E92 M3 Competition Pack

[RS Grant]

Little update on life with the E92.. still going well after it's trip to the dealer to get the wee issues sorted, still too quiet though!! That led me to impluse buy an x-pipe which was advertised locally then, after much research and scrolling through YouTube, deciding that I wanted to retain my sense of hearing and didn't want to ruin the car for- me, so that won't be getting fitted!!

Untitled by RS Grant, on Flickr

That's the pipe I bought and here is a YouTube video of someone who has fitted what looks like a very similar (identical?!) pipe to his E90...

https://youtu.be/TFkx8LlOm3E

...aaaand that's not for me! It sounds raspy and tinny, which might be to some people's tastes but I'm aiming unlock more of a low down deep V8 burble/rumble on my car.

Also managed to pick up a couple of cosmetic additions for it, a guy locally was selling off his M Performance add-ons in preparation for trading his car in; so I managed to bag a pair of genuine M Performance Carbon Mirror Covers and some M Performance Gloss Black Grills. I know what you're thinking, I've already got black grilles, which I do... however I've not had them off the car so I'm not sure if they are genuine M Performance and I'm a bit of a stickler for OE quality parts so thought I might as well buy these when I was offered them, I can always sell them on again. All parts have only done a couple of thousand miles at the most and are immaculate, so can't wait to get them fitted to the car.

Untitled by RS Grant, on Flickr
Untitled by RS Grant, on Flickr

Had the car out for a good drive yesterday, absolutely loving it, cannot wait to add the little M Performance bits outside and finally make a decision in regards to the exhaust... which should pretty much complete it I think.

Untitled by RS Grant, on Flickr

[MikeGoodwin]

Very nice.

Halo light upgrade next? Got mine from perfekt over on m3cutters and don't rate them. Get the proper mtec ones from the US.

[RS Grant]

MikeGoodwin said:

Very nice.

Halo light upgrade next? Got mine from perfekt over on m3cutters and don't rate them. Get the proper mtec ones from the US.

In two minds about the halos. I like the fact it's as-BMW intended currently and the light is well matched across all the halos, I like the sharper whiter look but don't want to get stung for something which doesn't replicate the OE brightness exactly.

I've seen M3POWERBOY (or something along those lines) selling an upgrade kit, but I've held off on buying those because they seem quite pricey for bulbs; although if that's the going rate for something which I'll be happy with then it is what it is and I'll just have to accept the cost.

How's your MC going Mike? Still enjoying it?

[cerb4.5lee]

RS Grant said:

https://youtu.be/TFkx8LlOm3E

...aaaand that's not for me! It sounds raspy and tinny, which might be to some people's tastes but I'm aiming unlock more of a low down deep V8 burble/rumble on my car.

I agree and that's made it sound like the S54 engine in the E46 M3 which I don't like the sound of either. I'm a big fan of the deep burble/rumble and I loved the noise the 4.8 V8 engine made in my X5(although very quiet).

I did get alongside a E92 M3 once that had a custom made exhaust, and it made a heavenly V8 noise(to me) so I know it can be done.

[MikeGoodwin]

RS Grant said:

In two minds about the halos. I like the fact it's as-BMW intended currently and the light is well matched across all the halos, I like the sharper whiter look but don't want to get stung for something which doesn't replicate the OE brightness exactly.

I've seen M3POWERBOY (or something along those lines) selling an upgrade kit, but I've held off on buying those because they seem quite pricey for bulbs; although if that's the going rate for something which I'll be happy with then it is what it is and I'll just have to accept the cost.

How's your MC going Mike? Still enjoying it?

That's the one. I look at mine from certain angles and the outer rings aren't as bright as they were stock. There was also some initial flickering when I fitted them but that seems to have gone now. I'd spend the money and get some proper mtec bulbs from the states.

Still enjoying it but find it frustrating as I rarely get the chance to let it rev out. When it do it's excellent and the thing howls but often I'll drive to work not getting near the redline or even the speed limit and I've got myself a 17mpg battle tank but then it can be quite relaxing to drive at the same time. Mixed feelings but I knew this would be the case before buying it.

