Discussion
e46m3Mark said:
Thanks guys. Yeah, that's not great parking is it? 
I've been putting a few miles on it lately, which included clipping something in the outside lane, which took off the outside carbon splitter. Fortunately I was able to retrieve it and it just needs refitting. It's still bloody annoying though! I'm away for a week soon though, so plan to have it sorted then and make a couple of other changes.
The only other thing I want to do now is have the LSD rebuilt. Well either that or replace it with a Quaiffe or Gripper unit? If anyone has any advice and/or experience in doing the same, it'd be good to hear it. The OE LSD is working but I'm sure it's past it's best. There's a bit of noise on tight turning which may be nothing but I'd guess it's just wear?
Have tried changing the oil in the diff?I've been putting a few miles on it lately, which included clipping something in the outside lane, which took off the outside carbon splitter. Fortunately I was able to retrieve it and it just needs refitting. It's still bloody annoying though! I'm away for a week soon though, so plan to have it sorted then and make a couple of other changes.
The only other thing I want to do now is have the LSD rebuilt. Well either that or replace it with a Quaiffe or Gripper unit? If anyone has any advice and/or experience in doing the same, it'd be good to hear it. The OE LSD is working but I'm sure it's past it's best. There's a bit of noise on tight turning which may be nothing but I'd guess it's just wear?
Hi Steve, no I haven't done the diff' oil yet. I'm not overly concerned at the noise now I know it's a common thing and nothing to worry about. I'm thinking of a ZF rebuild from these guys though...
https://www.racingdiffs.com/bmw/
https://www.racingdiffs.com/bmw/
Some good upgrades indeed there Mark! Glad to see it is progressing well.
Did you go with fast road pads in your APs at the same time? It's not surprising they brought about a nice improvement
.
The ambers are a lovely touch and I debate doing that to mine at times.
I'll agree on the Rod Bearings. I know some E90 engines have been scrap by 22k due to bearing failure. When I asked Autobahn about S54 bearings, he was saying that some he had seen were trashed by 70k (i.e all down to the copper), but some were perfect when removed at 150k. Mine was a higher miler that went in at 139k and he said they were probably the second best set of bearings he removed ; one of mine were just beginning to show copper. The best set? They came from another 138k car near me ; his were near perfect when I saw them.
My car? It had the RIS done and from what I can tell was a motorway car until 2009 where it covered 90k. So it does seem that the use of the car plays a huge role.
VANOS I'd agree on being overkill, unless you're on the stock setup. The Beisan seals outlive the stock items. I've had the pressure seal on the regulator become square in 10k on my M3. It's fair to say the Beisan one went on that time!
But it's all relative. I thought (and still do) that they are pricier than a 330i due to the above list to run. But compared to an R32 Golf, they're not too bad.
The CSL update really made a lovely change to the SMG for me.
Yes, they may be part of the untouchables cars on this forum and be worthless, but I guess it does make them more accessible to people like ourselves
.
I've had to daily mine for a couple of weeks and bar me worrying about the salt on the roads, I've loved it and had some fun moments too.
Did you go with fast road pads in your APs at the same time? It's not surprising they brought about a nice improvement
.The ambers are a lovely touch and I debate doing that to mine at times.
Nunga said:
The E46 M3 really isn't that scary to own as a used proposition if you have self control, especially for only two-three years if you just want to scratch an itch. Find one with the right work already done, especially big ticket motor items like a VANOS rebuild and rod bearings, and your outlay will be just oil changes, fuel, and tyres more or less. I reckon a normal car running budget plus an additional £1,000 a year would be my advice; 1k-ish will sort each of the following;
VANOS (every 50-60k miles)
Rod bearings (every 50-60k miles)
RACP strengthening (once)
SMG-related problem solving (buy a manual and avoid it, or upgrade to a Burkhart pump for a start))
Inspection II (every 4th service, mileage dependent)
Of course I man-mathsed a coilover upgrade, 4.1 diff rebuild, underdrive pulleys, CSL bootlid, square set of wheels, upgraded ARBs, poly bushes, short shifter, Bavsound speaker upgrade, engine remap, BBK, roll cage next year, maybe a LW flywheel... it is a slippery slope indeed. You won't find many owners who regret owning one though. Best car I have ever owned.
Valve clearances also need doing during the Inspection I, despite what many specialists say. Even BMW state it must be done then. I can see why garages avoid that however; the clearances are a pain to adjust and I'm tempted to ship mine out to someone to do next time around.VANOS (every 50-60k miles)
Rod bearings (every 50-60k miles)
RACP strengthening (once)
SMG-related problem solving (buy a manual and avoid it, or upgrade to a Burkhart pump for a start))
Inspection II (every 4th service, mileage dependent)
Of course I man-mathsed a coilover upgrade, 4.1 diff rebuild, underdrive pulleys, CSL bootlid, square set of wheels, upgraded ARBs, poly bushes, short shifter, Bavsound speaker upgrade, engine remap, BBK, roll cage next year, maybe a LW flywheel... it is a slippery slope indeed. You won't find many owners who regret owning one though. Best car I have ever owned.
