E92 M3 Competition Pack
Discussion
vs. my old Megane RS I feel the same way about my M3 (seating, power delivery..., Have to say its taken me 5 months to really start enjoying the car and for months I was unsure I'd done the right thing since the Megane was so good. I think buying it in winter didn't help much and coming from hot hatches to an M3 made it difficult to love right away. I've learned to drive it hard now and its a lot of fun. I don't know what would replace it, I think it would have to be an Exige S2 with a supercharger. That or it'll be a daily and something really silly.
You rate the exhaust mod then? Sounds like to the driver its not that noticable. Or is it better with the windows down.
You rate the exhaust mod then? Sounds like to the driver its not that noticable. Or is it better with the windows down.
MikeGoodwin said:
vs. my old Megane RS I feel the same way about my M3 (seating, power delivery..., Have to say its taken me 5 months to really start enjoying the car and for months I was unsure I'd done the right thing since the Megane was so good. I think buying it in winter didn't help much and coming from hot hatches to an M3 made it difficult to love right away. I've learned to drive it hard now and its a lot of fun. I don't know what would replace it, I think it would have to be an Exige S2 with a supercharger. That or it'll be a daily and something really silly.
The M3 reminds me so much of my old Nissan 200sx.. powerful RWD with a beautifully balanced chassis... just wrapped in a more modern body with more toys that actually help you get the most out of the car. I really clicked with the M3 on track last week, it just goes fast straight out of the box and gives you so much confidence whilst being incredibly fun and playful at the same time. It's not the perfect daily driver but drop down 2 gears, press a button and it's a completely different animal. 
I'd struggle as well to think of a replacement.. I drove a new 911T last year and really really liked it.. but it just wasn't as much 'fun' as the M3. Never driven an Exige.. not sure i'd even fit in one! 
Re: the exhaust mod: you definitely notice it inside, however, it's not intrusive. Window down slightly and you notice it far more though, I've tried to do a bit of recording inside the car but struggled to capture a proper representation of the sound... but I'll keep at it and if I manage it then I'll fire up a video.
Anyway, onto the update; first off I bought and fitted a BMC replacement filter element. It's not something which has added any noticeable BHP on the arse dyno, but there has been an increase in induction note which only adds to the experience and fizz from the engine.
Before:
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
After (I did clean the airbox after this!):
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
I've also decided to try and tailor the car to my taste a little by adding a touch more 'Competition' to the Competition Pack; hopefully enhancing rather than ruining what I love about it. The plan of action looks like:
Definite:
- M Performance Steering Wheel with LED Display
- Michelin Tyres (still undecided whether to go Michelin 4S or Michelin Cup 2..?!)
- Recaro CS Front Seats, Recaro Sliders & Lower Seat Mounts
- AP Racing Big Brake Kit
Potentially:
- AutoSolutions Short Shift Kit; although I really don't mind the standard shift action at all.
- Upgraded Suspension; but losing the EDC functionality is a big downside for me.
First of all, I thought I'd get an M Performance steering wheel bought and fitted because that would be a simple telephone call to BMW to order the part and get it booked in for fitting... as it turned out, I tried two dealerships and a well known specialist who all told me that it was an NLA part and not something they had seen/could get hold of for some time. Great.
After a post on M3Cutters suggested that they WERE still available, I remembered that another local dealer had been very helpful when I was looking for M3 CSL parts a few years ago.. so a phonecall to them saw them confirming the availability, sort out some discount and get the car booked into the service department to have it all fitted within a few days!!
There weren't many pictures taken, just a before and after really...
Before:
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
After:
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
I'm still to figure out exactly how to navigate and program everything which is available in the display, but I absolutely love the alcantara finish and the shift lights/display. I also can't recommend Harry Fairbairn in Kirkcaldy enough; from the initial telephone call to the attempts by reception, sales and service people to drown me in tea/coffee while I waited for the work to be completed... everyone was extremely friendly and professional which really impressed me and therefore will definitely be back, despite it being out of my way and not my local dealership.
Anyway, onto the update; first off I bought and fitted a BMC replacement filter element. It's not something which has added any noticeable BHP on the arse dyno, but there has been an increase in induction note which only adds to the experience and fizz from the engine.
