earon 32 Report post Posted January 6, 2015 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. 6 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MLee 35 Report post Posted January 6, 2015 Awesome car. Look forward to more. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
earon 32 Report post Posted January 6, 2015 Thanks! ..I'll try and take pictures while I'm doing the work but it gets complex as I'm normally really focused at what's on hand. Looking forward to working through it all though, have ordered specialist bmw tools as well..the end product should definitely be special. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
allan 295 Report post Posted January 6, 2015 Best of luck with the revamp. These little jobs have a bad habit of growing not only in size but $$$$$$$$$ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michael. 2313 Report post Posted January 6, 2015 Goodness me Earon. I guess this means you will be keeping this fine machine! You'll appreciate it more once such stuff is done - especially if you're doing it all to a high standard as noted above. I still think we should look into ways to get more out of the exhaust noise / intake - I think it's what the car needs to give it that new edge. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
earon 32 Report post Posted January 6, 2015 Best of luck with the revamp. These little jobs have a bad habit of growing not only in size but $$$$$$$$$ Absolutely agree mate! That's why I pretty much am changing everything I can haha, I'm only interested in getting access there once and a one time project hopefully. I can only hope all goes well.Car was/is in amazing condition, so hopefully this just builds on it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
earon 32 Report post Posted January 6, 2015 Goodness me Earon. I guess this means you will be keeping this fine machine! You'll appreciate it more once such stuff is done - especially if you're doing it all to a high standard as noted above. I still think we should look into ways to get more out of the exhaust noise / intake - I think it's what the car needs to give it that new edge. Yeah Mike I'm thinking of keeping it for the foreseeable future..since I'm not moving to Canada now however a F10 M5 or 2012 c63 amg performance package plus is in my plan for later maybe early 2016 maybe depending on depreciation. Replacing the CSL exhaust would be nice.. but I've kept the car completely stock till now, I might continue on that spectrum for now..this would be an awesome time to modify but I'll see I guess. I'll call you when I run into that inevitable problem haha 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
E30 325i Rag-Top 2963 Report post Posted January 6, 2015 - Refurbishing BBS CSL wheels Good work, nice to see the work being done thoroughly to keep it all tip-top. Does your car have the "light-weight" CSL wheels, I believed the standard CS wheel was the same style (the best E46 wheel ever) but not made from the same alloy so they weren't so expensive? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
earon 32 Report post Posted January 6, 2015 Good work, nice to see the work being done thoroughly to keep it all tip-top. Does your car have the "light-weight" CSL wheels, I believed the standard CS wheel was the same style (the best E46 wheel ever) but not made from the same alloy so they weren't so expensive? Yeah I have read that too, but this has the CSL spec wheel, with associated BBS part number engraved in the rear face of the wheel. Maybe last owner (original owner) spec'd it up or optioned it from new as that? Not too sure. Wheels look to be cheapest part of project! Haha ..customs are horrendous with charges on the genuine bmw parts I've ordered! 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
earon 32 Report post Posted January 7, 2015 Front bumper, headlight trim, indicator lights, fog lamps, rear bumper and diffuser all in for stone chip repair, repaint and glass coat protection. A successful Wednesday Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M3_Power 636 Report post Posted January 7, 2015 Did the car come with CSL midpipe and muffler or did you fit them? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
earon 32 Report post Posted January 7, 2015 Did the car come with CSL midpipe and muffler or did you fit them?I got it with the CSL exhaust system, whether original owner fitted them or optioned them (while in the UK) I can't say for sure unfortunately. quite unfortunate I couldn't get those 18" m3 wheels of you Tom! wanted them dearly for my 323i.. hopefully someone scoops them up, maybe even as a track day reserve set? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
earon 32 Report post Posted January 16, 2015 Hey guys, Where do you generally source your Bmw coolant from? Any specific place one of you gentlemen would like to advise to purchase from? Looking for a gallon essentially and will mix with distilled water as per specified ratios. Thanks in advance Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
m325i 711 Report post Posted January 17, 2015 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. ...- New pulleys and belts Stop being modest - this is top tier. Did you consider under drive pulleys? Any mods planned? Or all OEM? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
earon 32 Report post Posted January 17, 2015 Stop being modest - this is top tier. Did you consider under drive pulleys? Any mods planned? Or all OEM? Thanks Nick. I'll definitely do my best hopefully everything comes along great.Yup looked at the rogue engineering and AA 'power pulley' sets and reviews on USA forums, for 5-10hp I'd rather not stray from stock really. It's all M3 CS stock besides certain extra CSL bits last owner threw in from when he had it from factory so I'll continue on that rhythm (bit boring! I know right haha). Mods..there's so many options but again with na cars it's relatively costly for a mere 50hp at times but these cars are well balanced from stock not had the itch to fiddle ...yet Have you done many mods? An F10 M5 also awaits in 2016 so not looking too intensively into mods as well. Probably parting ways in late 2015 :wacko: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
earon 32 Report post Posted January 18, 2015 O expansion valve..how I despise you Aircraft aren't as complicated as you 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michael. 2313 Report post Posted January 18, 2015 Fixing such details is key my friend! 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
earon 32 Report post Posted January 26, 2015 Got back to the project today, work and a insatiable need for vacation time has slowed down progress a fair bit unfortunately. All plugs wrapped in clear bags and sprayed with contact cleaner prior, alternator and ac compressor covered and wrapped in clear plastic to ward off imminent coolant spills. - oil cooler set aside with blocks of wood taking weight so no stress on the lines -Fan clutch and shroud removed - coolant hoses removed - radiator removed - ac condenser removed - heater valve removed and replaced - headlight xenon lens replacement and clean up Guys any opinions on what I should do with oil cooler?? Should I drain oil system, remove oil cooler and clean up oil cooler debris (yes the slightest debris are bothering me haha) ?? 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
earon 32 Report post Posted January 26, 2015 Headlights cleaned up and brand spanking new lenses (Now to await that first stone chip ) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gc8r 38 Report post Posted September 7, 2015 (edited) So it's my turn to update this and go from strength to strength! I have just ordered the following for the car: Genuine Rear Subframe Bushes Rear Trailing Arm Bushes Rear Control Arms Rear Suspension Mounts and Bump Stops Rear Sway Bar Mounts, Brackets and End Links Rogue Engineering Diff Bushes Diff Seals (Input and Output) Redish Motorsport Rear Subframe Reinforcement Plates Once the parts arrive will hand over to Ray to work his magic on the car. Also ordered new Side Markers and Corner Lamps. Will update with photos and so forth once more parts start arriving! Edited February 3, 2016 by M3_Boy 3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gc8r 38 Report post Posted September 8, 2015 Getting the E46 airbag recall done as well. 3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
m325i 711 Report post Posted September 8, 2015 (edited) Needs Europlate! You should get the M-track mode enabled while at Hell BM - Edit, it already has this right? Edited September 8, 2015 by Nick G Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gc8r 38 Report post Posted September 9, 2015 Needs Europlate! You should get the M-track mode enabled while at Hell BM - Edit, it already has this right? Yup it already has the M Track Mode 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gc8r 38 Report post Posted September 10, 2015 (edited) Feels like Christmas these days ... and Dem Tints tho Edited September 10, 2015 by M3_Boy 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greenday-rulz21 6 Report post Posted September 10, 2015 Saw your M3 in at Carfolie yesterday morning - was a very nice surprise when I pulled in the carpark! Looks stunning man, will be keeping an eye on your project. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