I'll agree on the Rod Bearings. I know some E90 engines have been scrap by 22k due to bearing failure. When I asked Autobahn about S54 bearings, he was saying that some he had seen were trashed by 70k (i.e all down to the copper), but some were perfect when removed at 150k. Mine was a higher miler that went in at 139k and he said they were probably the second best set of bearings he removed ; one of mine were just beginning to show copper. The best set? They came from another 138k car near me ; his were near perfect when I saw them.
My car? It had the RIS done and from what I can tell was a motorway car until 2009 where it covered 90k. So it does seem that the use of the car plays a huge role.
VANOS I'd agree on being overkill, unless you're on the stock setup. The Beisan seals outlive the stock items. I've had the pressure seal on the regulator become square in 10k on my M3. It's fair to say the Beisan one went on that time!
But it's all relative. I thought (and still do) that they are pricier than a 330i due to the above list to run. But compared to an R32 Golf, they're not too bad.
JoshMay said:
Welcome to the E46 M3 club! I have owned mine for a number of years and have never regretted buying it instead of the 911 (996) that I turned up to buy. The 911 horror stories scared me and the test drive put me off all together, 3 different cars, all drove horribly for different reasons.
I find the M3 reliable (nothing major needing doing after initially bringing it up to scratch), can be frugal (well over 30 MPG when the company’s paying) and fits 4 adults plus a fair amount luggage.
It was the fastest the fastest car I could afford at the time which can fit my family in on rare occasions.
Knowing nothing about car mechanics, I simply hand over the keys once a year and ask to test and fix whatever needs doing - it seems to work for me!??
I like mine being original (black and black convertible with no mods), the SMG took some getting used to, but I am big fan now; great for cruising and brutal when the urge takes you - I feel I’ll be opening up for some abuse from purists, but it’s horses for courses I would add in my defence.
Enjoy and a hoping you have a prompt return to good health!
This.I find the M3 reliable (nothing major needing doing after initially bringing it up to scratch), can be frugal (well over 30 MPG when the company’s paying) and fits 4 adults plus a fair amount luggage.
It was the fastest the fastest car I could afford at the time which can fit my family in on rare occasions.
Knowing nothing about car mechanics, I simply hand over the keys once a year and ask to test and fix whatever needs doing - it seems to work for me!??
I like mine being original (black and black convertible with no mods), the SMG took some getting used to, but I am big fan now; great for cruising and brutal when the urge takes you - I feel I’ll be opening up for some abuse from purists, but it’s horses for courses I would add in my defence.
Enjoy and a hoping you have a prompt return to good health!
The CSL update really made a lovely change to the SMG for me.
Yes, they may be part of the untouchables cars on this forum and be worthless, but I guess it does make them more accessible to people like ourselves
.I've had to daily mine for a couple of weeks and bar me worrying about the salt on the roads, I've loved it and had some fun moments too
.I'm definitely looking at new bearings & ARP's for later this year. I'm guessing it'll be around £1k though so I've some saving to do yet. I'll most likely get an oil analysis done sooner though.
Amber fronts are on and I'm surprised at what a difference they make to the cars look. I'd like to fit a shadow line kidney grill too, but I'm thinking it might be a step too far? I picked up a carbon engine / coil pack cover cheap which I hope will compliment the air box? I'm a sucker for carbon fibre but I don't want it to look like I've ram raided Halfrauds.
Anyway, Sunday afternoon is here, the rain has stopped and there's a bit of blue sky so I'm off to burn some super unleaded!
Amber fronts are on and I'm surprised at what a difference they make to the cars look. I'd like to fit a shadow line kidney grill too, but I'm thinking it might be a step too far? I picked up a carbon engine / coil pack cover cheap which I hope will compliment the air box? I'm a sucker for carbon fibre but I don't want it to look like I've ram raided Halfrauds.
Anyway, Sunday afternoon is here, the rain has stopped and there's a bit of blue sky so I'm off to burn some super unleaded!
e46m3Mark said:
Thanks guys. Yeah, that's not great parking is it?
I've been putting a few miles on it lately, which included clipping something in the outside lane, which took off the outside carbon splitter. Fortunately I was able to retrieve it and it just needs refitting. It's still bloody annoying though! I'm away for a week soon though, so plan to have it sorted then and make a couple of other changes.
The only other thing I want to do now is have the LSD rebuilt. Well either that or replace it with a Quaiffe or Gripper unit? If anyone has any advice and/or experience in doing the same, it'd be good to hear it. The OE LSD is working but I'm sure it's past it's best. There's a bit of noise on tight turning which may be nothing but I'd guess it's just wear?