Before:
Untitled by Grant F, on FlickrAfter (I did clean the airbox after this!):
Untitled by Grant F, on FlickrI've also decided to try and tailor the car to my taste a little by adding a touch more 'Competition' to the Competition Pack; hopefully enhancing rather than ruining what I love about it. The plan of action looks like:
Definite:
- M Performance Steering Wheel with LED Display
- Michelin Tyres (still undecided whether to go Michelin 4S or Michelin Cup 2..?!)
- Recaro CS Front Seats, Recaro Sliders & Lower Seat Mounts
- AP Racing Big Brake Kit
Potentially:
- AutoSolutions Short Shift Kit; although I really don't mind the standard shift action at all.
- Upgraded Suspension; but losing the EDC functionality is a big downside for me.
First of all, I thought I'd get an M Performance steering wheel bought and fitted because that would be a simple telephone call to BMW to order the part and get it booked in for fitting... as it turned out, I tried two dealerships and a well known specialist who all told me that it was an NLA part and not something they had seen/could get hold of for some time. Great.
After a post on M3Cutters suggested that they WERE still available, I remembered that another local dealer had been very helpful when I was looking for M3 CSL parts a few years ago.. so a phonecall to them saw them confirming the availability, sort out some discount and get the car booked into the service department to have it all fitted within a few days!!
There weren't many pictures taken, just a before and after really...
Before:
Untitled by Grant F, on FlickrAfter:
Untitled by Grant F, on FlickrI'm still to figure out exactly how to navigate and program everything which is available in the display, but I absolutely love the alcantara finish and the shift lights/display. I also can't recommend Harry Fairbairn in Kirkcaldy enough; from the initial telephone call to the attempts by reception, sales and service people to drown me in tea/coffee while I waited for the work to be completed... everyone was extremely friendly and professional which really impressed me and therefore will definitely be back, despite it being out of my way and not my local dealership.
Looking 
I've just looked up & ordered the BMC filter. For ~£52 it's worth it if it add's a bit more induction noise.
That steering wheel looks incredible. I really really want to get mine re-trimmed in Alcantara by Royal steering wheels and now that i have a commuter car it will make it easier to get done. Did you do the fitting yourself? Assume it is pretty straight forward?
I've just looked up & ordered the BMC filter. For ~£52 it's worth it if it add's a bit more induction noise.
That steering wheel looks incredible. I really really want to get mine re-trimmed in Alcantara by Royal steering wheels and now that i have a commuter car it will make it easier to get done. Did you do the fitting yourself? Assume it is pretty straight forward?
Jez m said:
Looking
I've just looked up & ordered the BMC filter. For ~£52 it's worth it if it add's a bit more induction noise.
That steering wheel looks incredible. I really really want to get mine re-trimmed in Alcantara by Royal steering wheels and now that i have a commuter car it will make it easier to get done. Did you do the fitting yourself? Assume it is pretty straight forward?
Yep, for the money the BMC is a bit of a no-brainer.. had been something I wanted to do ages ago but it just kept slipping my mind. Would have been easier to hear the difference in the induction note without the exhaust barking away at the same time! I've just looked up & ordered the BMC filter. For ~£52 it's worth it if it add's a bit more induction noise.
That steering wheel looks incredible. I really really want to get mine re-trimmed in Alcantara by Royal steering wheels and now that i have a commuter car it will make it easier to get done. Did you do the fitting yourself? Assume it is pretty straight forward?
Re: the steering wheel, I didn’t attempt fitting this one myself because of the wiring that it comes with for the shift lights and central display. Had it been the M Performance wheel without the display or removing/replacing a standard retrimmed wheel then I may have switched it myself; but thought that if there were any wiring niggles or issues then it made sense for it to be in a BMW workshop with a trained technician using the correct tools and computers to rectify it... rather than in a garage/storage unit with an angry Scotsman swearing at it.
I had the Cup 2's on mine before I replaced them, they were unbelievable when up to temp but I wasn't driving the car hard enough regularly enough to make me want to get them again.
