Leaderboard

The troll in me thinks the best E36 angel eyes are the ones that stay in the box.

My first project post guys... hope I don't do any injustice to all the other amazing projects that have posted here, mine quite clearly pales in comparison to the amazing work of most of the members here. This is my 2nd M3 and we've had a few M cars (2 M5's) in the family so it's not something that's completely alien to me. The M3 CS started off in amazing nick however preventative maintenance is something I'm quite keen on so this is my little project for the next few weeks. Started my wee January 2015 project on the CS (E46 M3), after 2 years of a mutually awesome relationship where engine oil/ filter, cabin/air filter changes were predominantly the norm, I decided it was time to do some extra work. (in addition to diff and gearbox fluid changes that were already done prior). The AC condenser took a bit of damage from the 'amazing' NZ roads we have hence equalling an AC leak and no air conditioning lately, so while ordering the condenser I decided to change a few more things while I'm 'making my way' to the condenser. - New xenon headlight lenses and weather strips - Front bumper repair and repaint from the 10 or so wee stone chips - Rear bumper and rear diffuser repaint depending on condition when I remove it - Removing CSL exhaust (rear and centre sections) and changing up gaskets while cleaning up pipes - New Condenser (of course) - Radiator pressure test and if it fails at all a new radiator - New AC pump - New Water Pump + o-ring - New pulleys and belts - New radiator hoses - New temp sensor + o-rings - New ac lines + o-rings - Replace Receiver Drier - New water valve + o-ring - New expansion valve - Replace fan - Replacing fan clutch - New thermostat + o-ring and genuine bmw coolant (after a thorough coolant flush) - Replace fuel filter - Refurbishing BBS CSL wheels As per what I've planned I've ordered all new bolts, screws and rivets for every component I'm removing and will be re-installing Today's results have been headlight, fog lamp, washer nozzle (this is a retarded part of the car! lol) and associated trim removal in addition to front and rear bumper removal (including diffuser). Did the fuel filter on Saturday arvo...task was successful) Will endeavour to take better pictures and update once parts get here and project continues.

Its taken a while and I have been hopeless at keeping this updated but here are some pictures as it sits now. it has been a massive 3D jigsaw puzzle that didn't have all the pieces. We have had the engine running over the holidays and I was getting the gearbox working. It has the most retarded over complicated linkage in the world! Fortunately there are still a lot of places in the states that sell most of the parts for these. The only issues we have had are finding RHD specific parts such as gear linkages. All of the patch panels were purchased from the UK which were great. The colour might not be everyone's cup of tea but its an original BMW colour. The door and dashboard are only fitted as a mock up to see how the whole thing goes together. The dog is in there for a size comparison, and its a very small dog! There isn't too much left to do but as with all projects little things creep up out of no where. I hope you enjoy, Cheers, Chris

Dropped m52 block off at engine shop to get a hone. Spent three days cleaning the sh*t off the m54 Pistons, dropped them off to get dipped and clearances checked. If all goes to plan should have it back in a week ready to assemble with new cams and all the grunty m5x gear I already have. I also drank a lot of beers.

Bottom one looks rad, was going to do the same. Only because I figured if I crashed or got hit in to, I could just replace the panel and throw some random patches onto it.

You already have the perfect car for a race car....

I did play around with that but it looked too much like a magic eye puzzle.. and yes i thought about it but couldnt be bothered with the hassle of swapping everything over ie dash and wiring loom for guages.

Absolutely. I own an E36 M3 and was interested to compare the two.

Have a wee look at this .. explains how it can happen.

If I had an E46 still I'd buy these and run a square set-up! So nice...

Surely even a muppet is going to realise the cops don't roll in e46 coupes :-) Perhaps you can get some sort of James Bond machine gun attachment on ebay...

I was thinking more down the lines of noobs who sit at 80km in the right land of the MWAY. Will cruise down with my remote in one hand changing from red to blue.. I reckon it might just work! (despite the illegal side affects) I have the option to go the general LED white/blue colour. She'll be right

I felt like the M3 wasn't getting new toys. And I decided that I wasn't yet prepared to bring in my humogo wish list order from ECS while the exchange rate is blerg. So I committed a BMW crime and purchased colour changing LED Angel Eyes for her. Oh and the Schnitzer. See Video for ultimate muppet mode.

Haven't updated for a while. Big thanks to Will for all his help diagnosing and providing solutions for brake issues. As a result, picked up a cheap brand new E32 Master Cylinder thanks to Geoff (FIAT 131R) which is a straight swap and fitted at the same time as replacing the ABS module and pump with an E32 one Andy sorted out for me. Brakes and ABS now work! Still a little bit spongey and there's a pressure/squeak coming from the pressure regulator that connects to the brake bomb. It looks like the seals around the switches are leaking so I've ordered new switches. Hopefully that will fix any remaining issues: Also, since lowering the front the slight clunk (a worn bush somewhere on the passenger front side) has got much worse. Happens in the same spot in the when you turn the wheel at very low speed or standstill but not while moving. Martin suggested pitman and idler arms might need realigning after lowering so will have a look at that when it's on a hoist and find out which bushes need replacing. Track and tie rods are new(ish). I've also got csi front spoiler, rear diffuser and mirrors ready to install once painted. Front is genuine, rear diffuser is a rep and mirrors are from an E36 M3. Rear diffuser and mirrors need a fair bit of work to get them to fit so that will be one job over the summer. Also psyching myself up for pulling the top half of the engine off for refurb (strip and powdercoat valve covers and manifolds + replace gaskets). While it's off the road I'm going to send my EGS to Dinan and see if they can figure out a chip that'll work. Their 4hp24 chip only works on the US boxes currently but they think they can adapt it if they have my control unit.

Yeh if money was not an issue for sure i would have run with conrads parts they look alot better and would last longer. but for entry level racing i cant just justify the expense ive already spent enough on bodywork lol

I've got access to a CBD screening room. Shall we organise a Bimmersport screening, John???

Honestly look at how good these look!!