325TI - Project Mpact

[Sf_Manta]

I got the feeling you've spent some serious time researching on RealOEM to compare the parts diagrams to figure that one out.
Kudos on finding that out though, and surprising how easy it was to switch over.

I did the same kinda thing when researching on upgrading the rear trailing arms on my E46 Touring, turns out that mundane E46's use a bush in the lower knuckle joint, some double checking on RealOEM I found that you can use the same ball joint from the upper knuckle joint in the lower position, as per the M3's... cue those old knackered bushes being swapped to ball joints

Look forwards to seeing the updates. Are you going with stock M3 brakes or planning to do a upgrade to AP or the Porsche Caliper swap? I can't recall seeing any plans in the thread so far.

[helix402]

I may have missed it but have you planned the electronics for the SMG to manual conversion?

I’m guessing there’s enough info out there from people who’ve done it before.

If it’s any help I’ve converted an E46 330d from auto to manual and listed lots of the work needed on a thread here. PA Soft was quite handy for the software tweaks.

[anonymous-user]

So you've done your differential, found that mine is leaking from somewhere.. is it possible do you know to change the seals whilst the diff is still in the car? or should i buy another and swap them over?
If the latter.. is your old diff for sale?

[helix402]

eezeh said:

So you've done your differential, found that mine is leaking from somewhere.. is it possible do you know to change the seals whilst the diff is still in the car? or should i buy another and swap them over?
If the latter.. is your old diff for sale?

All diff seals can be changed in situ.

[geeks]

helix402 said:

I may have missed it but have you planned the electronics for the SMG to manual conversion?

I’m guessing there’s enough info out there from people who’ve done it before.

If it’s any help I’ve converted an E46 330d from auto to manual and listed lots of the work needed on a thread here. PA Soft was quite handy for the software tweaks.

The SMG is very different from an auto I am not sure there is much to change electronics wise, could be wrong, I am just speculating while I wait for Adams next update

[helix402]

geeks said:

The SMG is very different from an auto I am not sure there is much to change electronics wise, could be wrong, I am just speculating while I wait for Adams next update

Thankyou for your input. I am aware of the differences between SMG and auto. I am also aware of the electronic side of SMG. BMWs use CAN bus to integrate ECUs such as gearbox, instrument cluster , EWS and DME. All these need to know the car is now a manual. I’ve posted my comment for the op as a potentiality helpful one.

[geeks]

helix402 said:

geeks said:

The SMG is very different from an auto I am not sure there is much to change electronics wise, could be wrong, I am just speculating while I wait for Adams next update

Thankyou for your input. I am aware of the differences between SMG and auto. I am also aware of the electronic side of SMG. BMWs use CAN bus to integrate ECUs such as gearbox, instrument cluster , EWS and DME. All these need to know the car is now a manual. I’ve posted my comment for the op as a potentiality helpful one.

Alright petal calm down!

[amc_adam]

Court_S said:

That diffuser looks fantastic. Top work (again).

Thanks, I'm quite chuffed with it!

[amc_adam]

Greendubber said:

Awesome work, just brilliant.

Thank you! I just want to drive it now the weather is picking up

[amc_adam]

james_tigerwoods said:

I'm in awe of your workmanship

Everyone is capable of it, just takes practice

[amc_adam]

Liamjrhodes said:

Awesome project and some amazing fabrication skills!
Wish i had the spare time and skills for something like this

Thanks for the kind words, I don't really have the time...... I'm just unsociable

[d6dph]

amc_adam said:

james_tigerwoods said:

I'm in awe of your workmanship

Everyone is capable of it, just takes practice

I'm living proof that some people are naturally useless

[amc_adam]

Sf_Manta said:

I got the feeling you've spent some serious time researching on RealOEM to compare the parts diagrams to figure that one out.
Kudos on finding that out though, and surprising how easy it was to switch over.

I did the same kinda thing when researching on upgrading the rear trailing arms on my E46 Touring, turns out that mundane E46's use a bush in the lower knuckle joint, some double checking on RealOEM I found that you can use the same ball joint from the upper knuckle joint in the lower position, as per the M3's... cue those old knackered bushes being swapped to ball joints

Look forwards to seeing the updates. Are you going with stock M3 brakes or planning to do a upgrade to AP or the Porsche Caliper swap? I can't recall seeing any plans in the thread so far.

