E92 M3 Competition Pack
Discussion
RS Grant said:
Yep, back in one piece is the primary goal.. anything else can be fixed!
If you've not been to the Nurburgring then I'd definitely urge you to visit, the whole set up/area/atmosphere is great.
Going out on a Touristfahren day is a little hectic at times; so while the headline figures seem high, I do see the value in spending the money to sign up for the likes of a Destination Nurburgring type event instead, which appear to be well run and will cut down on the number of loonies which are on track at the same time as you... regardless of what you're driving or what day you venture out on track; just remember to go as fast or as slow as you are comfortable with and keep an eye on your mirrors because certainly on a TF day the fast cars/locals will seldom lift off when approaching you and expect you to see them and move over, that's one of the biggest differences I've seen compared to UK track days.
Can I ask you about insurance for these events? As far as I know, short of registering your car in Germany, it is practically impossible to get cover for Nurburgring use, unless it is an organised track day.If you've not been to the Nurburgring then I'd definitely urge you to visit, the whole set up/area/atmosphere is great.
Going out on a Touristfahren day is a little hectic at times; so while the headline figures seem high, I do see the value in spending the money to sign up for the likes of a Destination Nurburgring type event instead, which appear to be well run and will cut down on the number of loonies which are on track at the same time as you... regardless of what you're driving or what day you venture out on track; just remember to go as fast or as slow as you are comfortable with and keep an eye on your mirrors because certainly on a TF day the fast cars/locals will seldom lift off when approaching you and expect you to see them and move over, that's one of the biggest differences I've seen compared to UK track days.
Or are there other ways?
TIA
Having done a Nurburgring weekend a few years back, I looked into exactly this and there is literally no one that will touch you.
More specifically for the Nurburgring for the reasons outlined by Grant; chaos, loons out on track and no real hard and fast rules apart from ‘you break it you buy it’ lol!
Clearly you can get trackday insurance however I am not sure how available that is for Spa and the subsequent cost but here is track day insurance out there.
To deal with my own gremlins around driving the Ring with added risk of being there in an S2000 and in April, we decided to split the cost of a rental from Dale. That way we had a properly prepared car (in our case a little stripped out Swift Sport) inclusive clap ticket and sole peace of mind that if we crashed it/got crashed into we would simply make our apologies and hand it back. It’s not foolproof you have to pay a hefty deposit by at the time it was the best way of removing maximum risk.
As it happened our (wet) laps went well and we had an absolute blast, memories that we will have for a long time to come.
Good luck!!
Si
More specifically for the Nurburgring for the reasons outlined by Grant; chaos, loons out on track and no real hard and fast rules apart from ‘you break it you buy it’ lol!
Clearly you can get trackday insurance however I am not sure how available that is for Spa and the subsequent cost but here is track day insurance out there.
To deal with my own gremlins around driving the Ring with added risk of being there in an S2000 and in April, we decided to split the cost of a rental from Dale. That way we had a properly prepared car (in our case a little stripped out Swift Sport) inclusive clap ticket and sole peace of mind that if we crashed it/got crashed into we would simply make our apologies and hand it back. It’s not foolproof you have to pay a hefty deposit by at the time it was the best way of removing maximum risk.
As it happened our (wet) laps went well and we had an absolute blast, memories that we will have for a long time to come.
Good luck!!
Si
Awesome write up Grant! So glad that I came across this thread since it has answered a lot of my questions and the comparison with your golf r is making for an interesting read, and is relatable coming from an audi s3 8v. However, I would be after one with DCT having come from the s3 having DSG. I have been doing my research on the e92 m3 and trawling through Autotrader/Pistonheads for a good example, specifically looking for one which has low mileage, DCT and with the EDC function. I have now had the s3 for just over 3 years and covered 18k miles. I'm just a bit bored of it, and find it a bit soulless. Agree completely when you say that there was no real excitement from a 2l turbo producing 300bhp, i'm all for the noise too! I had the s3 lowered on h&r springs and ran a Milltek non res catback exhaust on it, which kept me amused for an additional 12 months or so, but those days are over. Hope you are still enjoying your car! 
