Estoril Blue E46 M3... I've finally got one!
Discussion
Morning all.
The E46 M3 had been a dream car for me as a child, I never thought I'd be able to own one but yesterday my dreams came true. I remember Tiff Needell reviewing one on old Top Gear back in the early 2000s, it's been the goal ever since.
The E46 M3 soon became the attainable dream car when values dropped 5 or so years ago. That's pretty much when I started, but with commitments at home and with other projects, it's taken me quite a while to actually buy one.
This was the first M3 I've looked at this year (I've been to look at many over the years), and it was definitely worth the wait. My requirements for an M3 were pretty specific.
In buying an M3, I set myself 3 major requirements. I could live with the car meeting 2 of these. Exterior colour, Interior Colour, Gearbox. Ideally blue or red on the outside, black on the inside, and 3 pedals.
Colour wise, I had a few on the scope. 1st preference will always be Estoril Blue, as it's just one of those colours that whenever I see it, I want it. (excluding the modern BMWs..). I used to own a 2003 320d Sport Saloon 5 years ago, that was Estoril Blue, and I've always loved the colour. I felt that I would regret not getting Estoril if I ever saw another M3 in the colour, but I was willing to go for Imola Red, Mystic Blue, Carbon Black, or Titan Silver. Silver being one of those colours not a lot of people want, but at least I wouldn't have to wash it often
When I saw this car advertised on Friday, I went straight to view it after work, and ended up leaving a deposit. It was perfect. Affordable, local, and had the hat-trick of combinations for me. Black interior, Estoril Blue exterior, and a manual gearbox.
It has a few other options as well that I would have liked, but were not necessary. Heated leather, electric rear pop outs, H+K, and facelift rear lights. The wheels are 19s... not my preference, but wheels are easy to change. The wheels have recently been refurbished however and do look pretty good, just not to my taste so I'll probably be swapping those for 18s in the future.
It's got full BMW service history, and other than the rear light clusters (and possibly front corner lights), it's completely stock and original. Boot floor was checked at BMW last year with no issues found. It's only had 3 owners as well, each of which appear to have looked after the car excellently.
I only got it yesterday, but here are a few pics I took on the way home.
M3... by DanielJames., on Flickr
M3... by DanielJames., on Flickr
M3... by DanielJames., on Flickr
M3... by DanielJames., on Flickr
M3... by DanielJames., on Flickr
M3... by DanielJames., on Flickr
First jobs will be getting it on the ramp and having a good look underneath. It definitely needs an alignment and fresh rubber in the future. The car has had such little use over the past few years, the front tyres are dated from 2009...
I'll also be changing the registration plates to dealer items. I'm not a fan of the council border or black GB logo... Also I'm going to get some clear lenses for the front, not a fan of the depos.
I've been in and around M3s for the past few years, being a regular at the Nurburgring it's definitely on the cards to transform this car into a 'ring tool in the future. For now however, I'm going to pace myself, and just enjoy the car for what it is.
I finally own an M3!
Cheers,
Dan
The E46 M3 had been a dream car for me as a child, I never thought I'd be able to own one but yesterday my dreams came true. I remember Tiff Needell reviewing one on old Top Gear back in the early 2000s, it's been the goal ever since.
The E46 M3 soon became the attainable dream car when values dropped 5 or so years ago. That's pretty much when I started, but with commitments at home and with other projects, it's taken me quite a while to actually buy one.
This was the first M3 I've looked at this year (I've been to look at many over the years), and it was definitely worth the wait. My requirements for an M3 were pretty specific.
In buying an M3, I set myself 3 major requirements. I could live with the car meeting 2 of these. Exterior colour, Interior Colour, Gearbox. Ideally blue or red on the outside, black on the inside, and 3 pedals.
Colour wise, I had a few on the scope. 1st preference will always be Estoril Blue, as it's just one of those colours that whenever I see it, I want it. (excluding the modern BMWs..). I used to own a 2003 320d Sport Saloon 5 years ago, that was Estoril Blue, and I've always loved the colour. I felt that I would regret not getting Estoril if I ever saw another M3 in the colour, but I was willing to go for Imola Red, Mystic Blue, Carbon Black, or Titan Silver. Silver being one of those colours not a lot of people want, but at least I wouldn't have to wash it often
When I saw this car advertised on Friday, I went straight to view it after work, and ended up leaving a deposit. It was perfect. Affordable, local, and had the hat-trick of combinations for me. Black interior, Estoril Blue exterior, and a manual gearbox.