Realoem has been a huge help, many hours lost on there!

That's it, I didn't realise that until recently too. Strange all the little difference's between M and non-M models.

Brake wise, I'm going with M3 discs all round. And I have a set radial mount AP calipers (4pot) from a Lotus Evora which I need to make some mounts for...... Eventually.

[amc_adam]

geeks said:

helix402 said:

geeks said:

The SMG is very different from an auto I am not sure there is much to change electronics wise, could be wrong, I am just speculating while I wait for Adams next update

Thankyou for your input. I am aware of the differences between SMG and auto. I am also aware of the electronic side of SMG. BMWs use CAN bus to integrate ECUs such as gearbox, instrument cluster , EWS and DME. All these need to know the car is now a manual. I’ve posted my comment for the op as a potentiality helpful one.

Alright petal calm down!

Electronics wise it's all very much a learning curve, slowly picking it up as I go. Although there is quite a bit of a conflicting information on line! Luckily I have a couple of friends that are pretty switched on (pun intended) with the electronics side of things. I'll take a look at your thread, thank you!

[helix402]

amc_adam said:

Electronics wise it's all very much a learning curve, slowly picking it up as I go. Although there is quite a bit of a conflicting information on line! Luckily I have a couple of friends that are pretty switched on (pun intended) with the electronics side of things. I'll take a look at your thread, thank you!

One thing I remember is that to have working cruise control you’ll need to wire in the clutch switch. You can also choose to only allow the car to be started with the clutch depressed.

[scottos]

Oh man, this is awesome, its taken me awhile to get through!

So many cool touches to the car. It also makes me feel like an absolute peasant in the fab department

[e46m3Mark]

amc_adam said:

Court_S said:

That diffuser looks fantastic. Top work (again).

Thanks, I'm quite chuffed with it!

+1

Looks great and a real OE quality considering OE wasn't an option!

[Sf_Manta]

amc_adam said:

Sf_Manta said:

I got the feeling you've spent some serious time researching on RealOEM to compare the parts diagrams to figure that one out.
Kudos on finding that out though, and surprising how easy it was to switch over.

I did the same kinda thing when researching on upgrading the rear trailing arms on my E46 Touring, turns out that mundane E46's use a bush in the lower knuckle joint, some double checking on RealOEM I found that you can use the same ball joint from the upper knuckle joint in the lower position, as per the M3's... cue those old knackered bushes being swapped to ball joints

Look forwards to seeing the updates. Are you going with stock M3 brakes or planning to do a upgrade to AP or the Porsche Caliper swap? I can't recall seeing any plans in the thread so far.

Realoem has been a huge help, many hours lost on there!

That's it, I didn't realise that until recently too. Strange all the little difference's between M and non-M models.

Brake wise, I'm going with M3 discs all round. And I have a set radial mount AP calipers (4pot) from a Lotus Evora which I need to make some mounts for...... Eventually.

Would suggest checking what the disc thickness is for the fronts, if i recall, brembos and AP's use 28mm, the stock M3 and 330i discs are 325 x 25mm thick. The CSL's are 2 piece and 345mm x 28mm thick, which is a easy upgrade if you've already got 18in wheels already. Least that works for the Brembo upgrade using Porsche 986 (Boxster 3.2) front calipers.

[amc_adam]

eezeh said:

So you've done your differential, found that mine is leaking from somewhere.. is it possible do you know to change the seals whilst the diff is still in the car? or should i buy another and swap them over?
If the latter.. is your old diff for sale?

It can be done whilst in the vehicle, but for what it takes to remove the diff you may as well drop it out. I do still have my diff, and all the rear end if you want it all!

[ethomas]

Sf_Manta said:

Would suggest checking what the disc thickness is for the fronts, if i recall, brembos and AP's use 28mm, the stock M3 and 330i discs are 325 x 25mm thick. The CSL's are 2 piece and 345mm x 28mm thick, which is a easy upgrade if you've already got 18in wheels already. Least that works for the Brembo upgrade using Porsche 986 (Boxster 3.2) front calipers.

Stock M3 are also two piece and 28mm thick, they are not the same as 330i discs.