I am being given a similar run around to you with regards to the steering wheel, might have to contact your dealer and see if they can help.
I am being given a similar run around to you with regards to the steering wheel, might have to contact your dealer and see if they can help.
Leon R said:
I had the Cup 2's on mine before I replaced them, they were unbelievable when up to temp but I wasn't driving the car hard enough regularly enough to make me want to get them again.
I am being given a similar run around to you with regards to the steering wheel, might have to contact your dealer and see if they can help.
Can give you the name of the guy I spoke to at HF if you'd like? He didn't seem to understand why there would be any issue in sourcing the steering wheel and he was absolutely right, zero fuss at all.I am being given a similar run around to you with regards to the steering wheel, might have to contact your dealer and see if they can help.
I think I'm going to go for the 4S and just accept that they're possibly overkill for my requirements on the road and try to manage them a little more closely IF and it's a big IF... the car ever goes on Knockhill. I'm going to the Nurburgring at the end of the month, but I don't personally rate that as a proper track session for me/my cars; instead see it as more of a fast back road drive because I don't plan to ever push hard enough to call it a track day... so I think the 4S will be more than sufficient on there.
I took a few extra pictures of the M Performance steering wheel at the weekend there, so thought I'd share them.. the first being a wee boomerang video of the start up sequence.
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
Then I cycled through the different screens/readings available on the display.
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
Untitled by Grant F, on FlickrThen I cycled through the different screens/readings available on the display.
Untitled by Grant F, on FlickrUntitled by Grant F, on FlickrUntitled by Grant F, on FlickrUntitled by Grant F, on FlickrUntitled by Grant F, on FlickrUntitled by Grant F, on FlickrThe 4S is incredible even in the wet. Id say its an even better version of the SuperSport which I had on my old Megane.
Have a think about this.... 4S grips like hell, so if you like exiting corners slightly sideways with ease in MDM then you might miss that. Maybe sport plus or all systems off will let you do that.... but I dont use them
I was tempted to get some cheaper tyres (Eagle F1, Hankook) to make use of the chassis and sideways functionality and just burn through them a bit more, wishing I had now.
Have a think about this.... 4S grips like hell, so if you like exiting corners slightly sideways with ease in MDM then you might miss that. Maybe sport plus or all systems off will let you do that.... but I dont use them
I was tempted to get some cheaper tyres (Eagle F1, Hankook) to make use of the chassis and sideways functionality and just burn through them a bit more, wishing I had now.
However, as I said I'd do in the journal.. I'll post up about both good and bad things of my E92 ownership!! So in that spirit; what joy Grant giveth the M3... the M3 taketh away from Grant... and when I started the car on Sunday I was greeted by:
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
...and flashbacks to my nightmare E91 335i Touring days:
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
With Simon & Garfunkel's 'The Sound of Silence' automatically starting to play in my mind, I began the process of fault finding:
- Firstly trying the 'turn off-turn on' method of fault fixing.
- No joy.
- Then I decided to take it for a little drive down the road to see if it cleared.
- No joy.
- I stopped, turned the car off, opened the bonnet, looked at the engine at a few different angles and then closed the bonnet.
- Started the car and the EML was still on, but reduced power had gone and it drove ok..?!
Amazed at the healing power of my own gaze, I decided to just continue to my friends house and on to the car show that we were meant to be going to. I arrived at his house, turned the car off, locked it.. and when I got back in, within a few minutes, there were no warning lights or 'bongs' at all... so it fixed itself and reset the warning lights?! Fantastic!
Here are the only two photos I've seen of the car that was taken on Sunday:
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
Having done a fair bit of reading before I bought the car, I am fairly sure that this will be the start of a throttle actuator on its way out.. timing could be a little better given I'm going to be taking the car to the Nurburgring in the next few weeks but I'll get it booked into the BMW dealership asap and have them look at it/fix whatever the issues is/was.
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr...and flashbacks to my nightmare E91 335i Touring days:
Untitled by Grant F, on FlickrWith Simon & Garfunkel's 'The Sound of Silence' automatically starting to play in my mind, I began the process of fault finding:
- Firstly trying the 'turn off-turn on' method of fault fixing.