Jas
Jas
Edited by pangj1 on Sunday 30th December 14:02
Tony B2 said:
Can I ask you about insurance for these events? As far as I know, short of registering your car in Germany, it is practically impossible to get cover for Nurburgring use, unless it is an organised track day.
Or are there other ways?
TIA
Re: the track insurance... I was covered for the day at Spa, however, as above I couldn't find someone to cover me specifically for a TF day at the Nurburgring. I did contact my insurance company and they said that I was covered in Europe; including toll roads, which I believe on a TF day the Nurburgring would be classed as, however I'm not sure how well that would have held up if there had been an issue and thankfully didn't and won't ever have to test the strength of coverage when I'm there.Or are there other ways?
TIA
pangj1 said:
Awesome write up Grant! So glad that I came across this thread since it has answered a lot of my questions and the comparison with your golf r is making for an interesting read, and is relatable coming from an audi s3 8v. However, I would be after one with DCT having come from the s3 having DSG. I have been doing my research on the e92 m3 and trawling through Autotrader/Pistonheads for a good example, specifically looking for one which has low mileage, DCT and with the EDC function. I have now had the s3 for just over 3 years and covered 18k miles. I'm just a bit bored of it, and find it a bit soulless. Agree completely when you say that there was no real excitement from a 2l turbo producing 300bhp, i'm all for the noise too! I had the s3 lowered on h&r springs and ran a Milltek non res catback exhaust on it, which kept me amused for an additional 12 months or so, but those days are over. Hope you are still enjoying your car!
Jas
I'm glad that the thread has been useful for you as well Jas. If you're looking for a little more soul/noise/involvement then I'd be extremely surprised if you didn't enjoy the switch from your S3 to an E92 M3... good luck with your search, I would also include the classifieds on the M3Cutters forum in your searches as there are usually members looking to sell. Jas
SiT said:
So its the New Year, what does it hold for the M3 Grant??
Si
That's an interesting question actually, I'm currently going through the usual 'classified scanning during the winter when my cars are off the road' period and while I really like the idea of a few things I'm not sure whether there is actually anything that I'd enjoy as much as the M3 after the initial new car honeymoon period wore off.Si
So as far as the M3 goes, I'm not sure there is much else I need to do with it rather than enjoy it. I've also come to really like the contrast of the Recaro seats too, so even if I could find someone to retrim them in Fox Red, I don't know if I would actually do it now.
I think I'll order the short shift kit I mentioned before and of course there are other modifications which I'd be tempted with; 18" wheels/sticky tyres, uprated suspension and if I was feeling really silly, a supercharger kit. However, I'll be more than happy with the car even if I do none of those things because it really is a great package now. I'm hopefully going back to Spa and Nurburgring again this year and I think I will take the M3 again rather than anything else I've got because it's such a great all rounder.
Well the winter hibernation is finally over and with a fresh MOT and a tank of fuel it took me about 2.4 seconds to remember why I love this car so much.
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
The friend I've got who takes photos got in touch one evening and asked me if I had anything that I could bring down and meet him that night because he wanted to play with his new flashes and test out their capabilities. So I gave the M3 a quick wash and went down to see him... here is the result:
57503180_452516675518490_6732261069252722688_n by Grant F, on Flickr
...I wish I'd given the glass a quick wipe before he took the pictures now!
Untitled by Grant F, on FlickrThe friend I've got who takes photos got in touch one evening and asked me if I had anything that I could bring down and meet him that night because he wanted to play with his new flashes and test out their capabilities. So I gave the M3 a quick wash and went down to see him... here is the result:
57503180_452516675518490_6732261069252722688_n by Grant F, on Flickr...I wish I'd given the glass a quick wipe before he took the pictures now!
SiT said:
Still looks amazing!!!! What have you been driving whilst it’s been in hibernation?