It has a few other options as well that I would have liked, but were not necessary. Heated leather, electric rear pop outs, H+K, and facelift rear lights. The wheels are 19s... not my preference, but wheels are easy to change. The wheels have recently been refurbished however and do look pretty good, just not to my taste so I'll probably be swapping those for 18s in the future.
It's got full BMW service history, and other than the rear light clusters (and possibly front corner lights), it's completely stock and original. Boot floor was checked at BMW last year with no issues found. It's only had 3 owners as well, each of which appear to have looked after the car excellently.
I only got it yesterday, but here are a few pics I took on the way home.
M3... by DanielJames., on FlickrM3... by DanielJames., on FlickrM3... by DanielJames., on FlickrM3... by DanielJames., on FlickrM3... by DanielJames., on FlickrM3... by DanielJames., on FlickrFirst jobs will be getting it on the ramp and having a good look underneath. It definitely needs an alignment and fresh rubber in the future. The car has had such little use over the past few years, the front tyres are dated from 2009...
I'll also be changing the registration plates to dealer items. I'm not a fan of the council border or black GB logo... Also I'm going to get some clear lenses for the front, not a fan of the depos.
I've been in and around M3s for the past few years, being a regular at the Nurburgring it's definitely on the cards to transform this car into a 'ring tool in the future. For now however, I'm going to pace myself, and just enjoy the car for what it is.
I finally own an M3!
Cheers,
Dan
NiceCupOfTea said:
Very nice.
I don't like to be a harbinger of doom, but just because the boot floor is OK now doesn't mean it will stay that way. If I had an M3 I think I would be saving to get reinforcement plates fitted. my 330 touring has a small crack there which I need to get seen to this summer. I understand that no e46 (apart from the compact) is immune
Yeah I'm not naive about the boot floors. It'll definitely be getting beefed up before it sees the track anyway. I don't like to be a harbinger of doom, but just because the boot floor is OK now doesn't mean it will stay that way. If I had an M3 I think I would be saving to get reinforcement plates fitted. my 330 touring has a small crack there which I need to get seen to this summer. I understand that no e46 (apart from the compact) is immune
Thanks for all the replies! I'm still over the moon with the car. I guess I'm still in the honeymoon period though, but I can't stop feeling great every time I drive it.
scottos said:
Glad you finally got one matey, thought you would at some point, especially with how many mega ones are at the ring!
I was almost looking earlier in the year but the old classic dream in me took over so got that one out the way, will hopefully accompany it with an e46 m3 further down the line!
Cheers dude, looking forward to updates on your project too I was almost looking earlier in the year but the old classic dream in me took over so got that one out the way, will hopefully accompany it with an e46 m3 further down the line!
GregK2 said:
what a car! Looking forward to seeing footage of it on the channel, I get the feeling you needed something like this to pick your spirits up after all the headaches with the dc2.
Absolutely did pal... and it's come just at the right time!Jonmx said:
Looks great, and glad you found one with all 3 boxes ticked. As I was scrolling through the photos I was thinking great looking car but dreadful council number plates. Couldn't agree with you more about dealer plates looking just right on them. Enjoy it!
Yep, dealer plates will be on this weekend hopefully!PaulJC84 said:
Great car and mine had the track setting on the traction which allows a little more slip and can be coded in easily.
A few people have said this! I'll definitely be looking at it in the future. I went out for a drive last night with my friend in his Civic Type R. The roads between Harrogate and Pately Bridge are pretty epic. I can't believe it's taken me 6 months to explore them, but now I finally have the right car for it.
1080292 by DanielJames., on Flickr
The Civic is tuned slightly, power is about the same as the M3, and there's not a lot at all in them in the straights. Obviously being a bit of a Honda fan I took the FK2 for a drive as well... I have to say they are very good.
