Simple M3

[Fruttolo]

Well bmw shift knobs are pretty known for failing and crumbling apart, guess this one just wanted to stick to the heritage

[samulis]

Nice M3. USDM M3 is weird, no ITB's or real S50 engine. But luckily you can add more noise and funk by installing ITB's into it.

[bwwaaaa]

Well bmw shift knobs are pretty known for failing and crumbling apart, guess this one just wanted to stick to the heritage

No kidding. Unfortunately this seems to be a design flaw. Condor sent me a second one, and it did the exact same thing. I just returned it and opted to keep the stock shift knob for now.

Nice M3. USDM M3 is weird, no ITB's or real S50 engine. But luckily you can add more noise and funk by installing ITB's into it.

It’s definitely an oddball. Overall it’s a pretty good package, think 328i+ I suppose. It’s still fun, but certainly a little handicapped by BMW’s compromises. I don’t think I’m going to get too deep into this S52. I have an M50 manifold for it on the shelf, I’ll likely do a 3.5 MAF and call it good. If I ever find the time and space, I’d drop an S54 in to make it more “M” haha.

Some Good, Some Bad

Alright, so a few interesting updates. I have Radwood in a little under a month, so I wanted to get a few things done in preparation for that. But also, a few things popped up on my radar that I couldn’t ignore, so I jumped the gun on purchases I wasn’t really planning on making right now. The problem being I now have parts out of order, so I have to find a place to store them while I play catch up getting the other bits. But let’s rewind.

So for Radwood LA, I kind of wanted the car to be mostly stock, and to take care of small blemishes that we in my control. Thinks like center caps, for example. So I ordered up a new set for all four wheels. You’ll see later in the post that doesn’t matter much in the long term, but for one event it’ll be nice to have. Is this important? No. Was I excited? ...Yes.

So one thing that has bugged me since I bought the car is the dead OBC. Common issue, but annoying that I had to clear “Check” codes without knowing what they were. Plus the clock was half burnt, and I couldn’t see outside temp. A company called BavTek rebuilds these units, so I sent it off to them. Removal is easy for those thinking of doing it. You can remove it without removing any of the center console or trim simply by pushing up on the unit underneath through the hole in the storage cubby. Tried to prove it with that photo showing it gone, looking at it now that really proves nothing, but whatever.

Anyway it took a few days, they sent it back and it works perfectly. I paid the extra for the lifetime warranty, so if it ever dies on me again they’ll fix it. I absolutely recommend this to anyone with a dead OBC. Turns out the code I was clearing was for “Low wiper fluid”. Super critical stuff. I really love the triple amber stack, so I have no plans to actually put an aftermarket radio in and spoil that. I’ve found another guy who will modify my stock radio to have bluetooth and AUX, so looks like I’m going down that route.

On a more depressing note, I bought something and it arrived destroyed. I bought a set of Bosch glass headlights from fellow forum member Ben. You may know him from his epic cross country tour in an E30. Unfortunately the driver’s headlight arrived destroyed, and I stress this was no fault of Ben’s. The box arrived in green tape that said “Inspected by US Customs”. It was poorly put back together, and looks like it was run over by a truck a few times. It’s actually a miracle that only the driver’s side glass was broken.

I have a couple lines on replacement glass, so fortunately this headlight is fixable. However the time, effort and sheer disappointment all kind of sucks. These things do happen, especially with fragile, international shipments. But it’s a shame to see this otherwise mint headlight killed. Well the glass at least.

Right now for the exciting stuff. I bought wheels! These are Fifteen52 Podiums, 18x8.5 et35. I had planned in the back of my head to order a set of these wheels later this year. Fifteen52 usually has a pretty great Black Friday sale, and I love the look on the E36. Turns out they were having a similar, and in fact better, sale going on right now. Buy 3, get 1 free, plus a discount, plus the vendor I ordered from had free shipping. Win, win, win. So I placed an order, and a few days later they were here.

I love these wheels, though I’m not sure they’re permanent. Gives a very Super Touring vibe. I was a little hesitant to order 18s, I’m usually a small wheel kind of guy, but I’m glad I gambled on it. I do have two gripes though, which are not major but may prompt me to change them out for something else later down the line. The first is the offset. It looks like I’ll need to run a 225/40r18 tire square. That’s fine, it’ll work but it is downsizing in the rear a bit. The other gripe is the weight, they are 24lbs a piece. 2lbs heavier than stock wheels, but I know there are considerably lighter options out there.

For what it’s worth though, they appear to be very well made. I was actually pretty stunned to see that the center cap and hex nut were metal. I 100% expected them to be plastic, but they are metal pieces. The mock up went well, I may need to roll the rear fenders a hair more. But it will fit well. I just need coilovers next, the Eibach springs simply won’t cut it for these wheels.

