Discussion
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?
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/
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!
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
Nunga said:
M3carbon1 aka Mike off M3cutters does live mapping.
After doing some digging, it looks as though Mike did some map work on my car 2 owners back. I'm hoping he may still have some information relating to it. I've run out of ideas when it comes to tracing previous owners though unfortunately. I've been home for almost a week and had a chance to put a few miles on the M3. The geometry is finally sorted and it's way more stable at speed. It may not be quite as sharp on turn in but realistically, it's still pretty good. Overall is just inspires far more confidence and is way more enjoyable to drive. I no longer feel like I'm fighting it and it's simply much nicer to drive. The ride height is perfect too and much as I dislike the word, the stance is just how I envisaged. I've also fitted facelift LED rear lights, the amber front indicators and the CSL splitter I managed to wipe out of a speed bump!
As well as changing the engine oil (10w60 and filter) again, I also opted to flush and refill the LSD. There's still a very slight drone between 50 - 60mph but hardly noticeable really and the groan on tight turns is much less too. I don't know when the diff' oil was last changed but the 4:1 final drive was fitted by the last owner bar one so I'd hazard a guess that this was when the oil was last done too. Either way, I like knowing exactly when stuff like oil changes have been done so that I can keep on top of maintenance schedule.
Inside, I am going to give the leather seat squabs and bolsters a thorough clean. I bought a bar of Pears transparent soap and a couple of soft nail brushes and am looking forward to seeing just how well the method works. I've seen some pretty good results pictured on Cutters though but I still need to get some hide food and/or leather conditioner. Hopefully the leather will lose the nasty shiny finish many years of sweaty arses have given it? I've also swapped out the OE steering wheel for my MOMO and it's just so much nicer to use. The quick release boss makes it easier for me to get in and out with my dicky left leg and is a bonus from a security point of view. It looks much better too but I'd like to change the gear lever gaiter for black suede and maybe the gear knob? Did CSL have them? I've also got an Alpine head unit to fit which I think really suits the E46 dash. I've always liked Alpine and Nakamichi when it comes to ICE and the Alpine was a steal at just £40 delivered!
Hopefully I can get across the Nurburgring this year but am also doing something with Sideways Sid which should be fun.
Anyway, a few pics from 2 owners ago...
As well as changing the engine oil (10w60 and filter) again, I also opted to flush and refill the LSD. There's still a very slight drone between 50 - 60mph but hardly noticeable really and the groan on tight turns is much less too. I don't know when the diff' oil was last changed but the 4:1 final drive was fitted by the last owner bar one so I'd hazard a guess that this was when the oil was last done too. Either way, I like knowing exactly when stuff like oil changes have been done so that I can keep on top of maintenance schedule.
Inside, I am going to give the leather seat squabs and bolsters a thorough clean. I bought a bar of Pears transparent soap and a couple of soft nail brushes and am looking forward to seeing just how well the method works. I've seen some pretty good results pictured on Cutters though but I still need to get some hide food and/or leather conditioner. Hopefully the leather will lose the nasty shiny finish many years of sweaty arses have given it? I've also swapped out the OE steering wheel for my MOMO and it's just so much nicer to use. The quick release boss makes it easier for me to get in and out with my dicky left leg and is a bonus from a security point of view. It looks much better too but I'd like to change the gear lever gaiter for black suede and maybe the gear knob? Did CSL have them? I've also got an Alpine head unit to fit which I think really suits the E46 dash. I've always liked Alpine and Nakamichi when it comes to ICE and the Alpine was a steal at just £40 delivered!
Hopefully I can get across the Nurburgring this year but am also doing something with Sideways Sid which should be fun.
Anyway, a few pics from 2 owners ago...
Butter Face said:
Saw you on the A30 last night mate, car looks ace.
Thanks. I must admit, I'm kinda falling for its charms more and more. It's levels of performance are certainly well above mine but it's quite flattering to the driver, much like the E30 was. I'm always a bit nervous about putting my trust into a new car, especially when the potential for expensive failures exists, but at least a complete s54 can be had for circa £3K, whereas the s14 could wipe out much much more. I just want to get a weekend away in Wales or out on track in it now. Have been enjoying using the M3 but had noticed the well known 'drivetrain clunk' seemed a little louder. A quick scan on Cutters and there didn't seem to be much left that I hadn't already addressed, so I kinda figured an LSD rebuild would be on the cards at some point. Anyway, yesterday there was a sudden noise from somewhere, that resembled running over cats eyes at speed. As I was only doing 30 though it was clearly something else. It was clearly diff related though. In fact it turned out to be all the output flange bolts had sheared on one side! Once the mains had been drilled out and replacements fitted we were good to go again! As the sun was out again this morning, I took a run down to deliver a part to Mark C in Helston and the road from Redruth is good fun, with some twisty sections and a few nice straights. Wide open in third, with revs climbing to 8k, is a pretty good noise and certainly puts a smile on your face. The only downside of pushing on in such a capable car, are the speeds you can find yourself travelling at in pretty much no time at all. Should anything go wrong, you know it'll hurt, be expensive or both.
