My 2012 BMW M3 Competition
Discussion
Hi All;
Thought I would start a thread on my car which I purchased in Fed 2019. Bit of a background to me and how I ended up with the car.. Firstly I am a massive petrol head and have grown up with mainly Ford Rs's having many over the years. However when it was my turn to grow up and go sensible... I sold the performance cars and then my love for BMW's started when I got a E46 330d back in 2006. Even since then I have mainly had a BMW as daily driver and most being 330d's (skipped E90 generation and went from E46 to F...).
Fast forward to 2015 I was in a position with a house and a small child to actually look at getting a toy car given I now had a company car. I went back to my Ford RS days, and after nearly getting a Escort cosworth (the history was not quite right and to be honest I just felt like been there done that years ago (though from a financial point of view I should have done this!). I ended get a new Focus RS Mk3 and was one of the first, it was and is a great car. However when baby number two was on the way and with a feeling of it being a bit "boy racer" I decided to sell and buy wait for it.......... a Caravan!!! Then a year goes buy and luckily enough to have a jump in career ladder I was faced with the same predicament. A petrol head with no "toy" and driving a diesel estate every day does not cut it...
The search for another car starts! After a lot of looking I had the yearning of a V10 M6! The market had fallen out of them, and lets face it they are hell of lot of car for money now a days. Went to look at a few and they were never right (I'm cronicly fussy). 6 months pass and in feb I though the right M6 had come up at Munich legends.. So I drove the 200miles on a winters morning with a friend the car was nice, however it was not for me in the end. However while I was at ML there was a nice E92 M3 which we went out in and I fell in love with the sound and how nibble it was. My thoughts then if M6 does not come up I wanted a Low Mileage E92 M3 and it had to be a competition pack. Later that month my car came for sale 16.5k miles (now as a write 17.7k miles) Grey E92 M3 competition. It was not cheap, and didn't have massive of extras however I love the colour, comp pack and mileage. Only problem was it was 400miles away.
I done what all buyers should never do, and put a deposit down over the phone and when to collect it. The car was great. The drive home fantastic and now I have a car I plan to keep for a long time. Its only going to be used in summer months / dry use only and kept in dehumidified garage. As said there is not massive of extras however plan to do a few things. Heres some pictures of the car (apologies I'm not the greatest with a camera).
GOPR0076 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0073 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0075 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0078 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0080 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0077 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0081 by Rhys Hodge,
GOPR0083 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0085 by Rhys Hodge
And the home....
GOPR0088 by Rhys Hodge
So whats the plan..... I told myself I'm not going to go over board and just pamper and enjoy the car! however I have order some black kidney grills which arrived yesterday. So will fit this shortly. The car already had the 2.5 mod pip done to exhaust but other than that standard.
I also audio Alpine BMW audio upgrade kits as the car has base audio, but was just informed by BMW that this kit is now obsolete! So not sure what I'm going to do, as the car will do max 3k miles a year I don't want to go over board and everything must be standard fit. I have been told MTX kit is quite good, so will look into that.
Also going to order the BMW M Performance boot spoiler and front splinters but they won't be until end of summer...
Will keep some updates coming as story continues.
Thought I would start a thread on my car which I purchased in Fed 2019. Bit of a background to me and how I ended up with the car.. Firstly I am a massive petrol head and have grown up with mainly Ford Rs's having many over the years. However when it was my turn to grow up and go sensible... I sold the performance cars and then my love for BMW's started when I got a E46 330d back in 2006. Even since then I have mainly had a BMW as daily driver and most being 330d's (skipped E90 generation and went from E46 to F...).
Fast forward to 2015 I was in a position with a house and a small child to actually look at getting a toy car given I now had a company car. I went back to my Ford RS days, and after nearly getting a Escort cosworth (the history was not quite right and to be honest I just felt like been there done that years ago (though from a financial point of view I should have done this!). I ended get a new Focus RS Mk3 and was one of the first, it was and is a great car. However when baby number two was on the way and with a feeling of it being a bit "boy racer" I decided to sell and buy wait for it.......... a Caravan!!! Then a year goes buy and luckily enough to have a jump in career ladder I was faced with the same predicament. A petrol head with no "toy" and driving a diesel estate every day does not cut it...