I am now officially car-less and an E9x is firmly on the short list!
Si
I bought myself an E91 320d Sport Plus that I've been using, it's an absolutely great car and although similar to the M3 in some ways, it's wildly different in others! I am now officially car-less and an E9x is firmly on the short list!
Si
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
Untitled by Grant F, on FlickrBack to the E92; I've actually been writing an advert for it, deleting it, writing it etc for the past few days!!
I'm going through a stage where I decided to have a bit of a shake up of the cars I've got and the cars I actually need. It was prompted by a property purchase and started with 'I'll stick a couple up for sale' and then escalated to the point where I thought that maybe throwing everything up for sale would be the correct way to go; so it might be time to wave goodbye to the big V8.... if I can get to the point of actually writing the advert that is.
Rhys-zzaud said:
Looking great, I have the same car E92 Comp pack in that colour. Love the thing. Just wish I could use it a bit more!!!
My car is standard apart from 2 pip exhaust mod. Anything you would recommend?
Hmm, it really depends what you use your car for (when you get the chance!!) and what you're into, be it looks/performance.My car is standard apart from 2 pip exhaust mod. Anything you would recommend?
I love the MPerformance carbon extras fitted to my car, I think it lifts it above a normal E92 and they all tie in really well with the carbon fibre roof as well. The MPerformance steering wheel is something which is a complete extravagance (especially if you have a DCT with shift lights as standard!) but it gets a lot of comments from both car friends and 'normal' friends too. It's also really nice to hold, so a switch to an alcantara steering wheel of some sort would be a recommendation too.
Performance-wise, I've not done a great deal really. The exhaust mod is a 110% must as far as I'm concerned, it changes the whole experience for the better. A BMC drop in filter gives a little extra induction roar, which is no bad thing at all.
The other stuff which I've done, the Recaro CS' and AP Brakes have both made a big difference but they're not cheap upgrades. I mean that you've got to really want to improve the braking and/or be a bit of an aesthetic gimp like me to go for a front and back AP set up; the same goes for the seats too, you've got to really want some Recaro seats to set aside the cash for them/mounts/runners.
End of the day the driving position of the standard seats isn't bad in the slightest and with some uprated parts/fluid the standard brakes will perform fine for the vast majority of people too, so while I recommend the changes I've done, there's no need to buy them... unlike the BMC filter/exhaust mod, which are no brainers for the difference-per-pound that they make.
Op your car looks absolutely stunning and much prettier than the M4.
I used to think the E9x didn’t sound that great, usually because I was comparing it to an RS4 or C63, however these days I love the noise especially when compared to the F8x cars which I think sound grim.
I was so close to an E90 M3 having loved my uncles DCT equipped car that I drove a bit but decided that the fuel bills would get tiresome as it would be a daily driver doing somewhere between 12 and 15k per year. I ended up ordering an M140.
I used to think the E9x didn’t sound that great, usually because I was comparing it to an RS4 or C63, however these days I love the noise especially when compared to the F8x cars which I think sound grim.
I was so close to an E90 M3 having loved my uncles DCT equipped car that I drove a bit but decided that the fuel bills would get tiresome as it would be a daily driver doing somewhere between 12 and 15k per year. I ended up ordering an M140.
Court_S said:
I used to think the E9x didn’t sound that great, usually because I was comparing it to an RS4 or C63, however these days I love the noise especially when compared to the F8x cars which I think sound grim.
I was always critical of my E92 M3 exhaust noise wise(among other things! 
) but I think that is only when you're inside the cabin. I was out running last Sunday and I saw a E90 M3 and it sounded lovely from outside for sure. It made me miss mine. cerb4.5lee said:
I was always critical of my E92 M3 exhaust noise wise(among other things! ) but I think that is only when you're inside the cabin. I was out running last Sunday and I saw a E90 M3 and it sounded lovely from outside for sure. It made me miss mine.