- No joy.
- Then I decided to take it for a little drive down the road to see if it cleared.
- No joy.
- I stopped, turned the car off, opened the bonnet, looked at the engine at a few different angles and then closed the bonnet.
- Started the car and the EML was still on, but reduced power had gone and it drove ok..?!
Amazed at the healing power of my own gaze, I decided to just continue to my friends house and on to the car show that we were meant to be going to. I arrived at his house, turned the car off, locked it.. and when I got back in, within a few minutes, there were no warning lights or 'bongs' at all... so it fixed itself and reset the warning lights?! Fantastic!
Here are the only two photos I've seen of the car that was taken on Sunday:
Untitled by Grant F, on FlickrUntitled by Grant F, on FlickrHaving done a fair bit of reading before I bought the car, I am fairly sure that this will be the start of a throttle actuator on its way out.. timing could be a little better given I'm going to be taking the car to the Nurburgring in the next few weeks but I'll get it booked into the BMW dealership asap and have them look at it/fix whatever the issues is/was.
MikeGoodwin said:
The 4S is incredible even in the wet. Id say its an even better version of the SuperSport which I had on my old Megane.
Have a think about this.... 4S grips like hell, so if you like exiting corners slightly sideways with ease in MDM then you might miss that. Maybe sport plus or all systems off will let you do that.... but I dont use them
I was tempted to get some cheaper tyres (Eagle F1, Hankook) to make use of the chassis and sideways functionality and just burn through them a bit more, wishing I had now.
That's my concern, I don't like flying around on the steering lock stops with smoke pouring off the rear tyres or anything... but I do like the car being able to break traction to a certain degree. That was something which really sterilised the Golf R driving experience for me and one of the big reasons that I loved the switch to the M3, the interaction and need to control the chassis rather than just plant your foot and have that excitement removed and replaced with almost non-stick grip.Have a think about this.... 4S grips like hell, so if you like exiting corners slightly sideways with ease in MDM then you might miss that. Maybe sport plus or all systems off will let you do that.... but I dont use them
I was tempted to get some cheaper tyres (Eagle F1, Hankook) to make use of the chassis and sideways functionality and just burn through them a bit more, wishing I had now.
I'll maybe try to have a look at other options because until now I've only considered Michelins, either 4S or Cup 2 flavour.
First things first, the car was dropped at BMW this morning and has now been diagnosed with a throttle actuator fault... which is no big surprise.
The downside of being a 'drop-in' customer was the fact my car didn't get looked at until later on in the afternoon; meaning that contact/ordering of replacement parts through my warranty won't be happening until Monday, which is an unavoidable annoyance. Another downside usually being that I couldn't book a courtesy car, however I know the guy who looks after the Harry Fairbairn BMW Dealerships so he was able to sort me an M140i demonstrator and save me from catching the loser cruiser! I was almost away in their M2 demonstrator before a salesman revealed that he had an appointment booked for that car... maybe next time!
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
It's the first time I've had an *40i engine to test out and it's absolutely awesome. This has the optional ZF 8spd gearbox and it pulls far harder than I expected it to. Handling needs a bit of work and it definitely needs a proper LSD (in my opinion!) but the drivetrain is still extremely impressive... leagues more fun than the previous 114i and 116d that I've had when the M3 is getting work done!!
Forgive the state of my driveway, I've got an F80 squatting for the weekend and I'm currently preparing winter storage for my cars so they've all found their way home at the moment.
The downside of being a 'drop-in' customer was the fact my car didn't get looked at until later on in the afternoon; meaning that contact/ordering of replacement parts through my warranty won't be happening until Monday, which is an unavoidable annoyance. Another downside usually being that I couldn't book a courtesy car, however I know the guy who looks after the Harry Fairbairn BMW Dealerships so he was able to sort me an M140i demonstrator and save me from catching the loser cruiser! I was almost away in their M2 demonstrator before a salesman revealed that he had an appointment booked for that car... maybe next time!