1080292 by DanielJames., on FlickrThe Civic is tuned slightly, power is about the same as the M3, and there's not a lot at all in them in the straights. Obviously being a bit of a Honda fan I took the FK2 for a drive as well... I have to say they are very good.
Thanks for all the comments above as well. I've still got the E36 for those interested - just insured it again as well!
I'd have thought when the PH gods threw this new 'modern' skin on the forum they could have added in a multiquote feature...
Anyway, threw some ambers on last night. I predict this wont be a PH approved 'mod' - but it's just something I've done to every 3 series coupe, and I wouldn't want to break tradition
IMG_20170517_205336_991 by DanielJames., on Flickr
Unfortunately they need to be sent back though as I received the wrong type - push in clips rather than the screw type.
I'd have thought when the PH gods threw this new 'modern' skin on the forum they could have added in a multiquote feature...
Anyway, threw some ambers on last night. I predict this wont be a PH approved 'mod' - but it's just something I've done to every 3 series coupe, and I wouldn't want to break tradition
IMG_20170517_205336_991 by DanielJames., on FlickrUnfortunately they need to be sent back though as I received the wrong type - push in clips rather than the screw type.
Thanks all!
Not much to update other than dealer plates are on from BMW Cooper Malton.
Few pics..
Dealer Plates Front by DanielJames., on Flickr
Dealer Plates Rear by DanielJames., on Flickr
Cars always look better without 'plates...
1080563 by DanielJames., on Flickr
Car was dirty in the pics as you can tell, I haven't actually washed it yet... It's taken place of the E36 in my garage as I've been busy with that the past week or so.
I made sure to file the old plates in the correct repository.
1080575 by DanielJames., on Flickr
and then made sure to pack my toolkit away
1080577 by DanielJames., on Flickr
So yeah, still super stoked with the car but no plans to start fiddling yet. It could really use some new tyres, the ones that are on it are Michelin Pilot Sport but they are 9 years old which renders them pretty useless. Oversteer is plentiful, but unfortunately so is understeer...
E36 has had a few mods recently too, I'll make a thread if anyone's interested? It's mostly just a drift car though, so I'm not sure it would go down well on here.
1090182 by DanielJames., on Flickr
Cheers,
Dan
Not much to update other than dealer plates are on from BMW Cooper Malton.
Few pics..
Dealer Plates Front by DanielJames., on FlickrDealer Plates Rear by DanielJames., on FlickrCars always look better without 'plates...
1080563 by DanielJames., on FlickrCar was dirty in the pics as you can tell, I haven't actually washed it yet... It's taken place of the E36 in my garage as I've been busy with that the past week or so.
I made sure to file the old plates in the correct repository.
1080575 by DanielJames., on Flickrand then made sure to pack my toolkit away
1080577 by DanielJames., on FlickrSo yeah, still super stoked with the car but no plans to start fiddling yet. It could really use some new tyres, the ones that are on it are Michelin Pilot Sport but they are 9 years old which renders them pretty useless. Oversteer is plentiful, but unfortunately so is understeer...
E36 has had a few mods recently too, I'll make a thread if anyone's interested? It's mostly just a drift car though, so I'm not sure it would go down well on here.
1090182 by DanielJames., on FlickrCheers,
Dan
SuperVM said:
Yes, please make a thread about the E36.
I've also just bought an E46 M3, having wanted one since they came out. I'm not sure what took me so long, I just always seemed to find something else to buy. Mine doesn't feel that fast, probably because it isn't particularly compared to some stuff I've owned, but it is absolutely brilliant. I bought mine with SMG as my wife wanted to be able to drive it and at first I really didn't like it, but slowly I'm getting there. I'd still prefer to have a manual, but the gap is definitely narrowing as time goes on.
Well done with your car, it looks great.
I think their performance can feel a bit odd compared to modern stuff. I wouldn't call them slow, but they definitely demand a more 'focused' driver to get them going compared to the modern day M3, with its fancy gearbox and forced induction! I've also just bought an E46 M3, having wanted one since they came out. I'm not sure what took me so long, I just always seemed to find something else to buy. Mine doesn't feel that fast, probably because it isn't particularly compared to some stuff I've owned, but it is absolutely brilliant. I bought mine with SMG as my wife wanted to be able to drive it and at first I really didn't like it, but slowly I'm getting there. I'd still prefer to have a manual, but the gap is definitely narrowing as time goes on.