Starting to explore MDM setting now some dry weather has shown up

[SiT]

I love this thread it just keeps my interest going, my X5 is now sold and rocking a shed as documented on here so the M3 could well be VERY close........

Keep the updates and pics going, I am going off to 'bump' Mikes thread back up so I have two sources of inspiration!!

Si

[SiT]

SiT said:

I love this thread it just keeps my interest going, my X5 is now sold and rocking a shed as documented on here so the M3 could well be VERY close........

Keep the updates and pics going, I am going off to 'bump' Mikes thread back up so I have two sources of inspiration!!

Si

Hmmmm....Mike do you have a thread?? Can't see one in your bio but sure I read about you buying a Monte Carlo or perhaps it was someone else.

Si

[Leon R]

RS Grant said:

Little update on life with the E92.. still going well after it's trip to the dealer to get the wee issues sorted, still too quiet though!! That led me to impluse buy an x-pipe which was advertised locally then, after much research and scrolling through YouTube, deciding that I wanted to retain my sense of hearing and didn't want to ruin the car for- me, so that won't be getting fitted!!

Untitled by RS Grant, on Flickr

That's the pipe I bought and here is a YouTube video of someone who has fitted what looks like a very similar (identical?!) pipe to his E90...

https://youtu.be/TFkx8LlOm3E

...aaaand that's not for me! It sounds raspy and tinny, which might be to some people's tastes but I'm aiming unlock more of a low down deep V8 burble/rumble on my car.

Also managed to pick up a couple of cosmetic additions for it, a guy locally was selling off his M Performance add-ons in preparation for trading his car in; so I managed to bag a pair of genuine M Performance Carbon Mirror Covers and some M Performance Gloss Black Grills. I know what you're thinking, I've already got black grilles, which I do... however I've not had them off the car so I'm not sure if they are genuine M Performance and I'm a bit of a stickler for OE quality parts so thought I might as well buy these when I was offered them, I can always sell them on again. All parts have only done a couple of thousand miles at the most and are immaculate, so can't wait to get them fitted to the car.

Untitled by RS Grant, on Flickr
Untitled by RS Grant, on Flickr

Had the car out for a good drive yesterday, absolutely loving it, cannot wait to add the little M Performance bits outside and finally make a decision in regards to the exhaust... which should pretty much complete it I think.

Untitled by RS Grant, on Flickr

Where abouts are you located grant? I have the primary cat delete on mine if you want to hear how that sounds. I have the eventuri intake too if you were looking at those.

[RS Grant]

cerb4.5lee said:

I agree and that's made it sound like the S54 engine in the E46 M3 which I don't like the sound of either. I'm a big fan of the deep burble/rumble and I loved the noise the 4.8 V8 engine made in my X5(although very quiet).

I did get alongside a E92 M3 once that had a custom made exhaust, and it made a heavenly V8 noise(to me) so I know it can be done.

I always thought the S54 sounded ok, specially induction-wise... but if you've got a V8 then you want it to sound like a red blooded V8, especially since the engine is the focal piece of the E9* M3!! It is definitely possible to get the rumble, so it's just a case of weighing up how much I can justify spending on an exhaust to unlock it... it's a shame the M Performance exhaust is so pricey (and fragile apparently?!) because it would be a good fit with my preference for OE parts and need for a subtle-yet-purposeful increase in volume.

[RS Grant]

MikeGoodwin said:

That's the one. I look at mine from certain angles and the outer rings aren't as bright as they were stock. There was also some initial flickering when I fitted them but that seems to have gone now. I'd spend the money and get some proper mtec bulbs from the states.

Still enjoying it but find it frustrating as I rarely get the chance to let it rev out. When it do it's excellent and the thing howls but often I'll drive to work not getting near the redline or even the speed limit and I've got myself a 17mpg battle tank but then it can be quite relaxing to drive at the same time. Mixed feelings but I knew this would be the case before buying it.