The search for another car starts! After a lot of looking I had the yearning of a V10 M6! The market had fallen out of them, and lets face it they are hell of lot of car for money now a days. Went to look at a few and they were never right (I'm cronicly fussy). 6 months pass and in feb I though the right M6 had come up at Munich legends.. So I drove the 200miles on a winters morning with a friend the car was nice, however it was not for me in the end. However while I was at ML there was a nice E92 M3 which we went out in and I fell in love with the sound and how nibble it was. My thoughts then if M6 does not come up I wanted a Low Mileage E92 M3 and it had to be a competition pack. Later that month my car came for sale 16.5k miles (now as a write 17.7k miles) Grey E92 M3 competition. It was not cheap, and didn't have massive of extras however I love the colour, comp pack and mileage. Only problem was it was 400miles away.
I done what all buyers should never do, and put a deposit down over the phone and when to collect it. The car was great. The drive home fantastic and now I have a car I plan to keep for a long time. Its only going to be used in summer months / dry use only and kept in dehumidified garage. As said there is not massive of extras however plan to do a few things. Heres some pictures of the car (apologies I'm not the greatest with a camera).
GOPR0076 by Rhys HodgeGOPR0073 by Rhys HodgeGOPR0075 by Rhys HodgeGOPR0078 by Rhys HodgeGOPR0080 by Rhys HodgeGOPR0077 by Rhys HodgeGOPR0081 by Rhys Hodge,GOPR0083 by Rhys HodgeGOPR0085 by Rhys HodgeAnd the home....
GOPR0088 by Rhys HodgeSo whats the plan..... I told myself I'm not going to go over board and just pamper and enjoy the car! however I have order some black kidney grills which arrived yesterday. So will fit this shortly. The car already had the 2.5 mod pip done to exhaust but other than that standard.
I also audio Alpine BMW audio upgrade kits as the car has base audio, but was just informed by BMW that this kit is now obsolete! So not sure what I'm going to do, as the car will do max 3k miles a year I don't want to go over board and everything must be standard fit. I have been told MTX kit is quite good, so will look into that.
Also going to order the BMW M Performance boot spoiler and front splinters but they won't be until end of summer...
Will keep some updates coming as story continues.
Edited by Rhys-zzaud on Saturday 29th June 20:54
On the audio side, Focal and Rockford Fostgate both do drop in replacement kits for the E9*. These range from front components only, to 5-way front/rear, tweeters, underseat subs and amp.
I'm doing the 2-way component upgrade in my M140i, which is front mids and tweeters. You need the tweeter pods from the HK kitted cars to fit the tweeters in, but I got a pair for under £80. Don't know of the E9* has the same requirement.
I'm doing the 2-way component upgrade in my M140i, which is front mids and tweeters. You need the tweeter pods from the HK kitted cars to fit the tweeters in, but I got a pair for under £80. Don't know of the E9* has the same requirement.
Rhys-zzaud said:
I also audio Alpine BMW audio upgrade kits as the car has base audio, but was just informed by BMW that this kit is now obsolete! So not sure what I'm going to do, as the car will do max 3k miles a year I don't want to go over board and everything must be standard fit. I have been told MTX kit is quite good, so will look into that.
Still available on the Bay of e! HereThanks for comments.
Once the kids got to bed I decided to fit the new black kidney grills. However looks like BMW sent me two of the same side (passenger) but two different part numbers on the boxes:
DSC_0006 by Rhys Hodge, on Flickr
Thanks BMW looks like going to have to post one back tomorrow!
Here is before:
DSC_0003 by Rhys Hodge,
Bit of dirt on rubber but no too bad.
DSC_0004 by Rhys Hodge, on Flickr
So give a quick clean in process
DSC_0005 by Rhys Hodge, on Flickr
Check through my old photos as when I got the car I did give a detail, but looks like the photos had been deleted.. Kids? :@. I toke all the wheels off and cleaned under the arches, back box etc neighbours think I'm sad.... But only us petrol heads get it right...?
The relatively simple job, no rolls onto another day lol.
HM-2 said:
On the audio side, Focal and Rockford Fostgate both do drop in replacement kits for the E9*. These range from front components only, to 5-way front/rear, tweeters, underseat subs and amp.
I'm doing the 2-way component upgrade in my M140i, which is front mids and tweeters. You need the tweeter pods from the HK kitted cars to fit the tweeters in, but I got a pair for under £80. Don't know of the E9* has the same requirement.