Quaife / Gripper ATB is a downgrade from the stock plated LSD - much better off rebuilding it. Noise on tight turning is just a sign that its working well and locking the wheels when theres a big difference in wheel speed.I've been putting a few miles on it lately, which included clipping something in the outside lane, which took off the outside carbon splitter. Fortunately I was able to retrieve it and it just needs refitting. It's still bloody annoying though! I'm away for a week soon though, so plan to have it sorted then and make a couple of other changes.
The only other thing I want to do now is have the LSD rebuilt. Well either that or replace it with a Quaiffe or Gripper unit? If anyone has any advice and/or experience in doing the same, it'd be good to hear it. The OE LSD is working but I'm sure it's past it's best. There's a bit of noise on tight turning which may be nothing but I'd guess it's just wear?
Great looking car, dark grills suit LSB imo as do the ambers - chrome looks strange on gloss coloured ///M cars
I've been told that stock M3 diffs are not rebuildable, and this is why many end up with E36 m3 diffs in.
Does Daragh just shim the LSD out so as to reduce the play or can he rebuild a stock E46 M3 diff?
From SamR's report, the Gripper works better on track over the stock diff. But I'd simply want my stock item rebuilding.
Does Daragh just shim the LSD out so as to reduce the play or can he rebuild a stock E46 M3 diff?
From SamR's report, the Gripper works better on track over the stock diff. But I'd simply want my stock item rebuilding.
^^ Untrue; as above, Darragh is rebuilding stock E46 M3 diffs with rebuilt clutch packs. It is a little bit secret squirrel but plenty of people are getting it done (I would’ve gone down that path but for the fact mine wouldn’t have been ready in time so I went the E36 Evo route instead).
Can't believe I've had the E46 for 4 months (nigh on) but am much happier with it than I was initially. Don't get me wrong, they're great cars but I've always modified my cars and put my own stamp on them. With the E46 though, it was pretty much sorted already, but the RACP and rod bearings were bigger (and by bigger I mean expensive) jobs that needed doing. Now I've done the rear end it's just the bearings that are left but I'm tempted to leave well alone and save for a proper engine refresh? I've been thinking along the lines of Schrick cams and a lighter flywheel but where do I draw a line? It's reliability that I want, as opposed to big power, but I'm also wondering what the best option would be in relation to engine management? I do want to rebuild or renew the LSD too, but the list is already getting too bloody long! 
The KWV3 coilovers are great and have really transformed the way the E46 drives. It's not exactly a light car but it hides the weight pretty well considering. I'm really looking forward to taking it on track later this year, although I do want to swap out those heavy electric seats for some Recaro or similar. I do want to fit a rear cage but it'll need to be one that allows me to retain the back seat. The interior changes will have to wait until the engine is done though and that won't be done till autumn, as I want a few months to enjoy the car first. I'm changing the steering wheel this week though and going with a Momo and snap off hub. I have a disability and removing the wheel just makes it far easier to get in and out. It's helpful from a security perspective to, when you can lock it in the boot.
If anyone has any experience of swapping to Schrick cams and different management with an S54 I'd be keen to hear their experiences. Also wondered if stock ECU can be live mapped or would a map from Evolve (who supply their own air boxes) be a good bet?
I've been trying to trace previous owners but had no luck at all.
As the weather is improving though, I'm changing the engine oil (10w60 Millers) and also the LSD, as I've no idea when it was last done. Also going to fit the LED rear lights and cold air intake from PSD. Hopefully I can then head up to Wales for a weekend and finally get some video footage. I've got an external mic to mount near the airbox so hopefully it'll sound better than previous efforts.
The KWV3 coilovers are great and have really transformed the way the E46 drives. It's not exactly a light car but it hides the weight pretty well considering. I'm really looking forward to taking it on track later this year, although I do want to swap out those heavy electric seats for some Recaro or similar. I do want to fit a rear cage but it'll need to be one that allows me to retain the back seat. The interior changes will have to wait until the engine is done though and that won't be done till autumn, as I want a few months to enjoy the car first. I'm changing the steering wheel this week though and going with a Momo and snap off hub. I have a disability and removing the wheel just makes it far easier to get in and out. It's helpful from a security perspective to, when you can lock it in the boot.
If anyone has any experience of swapping to Schrick cams and different management with an S54 I'd be keen to hear their experiences. Also wondered if stock ECU can be live mapped or would a map from Evolve (who supply their own air boxes) be a good bet?
I've been trying to trace previous owners but had no luck at all.
As the weather is improving though, I'm changing the engine oil (10w60 Millers) and also the LSD, as I've no idea when it was last done. Also going to fit the LED rear lights and cold air intake from PSD. Hopefully I can then head up to Wales for a weekend and finally get some video footage. I've got an external mic to mount near the airbox so hopefully it'll sound better than previous efforts.
Edited by e46m3Mark on Sunday 24th February 13:08
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