Starting to explore MDM setting now some dry weather has shown up

That's good that you're still enjoying it, I've used mine for a little more mundane stuff recently and can identify that frustration of pottering around getting <20mpg without any of the payoff.. but I can engineer most of my journeys to take the slightly longer way home by diving off a slip road before or after mine for a little stretching of the M3's legs on a B-road before I get home, which is lucky.

Re: the halos, that's a shame.. because he gets good reviews on M3C but then maybe there are others like yourself who haven't wanted to be 'that' guy who speaks up against the voice of the masses and having to deal with all the rubbish from that; so if I decide to change my bulbs then I'll likely suck up the cost and buy the tried and tested ones you mention.

Haha you shouldn't do too much damage in MDM, but remove the TC safety net completely and you'll need to be ready to play!

[RS Grant]

SiT said:

I love this thread it just keeps my interest going, my X5 is now sold and rocking a shed as documented on here so the M3 could well be VERY close........

Keep the updates and pics going, I am going off to 'bump' Mikes thread back up so I have two sources of inspiration!!

Si

I like a bit of 'shedding' myself so I'll go and track that thread down shortly; along with Mikes thread too, which I hadn't realised he had started actually.

Glad it's still being of use and enjoyable enough to follow for people.. even if ultimately it may cost you many, many pound notes by way of an M3 purchase and ownership of your own!

[RS Grant]

Leon R said:

Where abouts are you located grant? I have the primary cat delete on mine if you want to hear how that sounds. I have the eventuri intake too if you were looking at those.

I'm in NE Scotland, so unlikely to be local, but really appreciate the offer and if by some stroke of luck you are in Scotland then I would definitely be keen to hear the difference your modifications have made to a standard M3. I think that the standard induction noise is great, so I would really like to hear an Eventuri intake in person to see how much it improves it, it must really howl at mid-high revs with that fitted?

[cerb4.5lee]

RS Grant said:

cerb4.5lee said:

I agree and that's made it sound like the S54 engine in the E46 M3 which I don't like the sound of either. I'm a big fan of the deep burble/rumble and I loved the noise the 4.8 V8 engine made in my X5(although very quiet).

I did get alongside a E92 M3 once that had a custom made exhaust, and it made a heavenly V8 noise(to me) so I know it can be done.

I always thought the S54 sounded ok, specially induction-wise... but if you've got a V8 then you want it to sound like a red blooded V8, especially since the engine is the focal piece of the E9* M3!! It is definitely possible to get the rumble, so it's just a case of weighing up how much I can justify spending on an exhaust to unlock it... it's a shame the M Performance exhaust is so pricey (and fragile apparently?!) because it would be a good fit with my preference for OE parts and need for a subtle-yet-purposeful increase in volume.

It's the tinny/raspy noise that I don't like with the E46 M3, and I think my problem is that I like a bassy deep tone from the exhaust. The E46 M3 has a wasp stuck in a biscuit tin tone to its exhaust.

Like you I think a V8 should sound like a V8, and be rumbly and grumbly if you know what I mean.

[RS Grant]

Got the carbon mirrors fitted and noticed a couple of things.. they make a huge difference, but more importantly, the mirror bases are looking a little tired and needing some love! I have thought about getting them painted gloss black, however, they match the matte black trim round the window so not sure I want to create a mismatch there.

Untitled by RS Grant, on Flickr

Is there a product that people have used which will bring them back to life and not require constant topping up? I got really bored keeping on top of the bumpers of my Transit Connect and left them to get horrendous while the solvents and silicon crap was washed away, then I bought some Wurth bumper dye which was phenomenal stuff and (at most!) a yearly thing to top up.

Untitled by RS Grant, on Flickr
Untitled by RS Grant, on Flickr
Untitled by RS Grant, on Flickr
Untitled by RS Grant, on Flickr

...I could get some more Wurth stuff given I work for them, haha, but it seems a bit overkill on some small trim like this, sooo any recommendations would be much appreciated!