When I ordered the Alpine kit from BMW they have sent me the tweeter covers ready for when the tweeters arrive. Will have a look at Focal, local audio place have quoted $845 supplied and fitted for MTx Mids, tweeter, two subs and pioneer amp. Sounds ok? However I'm nervous about how amp would fit as, as I do not want any holes etc and like the idea of alpine amp fitting in where factory amp did in boot. So I might take a trip down to talk to them and find out options. I'm doing the 2-way component upgrade in my M140i, which is front mids and tweeters. You need the tweeter pods from the HK kitted cars to fit the tweeters in, but I got a pair for under £80. Don't know of the E9* has the same requirement.
mholt1995 said:
Still available on the Bay of e! Here
Thanks I have dropped them a message so see what they come back with. I had also emailed two other sellers on Friday when I got told BMW no longer supply on ebay. but one seller who was advertising stated no longer available and the second did not reply. So not holding out much hope.Once the kids got to bed I decided to fit the new black kidney grills. However looks like BMW sent me two of the same side (passenger) but two different part numbers on the boxes:
DSC_0006 by Rhys Hodge, on FlickrThanks BMW looks like going to have to post one back tomorrow!
Here is before:
DSC_0003 by Rhys Hodge,Bit of dirt on rubber but no too bad.
DSC_0004 by Rhys Hodge, on FlickrSo give a quick clean in process
DSC_0005 by Rhys Hodge, on FlickrCheck through my old photos as when I got the car I did give a detail, but looks like the photos had been deleted.. Kids? :@. I toke all the wheels off and cleaned under the arches, back box etc neighbours think I'm sad.... But only us petrol heads get it right...?
The relatively simple job, no rolls onto another day lol.
Edited by RhysH on Sunday 30th June 21:27
Car looks great Rhys.. but then I would say that given I have pretty much the same car! The wee MP carbon bits you’re planning to fit make such a difference to an E92 as well. 
Off topic, but are you the same Rhys from Passionford/RSOC who had the Magenta Saph? ..if so then that was one of my favourites back in the day, hence why I am sad enough remember it and make the connection all these years later.
Off topic, but are you the same Rhys from Passionford/RSOC who had the Magenta Saph? ..if so then that was one of my favourites back in the day, hence why I am sad enough remember it and make the connection all these years later.
RS Grant said:
Off topic, but are you the same Rhys from Passionford/RSOC who had the Magenta Saph? ..if so then that was one of my favourites back in the day, hence why I am sad enough remember it and make the connection all these years later.
I believe that it is. He had a Sunburst Red RS1600i when I first knew him (and met him at an RSOC day). WOW The power of the internet... Yes it is me the infamous Rhys used to have RS1600i, S2 RST, and then a well known Magenta Cosworth (oh boy do I miss this car from all the good memories).
Cannot believe you recognised me ha.... These is where everyone is hiding nowadays?
Its great to be back in a project car, and one that is not used daily and is a passion. Lots to do on the car as my choice..
I have now chased what I feel ALL the people still advertising Alpine audio, and one by one now confirming I am correct and is unavailable. So expect adds to start disappearing. So not sure what to do from MTX kit or focal. As said done want to go all out on audio just a nice subtle upgrade.
The previous owner also tried to get service book stamped (as its now all electronic). How he thought by sending to local dealer they would do it all. He was wrong and now only hs the stamps from local dealer and is missing the ones previous. So I have ordered a new book from supplying dealer, got first two stamps, and today sent the book to Aberdeen to get its third stamp, before I send it on to next dealer to complete.. Talk about making it hard work... but I suppose as its all on BMW's computer no body really cares???? But its always nice to have...
Also may pop over to Redish is not to far from me and may take the car over to them for a full health check.
Angrydog that M5 very nice... I VERY nearly bought an M6... Infact there is a convertible for sale now I would love to add to collection but I just don't have the space.
Grant, how are you finding your mate? Very rare being a manual, and love the red leather. I really wanted a car with Red leather but this one came up and just could say no.
Cannot believe you recognised me ha.... These is where everyone is hiding nowadays?
Its great to be back in a project car, and one that is not used daily and is a passion. Lots to do on the car as my choice..
I have now chased what I feel ALL the people still advertising Alpine audio, and one by one now confirming I am correct and is unavailable. So expect adds to start disappearing. So not sure what to do from MTX kit or focal. As said done want to go all out on audio just a nice subtle upgrade.