[gnmzl]

This car continues to look extremely good in my eyes. Nice tip on the OBC unit.
Just to point something out:
As far as I know, Ben is located in the UK. The headlight units for the UK have opposite directing of light, because of driving on the left hand side of the road. Meaning the lens directs the light towards the left hand side of the road so it doesn't blind oncoming traffic. If you use UK headlights while driving on the right hand side of the road you will blind oncoming traffic in the left hand side lane. It is a very common mistake over here in europe, so just wanted to point that out. I don't know if this is the case for the e36 lineup, but it is true for e30s, e34s etc ... Ben will face the same problem with his left side steering wheel e30 imported from the states.
If you want, I have e36 buddies who can help out source the correct headlight for you, but you'll have to go through the same customs ordeal. Let me know if you are interested.

[hinrichs]

Cant wait to see those with tires on them.

[Fruttolo]

Wheels are not my cup of tea as you already know but I love the fact you got 18s, I think that's where it,s at on e36s
You can try a 245/35 square on 8.5, they may slightly rub in the rear but probably not too bad, a slight roll could solve it. Obviously no stancey stretched fitment but could go with the supertouring vibe

[bwwaaaa]

This car continues to look extremely good in my eyes. Nice tip on the OBC unit.
Just to point something out:
As far as I know, Ben is located in the UK. The headlight units for the UK have opposite directing of light, because of driving on the left hand side of the road. Meaning the lens directs the light towards the left hand side of the road so it doesn't blind oncoming traffic. If you use UK headlights while driving on the right hand side of the road you will blind oncoming traffic in the left hand side lane. It is a very common mistake over here in europe, so just wanted to point that out. I don't know if this is the case for the e36 lineup, but it is true for e30s, e34s etc ... Ben will face the same problem with his left side steering wheel e30 imported from the states.
If you want, I have e36 buddies who can help out source the correct headlight for you, but you'll have to go through the same customs ordeal. Let me know if you are interested.

Thanks I did think of that after I ordered them. I’m open to getting the right set, it just isn’t the top priority. Send me a PM, I’d definitely like to see about getting the right parts in. Since I have the glass, maybe I can just get the right housings.

Cant wait to see those with tires on them.

You and me both haha.

Wheels are not my cup of tea as you already know but I love the fact you got 18s, I think that's where it,s at on e36s
You can try a 245/35 square on 8.5, they may slightly rub in the rear but probably not too bad, a slight roll could solve it. Obviously no stancey stretched fitment but could go with the supertouring vibe

I’d actually like to avoid super stancey fitment, but after mocking it up on the car I don’t see how 245s would fit quite yet. I need to do some more digging but it seems to be a pretty tight squeeze at the fender. I had asked Fifteen52 directly what they recommended, and the GarageWelt sedan that everyone is likely familiar with is running those 225/40s. I’m ok with that for the street, but I’d really like to take this car to the track next year, and I feel like that won’t cut it. It’s all a wash for now, because I can’t put them on period until I get myself some coilovers haha.

[cblock406]

Wheels are not my cup of tea as you already know but I love the fact you got 18s, I think that's where it,s at on e36s
You can try a 245/35 square on 8.5, they may slightly rub in the rear but probably not too bad, a slight roll could solve it. Obviously no stancey stretched fitment but could go with the supertouring vibe

No no no, 17's > 18's on an E36. Actually, I really like those 1552 wheels and think they will look really good; looking forward to seeing them on the car.

[DawsonLiri]

No no no, 17's > 18's on an E36. Actually, I really like those 1552 wheels and think they will look really good; looking forward to seeing them on the car.

Truth.
Anyway I love those wheels I thinks they looks perfect on a sedan, can't wait to see them fitted.

[bwwaaaa]

Clear Changes

Took some time this weekend to knock out some items on the M3.

Changed the belts. They had started to squeak, and sure enough the old ones were definitely worn. Some fresh Continentals did the trick, no more squeak and I don’t have to worry about those belts coming apart on long drives anymore.

Also took some time to change the valve cover gasket. As it turns out, totally not needed. Looks like it had a fresh one prior, which led me to dig a little further. Unfortunately it looks like the source of my oil leak is the oil pan gasket. That was definitely a bummer, as it’s a real pain to do.

Finally installed the headlights as well. I sourced replacement glass here in the US, swapped it out and wired it all up. Before and after really doesn’t do it justice, it’s a huge difference. While I was at it, also finally installed clear turn signals and repeaters. As pointed out here, the RHD lights have made for a weird cut off here. But otherwise I’m happy with them. At this point, I’m happy with how the car is sitting overall. I’m taking it to Radwood LA in a couple weeks. I’ll leave it as is before making any more changes.