Well done with your car, it looks great.
I quite like SMG - my friend had one with the CSL software and I've driven it a few times. It's cool!
Fordo said:
Always great to read about someone finally getting the car they always wanted. Your car looks like its in great condition - they just look so right, the e46 M3s
Agreed mate! e21Mark said:
The E36 looks good despite the welded diff and drifty spec.
If you're any where near Llandow on July 1st (or Brecon on the 2nd) you'd be more than welcome to join us.
Haha, who said it had a welded diff? :P If you're any where near Llandow on July 1st (or Brecon on the 2nd) you'd be more than welcome to join us.
What's going on then? I'm drifting on the 2nd in Wigan so doubt it!
e21Mark said:
Thought I heard mention of the diff on the YouTube? 
Just a glut of BMW fanboys doing the trackday and then spending Sunday driving route around Brecon so as to make a weekend of it. I'm down in Cornwall so Llandow is a bit far for just the one day.
Haha yeah it does have a weldy... I haven't said that on PH yet with fear of being tarred/feathered. Just a glut of BMW fanboys doing the trackday and then spending Sunday driving route around Brecon so as to make a weekend of it. I'm down in Cornwall so Llandow is a bit far for just the one day.
Sounds like good fun. There's a club up here that have meets on the regular, I might have to get involved. Haven't been since I had my E34! Socialising IRL isn't my strong point.
Gooly said:
Great build, glad to see you've gone for ambers and clean plates. E36 build looks great as well, clean for a drift car! Always forget how good rondells look on a 36.
Yeah they suit it perfectly. I wouldn't mind changing for some jap wheels one day, but we'll see... I've got a stud and nut conversion for 5x120 on there currently, and kinda can't be arsed taking it off. Polished my tips yesterday and gave the car a wash.
1090370 by DanielJames., on Flickr
1090373 by DanielJames., on Flickr
1090375 by DanielJames., on Flickrthen went for a nice summer evening drive
(in the E36)
1090390 by DanielJames., on FlickrWell I got a bit bored last night, and I've had this idea in my head for a while.
I've had the seat in my living room for a while now, it came with the E36. It was my gaming seat, but as I've not really been doing a lot of that lately I thought it would be nice in the M3. They're my favourite seats. Just need to find some rails now as these ones were borrowed from the E36.
Car feels loads better, as you'd imagine!
I've had the seat in my living room for a while now, it came with the E36. It was my gaming seat, but as I've not really been doing a lot of that lately I thought it would be nice in the M3. They're my favourite seats. Just need to find some rails now as these ones were borrowed from the E36.
Car feels loads better, as you'd imagine!
I've begun to collect some parts ready for a Nurburgring trip in October.
I won't be going mad, I just want to go back to the Nurburgring and the M3 will be a nice drive down. My Integra is broken again unfortunately so that won't be going back this year.
First up is a BMW Motorsport 4.1 CWP to replace the factory 3.6 ratio.
IMAG1372 by DanielJames., on Flickr
The standard gearing in an M3 is geared to do 215mph flat out in 6th. With this FD that will drop to 180mph, which is still plenty, but acceleration and overall performance should increase. Top speed in each gear is roughly 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180... That is still quite long to what I'm used to in the Hondas, but it will be a lot better than factory.
At 70mph, the revs will increase by 300rpm. That is a price worth paying IMO.
I also finally fitted some genuine clear indicator lenses on the front courtesy of a M3cutters member.
1110512 by DanielJames., on Flickr
1110515 by DanielJames., on Flickr
Note, I know she's a bit dirty. I've still only washed the car once since buying it in May, it's a beautiful car when clean or dirty in my eyes. Unfortunately I don't have facilities at home to wash it there.