Thanks. Yes, after the E30 M3, I think the E46 comes a close 2nd and the styling remains just about spot on for me. I don't think the photos do justice to just how squat and purposeful it looks in the flesh, although the slightly lower ride height clearly adds to that appearance. It's low, but not so low as to mean reversing over speed humps. Mind you, I do creep over some of the larger ones around here.
I've been looking at what might be the cause of the dreaded 'drivetrain clunk' which, although much improved, still remains. BMW did change the diff' mounting bolts from a type that were threaded their whole length, to a a type with a unthreaded shoulder instead. Evidently they're stronger and less prone to shearing and/or backing themselves out. The shoulder is also slightly tapered and people have said that fitting them has removed (or at least much reduced) the clunk on taking up drive. Anyway, at just a couple of quid it seems worth the effort of fitting them. I'm hoping we may be moving home soon and the new place has a proper garage with a pit! So maybe I will wait until then, rather than roll about on the floor?
Now any normal person would be quite happy with their car and just enjoy it as it is. Unfortunately, I (like many of us here) appear not to be normal and I'm thinking I could really do with losing some weight from the E46. It's certainly a cheaper option than chasing more power through engine modifications! Current power is around the 360 mark and as I want it to stay normally aspirated, a swap to Schrick cams and a lightweight flywheel seem the logical next step. The cost without labour would be nigh on £2k though and I'd be wanting to refresh the bottom end first anyway, so the final bill would be tough to justify, even if I could afford it. (which I can't!) So the most sensible (and certainly much cheaper) option is to shed some weight instead. What I don't want to do though, is go full stripped out race car. I did that with the E30 M3 but it had already been caged etc when I first bought it. My E46 has the super rare alcantara M and leather which is pretty mint and really makes the interior feel pretty special when combined with all the carbon fibre. The OE seats weigh a not inconsiderable 30kgs EACH! Add the rear seat and full sized spare and you're at nigh on 100kgs! Obviously some of that weight will go back in, in the shape of a Safety Devices rear cage and a rear seat delete panel kit, but there's still a decent weight saving over stock. I'm also on a diet myself!
The only external changes I still want to make are the wheels and front splitter. I'm thinking Apex SM-10 ten spokes painted bronze like the rims on my old E21. Seats I think will be along the lines of Recaro CS or Speed.
Apex look much like these. Also think I may have the AP brake callipers painted yellow?
Right now I'm just waiting on the chance to get some decent video footage, including decent audio of the intake bark.
I've been looking at what might be the cause of the dreaded 'drivetrain clunk' which, although much improved, still remains. BMW did change the diff' mounting bolts from a type that were threaded their whole length, to a a type with a unthreaded shoulder instead. Evidently they're stronger and less prone to shearing and/or backing themselves out. The shoulder is also slightly tapered and people have said that fitting them has removed (or at least much reduced) the clunk on taking up drive. Anyway, at just a couple of quid it seems worth the effort of fitting them. I'm hoping we may be moving home soon and the new place has a proper garage with a pit! So maybe I will wait until then, rather than roll about on the floor?
Now any normal person would be quite happy with their car and just enjoy it as it is. Unfortunately, I (like many of us here) appear not to be normal and I'm thinking I could really do with losing some weight from the E46. It's certainly a cheaper option than chasing more power through engine modifications! Current power is around the 360 mark and as I want it to stay normally aspirated, a swap to Schrick cams and a lightweight flywheel seem the logical next step. The cost without labour would be nigh on £2k though and I'd be wanting to refresh the bottom end first anyway, so the final bill would be tough to justify, even if I could afford it. (which I can't!) So the most sensible (and certainly much cheaper) option is to shed some weight instead. What I don't want to do though, is go full stripped out race car. I did that with the E30 M3 but it had already been caged etc when I first bought it. My E46 has the super rare alcantara M and leather which is pretty mint and really makes the interior feel pretty special when combined with all the carbon fibre. The OE seats weigh a not inconsiderable 30kgs EACH! Add the rear seat and full sized spare and you're at nigh on 100kgs! Obviously some of that weight will go back in, in the shape of a Safety Devices rear cage and a rear seat delete panel kit, but there's still a decent weight saving over stock. I'm also on a diet myself!
The only external changes I still want to make are the wheels and front splitter. I'm thinking Apex SM-10 ten spokes painted bronze like the rims on my old E21. Seats I think will be along the lines of Recaro CS or Speed.