The previous owner also tried to get service book stamped (as its now all electronic). How he thought by sending to local dealer they would do it all. He was wrong and now only hs the stamps from local dealer and is missing the ones previous. So I have ordered a new book from supplying dealer, got first two stamps, and today sent the book to Aberdeen to get its third stamp, before I send it on to next dealer to complete.. Talk about making it hard work... but I suppose as its all on BMW's computer no body really cares???? But its always nice to have...
Also may pop over to Redish is not to far from me and may take the car over to them for a full health check.
Angrydog that M5 very nice... I VERY nearly bought an M6... Infact there is a convertible for sale now I would love to add to collection but I just don't have the space.
Grant, how are you finding your mate? Very rare being a manual, and love the red leather. I really wanted a car with Red leather but this one came up and just could say no.
RhysH said:
WOW The power of the internet... Yes it is me the infamous Rhys used to have RS1600i, S2 RST, and then a well known Magenta Cosworth (oh boy do I miss this car from all the good memories).
I don't quite remember the Cosworth, though I may have left PF by then.. I was SapphyMike btw.RhysH said:
Cannot believe you recognised me ha.... These is where everyone is hiding nowadays?
Seems to be.RhysH said:
Its great to be back in a project car, and one that is not used daily and is a passion. Lots to do on the car as my choice..
I have now chased what I feel ALL the people still advertising Alpine audio, and one by one now confirming I am correct and is unavailable. So expect adds to start disappearing. So not sure what to do from MTX kit or focal. As said done want to go all out on audio just a nice subtle upgrade.
The previous owner also tried to get service book stamped (as its now all electronic). How he thought by sending to local dealer they would do it all. He was wrong and now only hs the stamps from local dealer and is missing the ones previous. So I have ordered a new book from supplying dealer, got first two stamps, and today sent the book to Aberdeen to get its third stamp, before I send it on to next dealer to complete.. Talk about making it hard work... but I suppose as its all on BMW's computer no body really cares???? But its always nice to have...
Also may pop over to Redish is not to far from me and may take the car over to them for a full health check.
I have now chased what I feel ALL the people still advertising Alpine audio, and one by one now confirming I am correct and is unavailable. So expect adds to start disappearing. So not sure what to do from MTX kit or focal. As said done want to go all out on audio just a nice subtle upgrade.
The previous owner also tried to get service book stamped (as its now all electronic). How he thought by sending to local dealer they would do it all. He was wrong and now only hs the stamps from local dealer and is missing the ones previous. So I have ordered a new book from supplying dealer, got first two stamps, and today sent the book to Aberdeen to get its third stamp, before I send it on to next dealer to complete.. Talk about making it hard work... but I suppose as its all on BMW's computer no body really cares???? But its always nice to have...
Also may pop over to Redish is not to far from me and may take the car over to them for a full health check.
RhysH said:
Good luck on the audio front. My has the better audio I believe, which my E39 M5's didn't seem to have and the difference is night and day.
Madness on the service book front, though I guess having the correct dealer stamps is important.
Redish are good from what I understand. Wrong side of the country for me, but then so is Mr VANOS is Darlington but it was worth the trip.
Madness on the service book front, though I guess having the correct dealer stamps is important.
Redish are good from what I understand. Wrong side of the country for me, but then so is Mr VANOS is Darlington but it was worth the trip.
RhysH said:
Angrydog that M5 very nice... I VERY nearly bought an M6... Infact there is a convertible for sale now I would love to add to collection but I just don't have the space.
Cheers, it['ll hopefully be getting nicer as time goes on. I wasn't a huge a fan of the M6, something about it doesn't look right for me, but I have always preferred saloon cars. I like the look of that.
I have just bought a 08 M3 saloon and was having the same issues with the stereo. Found this on cutters https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threads/price-pleas...
From that I ordered 65 41 0 445 684 from ebay (last week) and it looks like it will all fit, just need to sort out a bit of idrive coding to get the best from it.
I have just bought a 08 M3 saloon and was having the same issues with the stereo. Found this on cutters https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threads/price-pleas...
From that I ordered 65 41 0 445 684 from ebay (last week) and it looks like it will all fit, just need to sort out a bit of idrive coding to get the best from it.
ginger toss said:
From that I ordered 65 41 0 445 684 from ebay (last week) and it looks like it will all fit, just need to sort out a bit of idrive coding to get the best from it.
Have you received the kit? Do you have link, as word of caution I tried most of them who where advertising the kit but once check they could not actually get hold of it!! So double check. I have sourced a used one (6months old) with the L7 subs which going to pick up this week.