As well as the 4.1 I have a few other little jobs to do before Nurburgring. I have the MOT on Saturday so I'll have a good look underneath and see what needs replacing. Other than that, some decent tyres need to go on as well as some better brakes. I think I will just be upgrading the pads and fluid for now. I did bid on an AP BBK last week on eBay, but lost my bottle at £1200... As it's not a massive requirement yet, I'll see how I get on with the stock setup with better pads and fluid. I'm not going for lap times anyway, just setting a benchmark with stock brakes, suspension, and weight.
Dan
I won't be going mad, I just want to go back to the Nurburgring and the M3 will be a nice drive down. My Integra is broken again unfortunately so that won't be going back this year.
First up is a BMW Motorsport 4.1 CWP to replace the factory 3.6 ratio.
IMAG1372 by DanielJames., on FlickrThe standard gearing in an M3 is geared to do 215mph flat out in 6th. With this FD that will drop to 180mph, which is still plenty, but acceleration and overall performance should increase. Top speed in each gear is roughly 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180... That is still quite long to what I'm used to in the Hondas, but it will be a lot better than factory.
At 70mph, the revs will increase by 300rpm. That is a price worth paying IMO.
I also finally fitted some genuine clear indicator lenses on the front courtesy of a M3cutters member.
1110512 by DanielJames., on Flickr1110515 by DanielJames., on FlickrNote, I know she's a bit dirty. I've still only washed the car once since buying it in May, it's a beautiful car when clean or dirty in my eyes. Unfortunately I don't have facilities at home to wash it there.
As well as the 4.1 I have a few other little jobs to do before Nurburgring. I have the MOT on Saturday so I'll have a good look underneath and see what needs replacing. Other than that, some decent tyres need to go on as well as some better brakes. I think I will just be upgrading the pads and fluid for now. I did bid on an AP BBK last week on eBay, but lost my bottle at £1200... As it's not a massive requirement yet, I'll see how I get on with the stock setup with better pads and fluid. I'm not going for lap times anyway, just setting a benchmark with stock brakes, suspension, and weight.
Dan
e30m3Mark said:
Nice score on the lower final drive. The same thing on my E30 and it certainly makes more lively.
Can't wait to get it in there. Triple figures in 3rd gear currently!Went for another little drive last night
P1110550 by DanielJames., on Flickr
P1110610 by DanielJames., on FlickrI've been putting together a video giving my thoughts on what it's like owning a stock E46 M3 in 2017. Should hopefully get something completed on Saturday.
Afternoon all - haven't updated this for a while but over the past few weeks I've been getting busy with the M3.
Changes as follows:
Few pictures; I'll get some more showing the interior too after a wash this weekend.
IMG_20180416_111155_931 by DanielJames., on Flickr
IMG_20180415_161152_688 by DanielJames., on Flickr
and a quick one of the brakes going on
IMG_20180330_192348_681 by DanielJames., on Flickr
I had the car aligned yesterday and wow - the front end turn in is insane. I'm really happy with the ride too, I did my best to try and keep this a fast road car for use on UK roads. If anything the ride is no different now to how it was on the factory 19s and OEM dampers. Both my rear dampers were shagged, the tyres on the 19s weren't great either, so all together these modifications have made a huge improvement.
I'm daily driving the car at the moment, just to get a feel for it. Over summer (once I've saved up a bit) it'll be going in for the final drive change (4.1) and a rear end refresh with subframe reinforcement, as I'm intending to do a few track days as well.
The brake pedal feel with the Brembo calipers is great. Installation was a bit tricky as one of the brake lines rounded off, partly due to me not having the correct size brake pipe spanner, so I had to change one of the hard lines. BMW sell the lines for £12 though, so not the end of the world. Be aware however that they come in straight lengths, and you must bend them yourself which took a bit of practice!
The main bug about my car in OEM spec was the lack of feel/response from the front end when entering a bend. Now with the 255s up front, purple tag rack & solid coupler, the turn in has been transformed!
Any questions fire away, I highly recommend these modifications. Perhaps not the coilovers, you can do better, but they were a billy bargain and so far, so good! I had them on my E36 as well, so wasn't scared to give the Taiwan brand a chance. Will see how they fare on the track, but for a fast road setup, they seem capable of delivering above adequate performance.