Apex look much like these. Also think I may have the AP brake callipers painted yellow?
Right now I'm just waiting on the chance to get some decent video footage, including decent audio of the intake bark.
Edited by e46m3Mark on Thursday 4th April 10:48
scottos said:
That e21 sits incredible 
how did you find your e21's, you obviously like them but they always seemed to get criticised for their lack of handling compared to the 02's and the e30's, whats your view?
Plans for the e46 sound good, sounds like what im doing with the 2002, keep it a nice halfway house between road car and track car! On standard engines with Schrick cams and our modified heads alone we've been getting over 400hp on the m power 6's, plenty for an e46!
If honest, they look way better than they drive. I've had a fair few over the years and the best handling one was M42 powered, close ratio box, LSD, Gaz coilovers with 600lb / 240lb f/r springs and Whiteline ARB's. The best mod though, was when I finally persuaded Kyle Clinton to start making quick-rack as the stock rack are 4 turns between locks! Personally I think that was probably part of the reason so many E21 flew through hedges backwards when they were new. The steering was so bloody slow you didn't have a hope in hell of catching the bloody thing! Were I ever to buy another E21, the 2.5 turn quick-rack would be pretty much the first thing I did to it. They absolutely transform the way the E21 feel. They're still not the best handling car though, as the front suspension and ARB design is a bit strange, with how the ARB locates and allows all sorts of flex / geo changes on the limit. Sadly they just don't drive as nicely as 02's and E30's. I still love them though and I'd have that LSB car back in a heartbeat assuming it's as it was when I sold it? It was as near to being a brand new E21 as you could get. I just couldn't afford that and the E30 M3 at the time. how did you find your e21's, you obviously like them but they always seemed to get criticised for their lack of handling compared to the 02's and the e30's, whats your view?Plans for the e46 sound good, sounds like what im doing with the 2002, keep it a nice halfway house between road car and track car! On standard engines with Schrick cams and our modified heads alone we've been getting over 400hp on the m power 6's, plenty for an e46!
Mr.Jimbo said:
Yellow calipers imo look great against LSB Mark, that's why I went for Yellow D2s for mine. Pics on my thread on cutters if you want a look, but I went the extra step in getting yellow bilsteins to match 
Those plain (i.e. non drilled) US spec brakes must be bloody awful for driving fast, even the Euro ones aren't great, I can feel those non drilled ones overheating just looking at them
Car looks great, if you ever think of selling the interior please give me a shout
I'm sure I've seen it whilst obsessively searching LSB cars. Those plain (i.e. non drilled) US spec brakes must be bloody awful for driving fast, even the Euro ones aren't great, I can feel those non drilled ones overheating just looking at them
Car looks great, if you ever think of selling the interior please give me a shout
Defo an odd decision to go with non drilled discs in the US. You'd think they'd warp in no time?! I can't see me selling the interior I'm afraid. I never really liked leather and it was one of the negatives on my 'Do I buy an E46 pros and cons' list. I'd never even seen the M cloth option till I went to view my car and with the air box, exhaust & 4:1 final drive it couldn't have been more perfect, hence my doing all the wrong things and snapping up the first car I viewed.
HM-2 said:
Apex SM-10s are probably my absolute favourite wheels on an M-car.
I'd have put them on my M140i by now if they did them in correct offset.
I'm surprised more UK E46 don't run them but I guess the ARC-8 are more like the CSL rims? I'm hoping the SM-10's will accentuate the width of the M3, especially at the rear. I'd have put them on my M140i by now if they did them in correct offset.
I'm hoping to do some reviews for Apex Racing and have a video planned with one of the popular YouTube channels, with a driver who's way more talented than I am ever likely to be. I hear he likes going sideways? Anyway, am looking forward to that.
Am also looking forward to Deutschfest and getting on track at Brands Hatch. I love that circuit, although 'new job' allowing, I want to get to the Nurburgring this year. The last time I drove it I was in an Austin Montego Countryman (diesel turbo!) with 4 passengers and a set of Formula Opel wheels in the boot! What makes it worse is that it was still a current model at the time!
Felix79 said:
Deutschfest , is that the one at Castle Combe in July? Back in the late 00's I use to go to a lot of German/BMW car shows , but I've not been able to find any shows bar the Castle Combe one.
When I had my Impreza P1, I would go to things like Japfest, which is one of the most packed shows I've been too. I'm hoping there is something like that for German cars, as I'm now driving a Z4M.
https://www.deutschefest.co.uk/latest-news/take-to-the-track-in-your-german-car-at-brands-hatch-deutsche-fest/When I had my Impreza P1, I would go to things like Japfest, which is one of the most packed shows I've been too. I'm hoping there is something like that for German cars, as I'm now driving a Z4M.
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