Have now fitted both front grills... and order some carbon goodies from BMW which should arrive this week.
That kit is for pre LCI so didn't work for me 
So not don't a lot on the car as just not had the time. Though I have treated it to some BMW Carbon Wing mirror covers which I think suit the grey:
Before:
DSC_0046 by Rhys Hodge
And after:
DSC_0047 by Rhys Hodge
DSC_0048 by Rhys Hodge
Apologies for quality of pictures!
I also bought the BMW Carbon boot spoiler but have not got around to it yet. Will properly wait to get it fitted over winter now.
The tax runs out end of July, and because im coming out of company car scheme I may take the M3 of the road early this year as need few funds and more importantly time to sort out new work car (looking like a cheap 58 plate E320 CDI to much some miles).
Will update when have some more news on the M3 but I might go quite for a few months.
So not don't a lot on the car as just not had the time. Though I have treated it to some BMW Carbon Wing mirror covers which I think suit the grey:
Before:
DSC_0046 by Rhys HodgeAnd after:
DSC_0047 by Rhys HodgeDSC_0048 by Rhys HodgeApologies for quality of pictures!
I also bought the BMW Carbon boot spoiler but have not got around to it yet. Will properly wait to get it fitted over winter now.
The tax runs out end of July, and because im coming out of company car scheme I may take the M3 of the road early this year as need few funds and more importantly time to sort out new work car (looking like a cheap 58 plate E320 CDI to much some miles).
Will update when have some more news on the M3 but I might go quite for a few months.
Hi all,
Well been very slow on the M3 front, as not had time to use the car. But I have been buying a few bits to sort/add in coming weeks... but more on that later.
So first time out since August 2019 and in for MOT at a garage mile away from home.
Mot 2020 by Rhys Hodge
Now on 17.8k miles. Booking in next weekend as going to drop off to body shop to get.bumper painted as was done previously by old owner due to a chip but I think could have been done better, so going back in to get this sort. Will update once in.
Hopefully this year the car will get used more!
Well been very slow on the M3 front, as not had time to use the car. But I have been buying a few bits to sort/add in coming weeks... but more on that later.
So first time out since August 2019 and in for MOT at a garage mile away from home.
Mot 2020 by Rhys HodgeNow on 17.8k miles. Booking in next weekend as going to drop off to body shop to get.bumper painted as was done previously by old owner due to a chip but I think could have been done better, so going back in to get this sort. Will update once in.
Hopefully this year the car will get used more!
Edited by RhysH on Saturday 7th March 18:00
Edited by RhysH on Saturday 7th March 18:02
Edited by RhysH on Saturday 7th March 18:06
Another update:
After getting the car MOT went to the workshop to have the front bumper painted (was done previously but never 100% happy as picky) and repair on the boot lid as garage I bought it off drilled the plate into the boot :@, along with the BMW Carbon rear spoiler. I have not got a picture at this point as im a muppet! I will do once back out of the garage.
Once out of the body shop went to get the BMW M performance exhaust fitted:
In the box:
20200316_201448 by Rhys Hodge
Also picture on the car and the spoiler:
20200409_175841 by Rhys Hodge
Then it all went a bit Pete Tong, with the current climate so while not going anywhere decided to start cleaning under the car:
20200412_204714 by Rhys Hodge,
20200413_204134 by Rhys Hodge
20200413_204156 by Rhys Hodge
Got lots more to do bit by bit, managing get odd hour once kids go to bed. I could do with buying some new screw/bolts to replace old ones. But as dealer is shut will have to replace later in the year..
After getting the car MOT went to the workshop to have the front bumper painted (was done previously but never 100% happy as picky) and repair on the boot lid as garage I bought it off drilled the plate into the boot :@, along with the BMW Carbon rear spoiler. I have not got a picture at this point as im a muppet! I will do once back out of the garage.
Once out of the body shop went to get the BMW M performance exhaust fitted:
In the box:
20200316_201448 by Rhys HodgeAlso picture on the car and the spoiler:
20200409_175841 by Rhys HodgeThen it all went a bit Pete Tong, with the current climate so while not going anywhere decided to start cleaning under the car:
20200412_204714 by Rhys Hodge,20200413_204134 by Rhys Hodge20200413_204156 by Rhys HodgeGot lots more to do bit by bit, managing get odd hour once kids go to bed. I could do with buying some new screw/bolts to replace old ones. But as dealer is shut will have to replace later in the year..
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