Cheers,
Dan
Changes as follows:
- 18x9J ET27 OEM Style 67 on all 4 corners
- 255/35/18 Yokohama AD08R tyres
- 'Purple tag' steering rack with solid alloy coupler
- New inner/outer tie rods
- Recaro Pole Position drivers seat (reinstall)
- BC Racing coilovers (8kg front springs, 12kg rear)
- Powerflex RTAB
- Powerflex Lollipops
- Front Brembos from a Porsche 987 Boxster S with Pagid RS4-2 pads (OEM rear with Mintex 1155)
- ATE Typ200 Brake Fluid
- Stud & Nut conversion
- PCW Exhaust Backbox (Modified OEM for slightly more bass, sounds great for £150!)
- Engine service (transmission oils being changed this weekend using OEM Castrol fluids)
Few pictures; I'll get some more showing the interior too after a wash this weekend.
IMG_20180416_111155_931 by DanielJames., on FlickrIMG_20180415_161152_688 by DanielJames., on Flickrand a quick one of the brakes going on
IMG_20180330_192348_681 by DanielJames., on FlickrI had the car aligned yesterday and wow - the front end turn in is insane. I'm really happy with the ride too, I did my best to try and keep this a fast road car for use on UK roads. If anything the ride is no different now to how it was on the factory 19s and OEM dampers. Both my rear dampers were shagged, the tyres on the 19s weren't great either, so all together these modifications have made a huge improvement.
I'm daily driving the car at the moment, just to get a feel for it. Over summer (once I've saved up a bit) it'll be going in for the final drive change (4.1) and a rear end refresh with subframe reinforcement, as I'm intending to do a few track days as well.
The brake pedal feel with the Brembo calipers is great. Installation was a bit tricky as one of the brake lines rounded off, partly due to me not having the correct size brake pipe spanner, so I had to change one of the hard lines. BMW sell the lines for £12 though, so not the end of the world. Be aware however that they come in straight lengths, and you must bend them yourself which took a bit of practice!
The main bug about my car in OEM spec was the lack of feel/response from the front end when entering a bend. Now with the 255s up front, purple tag rack & solid coupler, the turn in has been transformed!
Any questions fire away, I highly recommend these modifications. Perhaps not the coilovers, you can do better, but they were a billy bargain and so far, so good! I had them on my E36 as well, so wasn't scared to give the Taiwan brand a chance. Will see how they fare on the track, but for a fast road setup, they seem capable of delivering above adequate performance.
Cheers,
Dan
I just got back from an awesome week at the Nurburgring in the M3. The car was mostly faultless, only losing an indicator lense, and having to change the front pads.
Some pics bought from RaceTracker:
E46 M3 Nurburgring Nordschleife by DanielJames., on Flickr
E46 M3 Nurburgring Nordschleife by DanielJames., on Flickr
E46 M3 Nurburgring Nordschleife by DanielJames., on Flickr
I was really happy with the car, given it's current spec it performed really well. The AD08Rs were on the limit, and did let go a couple of times, but they are very controllable. I did around 25 laps, and a session on the GP track.
POV tourist lap:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffBakpNXyDc
POV GP track:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfL5Cjawxq8
Some pics bought from RaceTracker:
E46 M3 Nurburgring Nordschleife by DanielJames., on FlickrE46 M3 Nurburgring Nordschleife by DanielJames., on FlickrE46 M3 Nurburgring Nordschleife by DanielJames., on FlickrI was really happy with the car, given it's current spec it performed really well. The AD08Rs were on the limit, and did let go a couple of times, but they are very controllable. I did around 25 laps, and a session on the GP track.
POV tourist lap:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffBakpNXyDc
POV GP track:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfL5Cjawxq8
Wilksy288 said:
Lovely car, im looking at getting one soon as well. Out of interest what is the mileage on this car? I have read on other forums that the pre 2003 models had a recall for connecting rod bearings so am worried about some of the higher mileage cars. Has your car had that recall?
Thanks
Scott
Yeah the rod bearings are known to be weak on my engine, I don't know if it's had the recall but it seems fine to me. Took some abuse last week as well! Thanks
Scott
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