I also took the car through to Edinburgh yesterday to give it a proper run and since I was in the Haymarket area, I stopped off at egg chasing Mecca for a Scottish supporter... since I'm never in a position to drive to this place normally!

Untitled by RS Grant, on Flickr

[aazer89]

Stunning car, lovely colour too. But (and this is just a personal opinion here) why oh why the brown leather interior?

[clowesy]

RS Grant said:

Is there a product that people have used which will bring them back to life and not require constant topping up?

Have a look a Gtechniq C4 Permanent Trim Restorer. Whilst it's not truly permenant, it is extremely good and lasts really well. I'm just about to order some for my Z4M wing mirror trims.

The car looks great by the way. I'm forever in a cycle of really wanting one - because I need a V8 in my life - and then convincing myself I don't want one - because it's too big for a weekend car and I want a convertible.

[Jez m]

Looks amazing!!

Hopefully picking up my Space Grey M3 tomorrow!

[e30m3Mark]

Car's looking great and the carbon mirrors are a nice contrast. I always intended doing the OE silencer mod to mine as always felt it was just a little lacking in the sound dept.

Great cars though and brilliant engine.

clowesy said:

The car looks great by the way. I'm forever in a cycle of really wanting one - because I need a V8 in my life - and then convincing myself I don't want one - because it's too big for a weekend car and I want a convertible.

Mine was convertible so I'd suggest you go for it if the opportunity should arise.

Edited by e30m3Mark on Thursday 29th March 17:58

[SiT]

e30m3Mark said:

Mine was convertible so I'd suggest you go for it if the opportunity should arise.

Edited by e30m3Mark on Thursday 29th March 17:58

You have a ‘Readers Cars’ thread on yours? Not often you see a convertible version, I love a top down experience but not read much from anyone in terms of how it compares?

Si

[RS Grant]

aazer89 said:

Stunning car, lovely colour too. But (and this is just a personal opinion here) why oh why the brown leather interior?

It's not really too brown in real life, but it's on the same level of red as you got in other models in the E92 range. But regardless, I like the fact it's a good contrast from the more common black leather interior you get in these. I've had 3 longer term BMWs:

- 123d in Black with Black Leather
- E46 M3 Coupe in Black with Black Leather
- E91 335i in Black with Black Leather

...so it was important that I changed that cycle this time!!

I've also had an E39 540i Touring which was Aubergine with Cream leather and it was a FAR nicer/brighter place to be than the other cars above, so when I was looking for an E92/E90 I was fairly set on a Fox Red interior. I might have been convinced into a Champagne, Bamboo or Palladium Silver interior providing it had black dashboard/door cards, but I was certain that I didn't want another Black interior.

clowesy said:

RS Grant said:

Is there a product that people have used which will bring them back to life and not require constant topping up?

Have a look a Gtechniq C4 Permanent Trim Restorer. Whilst it's not truly permenant, it is extremely good and lasts really well. I'm just about to order some for my Z4M wing mirror trims.

The car looks great by the way. I'm forever in a cycle of really wanting one - because I need a V8 in my life - and then convincing myself I don't want one - because it's too big for a weekend car and I want a convertible.

Thanks mate, I've ordered a bottle of C4 restorer. I don't mind the occasional top up, but I'm not into constantly having to touch in patchy areas as per the traditional 'Back 2 Black' type products.

The Z4M switch would be tricky for me to do as well, I loved my E46 M3 and have always liked the look of the Z4MC... what I can say is, the engine in the E9* cars is an absolute peach. I intend to only use mine at weekends/summer evening runs, so I will almost always get the engine spinning to 8,000+ when I use the car and that way picking up the keys and taking it for a drive remains a pretty special experience for me.

Jez m said:

Looks amazing!!

Hopefully picking up my Space Grey M3 tomorrow!

Happy days, what spec did you go for Jez? What car are you moving on from?