perfect to me.

[E36Dan]

TheAngryDog said:

Looking good Dan. What are the things you'd like to change?

I'd like to get my 4.1 FD in, as well as a bit of a rear end refresh.

e30m3Mark said:

Looking good Dan.

I noted that someone in the comments beneath last nights video had said it was too low? Looks just about perfect to me.

Everyone's got their own view on that. Personally I think it's as it should be!

[TheAngryDog]

E36Dan said:

TheAngryDog said:

Looking good Dan. What are the things you'd like to change?

I'd like to get my 4.1 FD in, as well as a bit of a rear end refresh.

Nice, it'll give it some decent kick. Rear end refresh will help stiffen things up (ooerrr).

e30m3Mark said:

Looking good Dan.

I noted that someone in the comments beneath last nights video had said it was too low? Looks just about perfect to me.

Everyone's got their own view on that. Personally I think it's as it should be!

Agreed - Looks 100% in the pics. on point I think as the yoofs say..

[E36Dan]

[quote=TheAngryDog]

Nice, it'll give it some decent kick. Rear end refresh will help stiffen things up (ooerrr).

That's something I don't want TBH. I've noticed the car is quite harsh now since fitting the powerflex RTABs. To make the decision of rubber or poly on the diff mounting for instance, that'll take me a while to decide.

[TheAngryDog]

E36Dan said:

TheAngryDog said:

Nice, it'll give it some decent kick. Rear end refresh will help stiffen things up (ooerrr).

That's something I don't want TBH. I've noticed the car is quite harsh now since fitting the powerflex RTABs. To make the decision of rubber or poly on the diff mounting for instance, that'll take me a while to decide.

Do the rubber ones go often? I have polybushed the front end and will probably do the same to the rear at some point. I have EDC though rather than the BC's you have will probably helps..

[CrippsCorner]

Ooof, that is nice! Love it. One of my realistic dream cars that I have to get at some point!

Slightly off topic: What was the last year they made these, and was there a facelift? (I'm aware they never wore the facelift front lights, but there was an LED upgrade on the rear or something wasn't there?)

Perfect height btw

[MRobbins1987]

BMW got the design of the e46 so right, really like what you have done with this. Pleasing to see it getting used properly, so many are getting squirrelled away for investment purposes.

[E36Dan]

TheAngryDog said:

Do the rubber ones go often? I have polybushed the front end and will probably do the same to the rear at some point. I have EDC though rather than the BC's you have will probably helps..

Not often, but after 16 years/114k they probably won't be their best.

CrippsCorner said:

Ooof, that is nice! Love it. One of my realistic dream cars that I have to get at some point!

Slightly off topic: What was the last year they made these, and was there a facelift? (I'm aware they never wore the facelift front lights, but there was an LED upgrade on the rear or something wasn't there?)

Perfect height btw

They were made 2001-2006 I believe. 2003/4 was the crossover into facelift cars. Anything 04 reg onwards will be, 53 is a mixmatch. The bootlid and rear lights are slightly different on the "asslift" cars, and a few electrical components were upgraded. The later cars have 2 stage traction control, mine is the version where 1 button = off, thankfully.

MRobbins1987 said:

BMW got the design of the e46 so right, really like what you have done with this. Pleasing to see it getting used properly, so many are getting squirrelled away for investment purposes.

Thanks, I love the shape/dimensions. Feels just right for me, like a glove!

[TheAngryDog]

E36Dan said:

TheAngryDog said:

Do the rubber ones go often? I have polybushed the front end and will probably do the same to the rear at some point. I have EDC though rather than the BC's you have will probably helps..

Not often, but after 16 years/114k they probably won't be their best.

I'd go with the rubber ones then in that case.

[E36Dan]

TheAngryDog said:

E36Dan said:

TheAngryDog said:

Do the rubber ones go often? I have polybushed the front end and will probably do the same to the rear at some point. I have EDC though rather than the BC's you have will probably helps..

Not often, but after 16 years/114k they probably won't be their best.

I'd go with the rubber ones then in that case.

I'll decide myself

[TheAngryDog]

E36Dan said:

TheAngryDog said:

E36Dan said:

TheAngryDog said:

Do the rubber ones go often? I have polybushed the front end and will probably do the same to the rear at some point. I have EDC though rather than the BC's you have will probably helps..

Not often, but after 16 years/114k they probably won't be their best.

I'd go with the rubber ones then in that case.

I'll decide myself

I'm sure you will. Just giving a suggestion