[Graphitemk6]

new headlights are dope! Although I wouldnt mind seeing those Amber corners back on there. How hard was it to pull the valve cover off?

[bwwaaaa]

new headlights are dope! Although I wouldnt mind seeing those Amber corners back on there. How hard was it to pull the valve cover off?

Thanks! And if I had any other color than silver, I’d probably be inclined to keep the ambers. I like them against a color. On silver though, I prefer the muted look. I’ve debated going smoked all the way around, Inpro tail lights are some of my favorite but I can’t justify the cost to swap it over when this looks just fine haha.

Valve cover is super simple, remove your coil packs, unplug the harness and the breather, and undo the bolts. One of the easier valve cover gaskets I’ve done.

[Kinghorn]

Seriously a fan of those wheels, look proper and the right size too! Cant wait to see tires mounted on em

[bwwaaaa]

Seriously a fan of those wheels, look proper and the right size too! Cant wait to see tires mounted on em

Thanks! I can’t wait myself, holding off until I have coilovers in hand to install. It’s been a tough wait so far haha.

Polished Tip

So I picked up an exhaust for the M3. A local guy wrecked his M3, and posted it up as a part out. I immediately messaged him about the exhaust, a UUC cat back. He was wishy washy about it, and then the car disappeared. Turns out he sold the whole thing to another guy. Fortunately, he also decided to part out the car, I knew about the exhaust, and managed to snag it before anyone else. I’m not entirely sure about the exhaust tips. I had wanted straight tips, but I think this will work well once I have the wheels on as well.

As you can see, it’s a little faded. Didn’t sustain any damage from the wreck, that was all on the front of the car, just grimey. I decided that it really needed a good clean before ending up on the car. It doesn’t show well, but it was also kind of muddy for some reason. Guess the last M3 it was on went bogging...

Though not strictly necessarily, I decided to give it a quick shine. For those of you wondering, Basso+a polishing cone will do wonders on bringing back shine on faded polished bits. I sprayed off the mud, dried it off, and went to town.

Didn’t take any progress pictures, but really there wasn’t much to see. Faded, then not faded. The tips destroyed my polishing cone, which I was a little bummed about, but otherwise it looks a little better. Obviously still some scratches here and there, but for what I paid, more than presentable. I haven’t yet put it on the car, because I’m waiting until after Radwood in a couple weeks. I’m making the drive to California and back, and figured a more stock (and quiet) car would be nicer for that particular trip.

So the parts pile is steadily growing. I need to order some tires, some coilovers, and I’d really like an LTW wing... I’m also looking for some excellent condition Vader’s for the front, and some other bits here and there. But it’s all coming together. Safe to say this will be a fun transformation.

[Fruttolo]

LTW wings is a touchy subject for me LOL I'm looking for an OEM one since I bought the car but the only one that popped up for sale in 2 years is that infamous $10000 NOS ebay one

Nice job on the polishing, curious to hear it

[hinrichs]

Exhaust looks great after polishing it. I think that style DTM tip will really set the car off perfectly once you get the wheels on.

[bwwaaaa]

LTW wings is a touchy subject for me LOL I'm looking for an OEM one since I bought the car but the only one that popped up for sale in 2 years is that infamous $10000 NOS ebay one

Nice job on the polishing, curious to hear it

I would love an OEM one, but the reality is I don't think I'll ever be able to find it. It puts me in a weird place, because I've always been really big on authentic everything, wheels to headlights. But given the rarity of the OEM piece, I'm not sure I have any other option than a replica piece for the wing. I still haven't made any decisions, but I do love the look of that wing on a sedan. Plus with my wheels and exhaust, I feel like it will tie everything together that much more.

Exhaust looks great after polishing it. I think that style DTM tip will really set the car off perfectly once you get the wheels on.

Thanks! I was surprised it shined up as much as it did. I agree, I'm hoping that it all works together as a complete package. Part of why I decided to put off installing it until I could do it all at once.

[Graphitemk6]

Love those tips, **** how they put carbon all over your bumper though. As for the wing rep or not it would definately look dope.

[bwwaaaa]

Needs More Low STAT

Tires arrived, tires mounted, wheels test fit. For those wondering (because specs aren’t precious) 18x8.5 et35, 225/40r18, Hankook Ventura V12 Evo2 tires, square setup. These tires were my second choice, I wanted Falken RT615k tires but they weren’t carried by the vendor I was ordering through. Also, realistically, these are a little more street friendly. The Bridgestone’s I have on right now grip fantastically, but are absurdly noisy and a little sketch on the rain. Though I do plan to take this car to the track, for the street these tires are more than sufficient. I hope...