Untitled by Grant F, on FlickrUntitled by Grant F, on FlickrIt's the first time I've had an *40i engine to test out and it's absolutely awesome. This has the optional ZF 8spd gearbox and it pulls far harder than I expected it to. Handling needs a bit of work and it definitely needs a proper LSD (in my opinion!) but the drivetrain is still extremely impressive... leagues more fun than the previous 114i and 116d that I've had when the M3 is getting work done!!
Forgive the state of my driveway, I've got an F80 squatting for the weekend and I'm currently preparing winter storage for my cars so they've all found their way home at the moment.
In other news, I've started my preparation for my Nurburgring trip at the end of the month. I'm hoping to have the car back from Harry Fairbairn next week at some point because I've got a few things which I've ordered/want fitted before I head over to Germany. I'm also on the waiting list for a track day at Spa, however I can't imagine that's a short list, so I may need to settle for spectator-status there!!
I'll be changing the oil (which I've yet to buy) but I have received my Miller Oils Health Check kit, so I can submit a sample of the old/current engine oil for analysis..
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
..so that will go some way to give an indication of any potential bearing-related issues, which is the other big negative spouted about the S65.
I've also ordered a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S in 255/275 flavours, slightly wider than the standard 245/265 sizes.. I was going to go for standard sizes, but when I saw that the 265-section tyres had rocketed to £300+ a pop I thought it was maybe a sign to go for the wider option. So they'll be getting fitted after I get the car back from BMW too.
I'm in the process of deciding on what big brake kit to buy for the car. I've settled for AP Racing, but now I've got to make a decision between going for the more traditional design and the newer 'Radi-Cal' design of caliper:
Ap Calipers by Grant F, on Flickr
Aside from the fact they look different, the newer design has a bigger pad contact area and therefore should give even better braking performance. So I'm swaying towards the newer design, despite usually being a traditionalist. Regardless of the caliper, I'll be running a 378mm floating disc with the DS2500 pads which are supplied with the kit and see how I feel about their performance before looking into pad upgrades.
I'll be changing the oil (which I've yet to buy) but I have received my Miller Oils Health Check kit, so I can submit a sample of the old/current engine oil for analysis..
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr..so that will go some way to give an indication of any potential bearing-related issues, which is the other big negative spouted about the S65.
I've also ordered a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S in 255/275 flavours, slightly wider than the standard 245/265 sizes.. I was going to go for standard sizes, but when I saw that the 265-section tyres had rocketed to £300+ a pop I thought it was maybe a sign to go for the wider option. So they'll be getting fitted after I get the car back from BMW too.
I'm in the process of deciding on what big brake kit to buy for the car. I've settled for AP Racing, but now I've got to make a decision between going for the more traditional design and the newer 'Radi-Cal' design of caliper:
Ap Calipers by Grant F, on FlickrAside from the fact they look different, the newer design has a bigger pad contact area and therefore should give even better braking performance. So I'm swaying towards the newer design, despite usually being a traditionalist. Regardless of the caliper, I'll be running a 378mm floating disc with the DS2500 pads which are supplied with the kit and see how I feel about their performance before looking into pad upgrades.
Lovely car and project this. Every credit to you
My pals had a fair few of these in at his place for suspension/gearbox/brakes work etc and fast road set-ups and IMO, they’re the last of the properly built M3s and obviously the V8
Sound bloody great on full chat too
I’d love one, but too small for me!
My pals had a fair few of these in at his place for suspension/gearbox/brakes work etc and fast road set-ups and IMO, they’re the last of the properly built M3s and obviously the V8
Sound bloody great on full chat too
I’d love one, but too small for me!
TheAngryDog said:
Did you research the tyre size differences before buying? I only ask as changing sizes on the E60 M5 can cause DSC issues.
I run the same larger size on mine with no issues, I haven't ever heard of the issues you speak of on the E92 even when they are running a square set up.TheAngryDog said:
Did you research the tyre size differences before buying? I only ask as changing sizes on the E60 M5 can cause DSC issues.
You should be fine as long as the tyres are within a 2.5% tolerance A tyre calculator will help with this. I know a few folk running M3s and M5s with a wider tyre for better sidewall protection etc
I wish I’d gone width 285s on the rears of my 7 rather than 275s as I prefer a squarer sidewall
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