Critical - really? Never got that impression! ) but I think that is only when you're inside the cabin. I was out running last Sunday and I saw a E90 M3 and it sounded lovely from outside for sure. It made me miss mine. 
They're not the meatiest sounding V8, especially stock but they sounds sooooo much better than the F8x cars. A wee exhaust mod seems to make a huge difference.
It's funny how I'm appreciating these far more now than when they were first released. The OP's looks fab, with some great pics.
Court_S said:
Critical - really? Never got that impression!
They're not the meatiest sounding V8, especially stock but they sounds sooooo much better than the F8x cars. A wee exhaust mod seems to make a huge difference.
It's funny how I'm appreciating these far more now than when they were first released. The OP's looks fab, with some great pics.
I simply couldn't have one with the standard noise, after knowing what they sound like with a simply £150 mod. Incredible noise inside and outside the car.They're not the meatiest sounding V8, especially stock but they sounds sooooo much better than the F8x cars. A wee exhaust mod seems to make a huge difference.
It's funny how I'm appreciating these far more now than when they were first released. The OP's looks fab, with some great pics.
I can only agree with what you guys are saying regarding the sound, the difference that the simple exhaust mod made to the whole experience was enormous.
I've read that some people think the sound is possibly not as polished as an aftermarket exhaust system and I'm not sure about whether that is accurate or not, all I know is that my car sounds amazing and I have absolutely zero regrets about doing the 2-pipe mod. I would absolutely recommend it to anybody who hasn't got it done... an exhaust modification/upgrade of any kind releases the V8 note which is lacking as standard.
I've read that some people think the sound is possibly not as polished as an aftermarket exhaust system and I'm not sure about whether that is accurate or not, all I know is that my car sounds amazing and I have absolutely zero regrets about doing the 2-pipe mod. I would absolutely recommend it to anybody who hasn't got it done... an exhaust modification/upgrade of any kind releases the V8 note which is lacking as standard.
Just read the lot, what a lovely M3. Awesome mods as well. Have you thought about a decat and remap and eventuri intake at Evolve? Long trip for you, but they get some decent gains..............
Love the early pics with the Forth bridge. Still makes my jaw drop seeing that bridge, its an amazing feat of engineering. The M3's not bad as well! lol
Gotta comment on the mag article though. Dunno what the dude who wrote it was smoking but he said the brakes on the M4 were 19" which is 480mm.
Love the early pics with the Forth bridge. Still makes my jaw drop seeing that bridge, its an amazing feat of engineering. The M3's not bad as well! lol
Gotta comment on the mag article though. Dunno what the dude who wrote it was smoking but he said the brakes on the M4 were 19" which is 480mm.
Smokey32 said:
Just read the lot, what a lovely M3. Awesome mods as well. Have you thought about a decat and remap and eventuri intake at Evolve? Long trip for you, but they get some decent gains..............
Love the early pics with the Forth bridge. Still makes my jaw drop seeing that bridge, its an amazing feat of engineering. The M3's not bad as well! lol
Gotta comment on the mag article though. Dunno what the dude who wrote it was smoking but he said the brakes on the M4 were 19" which is 480mm.
I have considered that package from Evolve, however (providing the car remains with me, which in all liklihood it will) I'm not sure about which direction to go with the car. There are a few options which I'm considering and I'm gonna go through them all in my next post.. but there is a bit more reading for me to do before I decide to go one way or t'other!!Love the early pics with the Forth bridge. Still makes my jaw drop seeing that bridge, its an amazing feat of engineering. The M3's not bad as well! lol
Gotta comment on the mag article though. Dunno what the dude who wrote it was smoking but he said the brakes on the M4 were 19" which is 480mm.
I've taken a LOT of pictures of this car, however I think the photos I took at the Forth Rail Bridge on my first day of ownership are still my favourites too.
Haha I don't think I'd actually noticed the comment about 19" brake discs before you mentioned it ...that's brilliant, it'd be impressive squeezing 19" discs under 20" wheels or 19" wheels on non-CP cars.
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