I was concerned that visually this would have more stretch, but that wasn’t the case.

So you don’t have to say it, I know. Needs more low, very desperately. Fortunately my fenders are rolled, so I don’t need to tackle that job. But if you’re looking to run the same setup, yes you need to roll your fenders for sure. I took the wheels back off and I’m rolling on the stock wheels to radwood. Going to get the rear tires flipped to survive the drive out and back, then it’ll finally time to overhaul the car. I guess I should also preemptively say, I’m totally aware that these tires are pretty narrow for an M3. I’m playing it by ear right now, I’m happy with the aesthetics of this setup, but it does have to preform well too. 235s may be possible as well, but I will wait until after I do a thorough shakedown on my favorite road to determine that. Tortilla Flat reveals all.

[Fruttolo]

Second pic looks like you have a roof spoiler on

Oddly enough those tyres look smaller on your car than the one we discussed on IG, maybe it's the color. I don't think at stock power level they'll be that undersized, stock 235/40/17 is 10mm wider but what you lose in width you gain back in contact patch lenght cause of the added diameter.

[bwwaaaa]

Second pic looks like you have a roof spoiler on

Oddly enough those tyres look smaller on your car than the one we discussed on IG, maybe it's the color. I don't think at stock power level they'll be that undersized, stock 235/40/17 is 10mm wider but what you lose in width you gain back in contact patch lenght cause of the added diameter.

Ha I just now noticed that. Good old ML320 roof spoiler

I think they look smaller mainly because of my ride height. The other car is so much lower than mine that the wheel/tire doesn't look awkwardly small in the wheel well. Once the car is lowered some more I think it'll look at home.

[Nick325is]

Nice looking m3!

[bwwaaaa]

Nice looking m3!

Thanks!

Oops

Small update, but a bummer all the same for me. I've talked a lot about taking the car to Radwood. I had purchased a ticket and all. Well just before it was time to go, I gave the car a once over. I noticed the rear tires had a substantial amount of camber wear, so I took them to go get flipped. Two shops later, no one would touch them. Fair enough, that's on me they did get pretty bad.

I figured it wasn't a problem, I'll just put the new wheels and tires on. Not a super big fan of driving them out with some goofy stance, but at the same time I just wanted to take the car. So I swapped them out the evening before I was supposed to leave, packed the car and went to drive to a friends house to verify I had no rubbing issues.

About 15 seconds after getting on the freeway, the whole front end felt like it was falling apart. It seems as though the tire shop somehow balanced my wheels incorrectly. It was now too late to get the wheels rebalanced, and I had to leave at 4am the next morning. So that was that, complete failure. I suppose the most frustrating bit of all that was this was a simple mistake, that was made by someone else, but kind of ruined my plans.

However, on a more interesting note, it looks like the M3 is going to be my new daily driver soon. I've been wanting to ditch my Fiesta ST for quite some time, but have held on to it as it's a much better commuter. It looks like I won't have a commute here soon, so I have the added benefit of being able to daily drive the M3 as I please. This does mean I need to take some extra time to refresh a few things sooner rather than later. So, next few updates will likely be more boring maintenance.

[Fruttolo]

Yay on daily driving this, big upgrade in my opinion

[bwwaaaa]

Loud Noises, Big Tips

So I finally got around to installing the exhaust. Not because that's what I specifically set out to do this last weekend, but rather because I think I need a new driveshaft. The long and short of it is, on power in first or second, I'm getting a lot of loud knocking from the transmission tunnel. I thought that my CSB has failing and that was causing the noise. But when I dropped the exhaust, it looked pretty much in tact. So my leading theory now is bad u-joints in the driveshaft. I figured since I had the cat-back down anyways, might as well put the new one on.

Pros: It sounds pretty good, and isn't horribly obnoxious. On idle it's mellow, and it only really screams at you when you go full throttle. It does have a drone around 2,000 RPM, but cruising speed seems to be just fine. It's also SIGNIFICANTLY lighter than the stock exhaust. So that's a win too.

Cons: As Fruttolo point out to me on Instagram, these tips are kind of rice. Well... German Rice, so I guess that's sauerkraut? The point is, I really don't know how I feel about these exhaust tips still. Part of me thinks that once I source an LTW wing, dial in the ride height and get the car looking how I want, the exhaust will tie in better. But it's a lot to look at right now. I'm debating having different tips just welded on in the mean time, because I like this exhaust otherwise.

So up next I have to figure out the driveshaft situation, I really need to get the oil pan gasket done, and I'd like to sort out the steering rack. I've yet to start daily driving the car as I still have so much to overhaul first.