▀▄ eas - e92 M3 VF Engineering Project build [pictorial]

[tom @ eas]

Gentlemen,

Just wanted to announce a new project build we are performing in a joint effort with VF Engineering, this thread will outline the specific steps taken to arrive at the end result.

This particular M3 is a VF Engineering's own 2008 build, with Matte Space Grey paint and Vorsteiner accents. Sitting on 9.5" Front Matte Black and 10.0" VMR Matte Black CSL Wheels and KW's V3 Coilvers give this particular beast an aggressive stance and the tools to please even the most hardcore track junkie.

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/John_Photography/MFest%203/IMG_1955.jpg

For those of you unfamiliar with this particular build, here coverage from European Car which can be found here: http://www.europeancarweb.com/features/epcp_0908_2009_bmw_m3/index.html

"You don't glance at this M3 so much as stare at it. It could be the luminous effect of the paint or the baritone rumble of its engine. In any case, people find themselves transfixed, the way a rust spot becomes the image of a religious deity." - Les Bidrawn

The most unique part of this particular car would be the color, which is a Space Grey topped off with a matte finish done by C&C Collision of Pasadena - who has been responsible for a increasing number of project vehicles, including JR's e46 M3 "Orange Fever", also equipped with a S3 VF Supercharger kit.

Underneath the hood sits VF's own Supercharger kit, which is still in its tuning phase, in "proof of concept" at the moment.

http://image.europeancarweb.com/f/18862768/epcp_0908_04_z+2009_bmw_m3+engine_bay.jpg

http://image.europeancarweb.com/f/18862765+w750+st0/epcp_0908_03_z+2009_bmw_m3+motor_shot.jpg

Our job is to make this build as badass in the inside, as it is underneath the hood.

Let's begin....

[tom @ eas]

Vehicle: 2008 BMW DCT M3 - Matte Space Grey with iDrive, EDC, Full Options

Last Journal Entry: 12/16/2009

Previously Installed:
- VF Engineering Stage 1 SuperCharger Kit, concept phase
- Vorsteiner DWVP Decklid
- Vorsteiner Rear Carbon Diffuser
- Vorsteiner Front Lip Spoiler
- VMR VB3/CSL Matte Black Wheels: 19x10.0" Rear, 19x9.5 Front equipped with 295/30-19 & 265/30-19 Toyo R888 R Compound
- KWV3 Coilover Suspension
- Smoked Taillights & Sidemarkers
- Matte Black Fender/Kidney Grilles
- Passport 9500Ci Radar & Laser Defense System

Project Overview:

Before Photoshoot in current form
http://www.mfestforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=82379#post82379

Macht Schnell TPMS/RDS Emulation
http://www.mfestforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=82397#post82397

Escort/DynoTune Gauge Panel Fitment
http://www.mfestforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=83328#post83328

[tom @ eas]

::: reserved space :::

[tom @ eas]

Before we begin, a quick detail and photoshoot was performed in its current form:

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/9103/vfe92m31120091280x8663.jpg

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/135/vfe92m31120091280x8662.jpg

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/4425/vfm3002.jpg

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/1880/vfm3001.jpg

[tom @ eas]

:: reserved space ::

[tom @ eas]

:: reserved space 2 ::

[tom @ eas]

As stated in the opening post, the stock M3 wheels were switched out in order to get a bit wider rubber underneath.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is an electronic system designed to monitor the air pressure inside all the pneumatic tires on all BMWs manufactured since 2006. Within a predetermined pressure level, a RF signal (433mHz) is sent to each of the receivers located in the wheelwells. These systems report an error message to the driver when pressure is low.

All current BMW models use TPMS sensors for pressure monitoring. Since this build will be alternating between wheels on the street and the track (as well as events), sensors would be needed for each set of wheels.

The sensors were omitted and the first thing we were greeted with was the dreaded TPMS error on the dash/iDrive screen.

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/8791/mstpmsinstall800x60043.jpg

To solve this issue, we will be installing the Macht Schnell TPMS/RDC Emulation Module which allows the following:

- Proper emulation of the TPMS/RDC monitoring system
- The ability to run racing tires/wheels or other environments in which TPMS sensors are not compatible
- No dealer visits or coding required
- Can be removed at any time

A quick overview of the install process can be seen below:

Accessing RDC Housing Grid behind passenger trunk lining:
http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/2949/mstpmsinstall800x60011.jpg

BMW RDC TPMS Control Module
http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/7876/mstpmsinstall800x60016.jpg

Accessing connector housing for pin removal
http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/941/mstpmsinstall800x60019.jpg

New module installed & operational
http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/922/mstpmsinstall800x60042.jpg

The Macht Schnell RDC/TPMS module can be turned on/off at any given moment by the driver's side window switches:

Configuration:
1. Enter vehicle (key off/removed from ignition) and close drivers door
2. Lift Driver/Passenger window switches to 2nd position and hold for +5 seconds.
3. Blinker indicators on gauge panel will indicate whether module is activated/deactivated:

<= only, module is OFF
<= => at same time, module is ON

When activated, TPMS malfunction indicator is no longer illuminated.

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/3760/mstpmsinstall800x60044.jpg

Moving to interior next.

[Laidback]

subscribed:excited:

[NIK@VFE]

The TPMS light is so annoying. I believe this is a must have mod.

[Mr. Tycoon]

Just waiting to see what great things are coming?

[tom @ eas]

As with every supercharged engine, monitoring is a must. Inside, we needed a solution for gauges.

VF primarily uses the DynoTune LCD gauges for Boost and AFR monitoring, in which the Macht Schnell gauge panel would not apply since it houses 52mm gauges. This M3 also uses an Escort 9500Ci laser jammer, which features dual display units.

Escort Passport 9500ci Features:
- All-in-one Radar and Laser Total Protection
- 100% Undetectable - Invisible to RCMP & OPP
- ZR4 Laser Shifter for laser jamming
- GPS Database for Red-light and Speed Cameras
- Variable Speed Sensitivity
- True-Lock Technology Reduces False Alerts
- Auto-Learn - Automatically Stores Locations

As shown below, the Escort is a very involved process with numerous parts involved:

http://www.kmph.ca/images/9500ci_contents.png

A solution was needed to securely mount all 4 devices in in location easily visible by the driver. Macht Schnell was kind enough to send a modified design which properly houses the LCD gauges as well as the Escort display units as seen in this rendering:

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/4507/vf001.jpg

With the SLD file, we were then able to print out the panel using a rapid prototype machine in ABS plastic. 12 hours later, we were greeted with our new panel.

Test fitment of LCD gauges and Escort display units.
http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/2869/vf004.jpg

Test fitment into center console fitment and viewing angle confirmation
http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/444/vf003.jpg

This is a much more elegant solution and fitment was dead on. The gauge panel will now be removed and sent to A1 Auto body in Huntington Beach for prepwork and painting.

[RadzM]

subscribed too!

what is the projected gain on that kit? if you don't mind me asking, thanks!

[emily]

i must subscribe as well. that paint job gives the car an amazing dark sheen. love it.

[HuperHann]

Tom, the fitment on the Escort modules look great. do you have updated pics after the paint and finish. i would be highly interested in aquiring some of those brackets. pls pm with cost.

[tom @ eas]

Tom, the fitment on the Escort modules look great. do you have updated pics after the paint and finish. i would be highly interested in aquiring some of those brackets. pls pm with cost.

I will get some pictures for you as soon as the M3 is returned.

PM coming shortly.