▀▄ eas | Silver Grey e46 M3 Progress/Buildup Journal

[david @ eas]

I picked up a 2004 Silver Grey e46 M3 in April 2009. This thread will serve as an ongoing journal of upcoming mods and informational basis for other things discovered along the way.

Color: Silver Grey
Interior: Speed Cloth/ Grey Trim
Packages: Xenon's, No Sunroof, No power seats
Mileage: 49,000
Transmission: 6MT

Ever since I was in High School, I have loved the performance and styling of the e46 M3. After browsing for over a year hoping to find one that I can call my own, I finally found this one in Costa Mesa, test drove it, got a Pre-Purchase Inspection done and took home the same day. The car came with some audio upgrades, Angel Eyes, smoked corners and painted reflectors, everything else was completely stock just like I wanted.

For the past year I have been focusing on the most important aspect of the car to me: Maintenance. I've had Inspection II done, replaced RTABs with Powerflex, put in Stainless Steel brake lines, threw in Cool Carbon brake pads, and replaced the worn tires with Hankook Ventus V12 K110.

The plans for this car will focus on Performance, Suspension, Braking, Interior pieces, with a hint of cosmetics. We will be doing DIY guides of installs along with maintenance work along the way.

Here are some photos of my car when I first brought it home:
http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/8505/46056175492294772460219.jpg

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/3193/46056175492194972460219.jpg

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/7104/46056175491795772460219.jpg

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/1034/43217345951333343316848.jpg



Feedback, recommendations or questions are always welcomed in this thread.

[david @ eas]

Macht Schnell E46 M3 Stage 1 intake charge kit
http://www.mfestforum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=118729&postcount=3

Rogue Engineering Octane SSK- CNC Edition
http://www.mfestforum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=118748&postcount=4

Rogue Engineering Clutch Stop
http://www.mfestforum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=119435&postcount=7

Outer LED Ring Modification
http://www.mfestforum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=119436&postcount=8

Arm Rest Delete, Reverting to OEM HK Stereo
http://www.mfestforum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=121826&postcount=11

Cool Carbon Brake Pads
http://www.mfestforum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=123873&postcount=13

E46 M3 Vehicle Coding
http://www.mfestforum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=126632&postcount=14

Aurora 60 LED Angel Eyes
http://www.mfestforum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=126711&postcount=20

DICE MediaBridge
http://www.mfestforum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=130792&postcount=25

Alcantara Steering Wheel, Euro Tray
http://www.mfestforum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=131182&postcount=26

Alcantara Shift Boot, ZHP Shift Knob, New ///M Floor Mats
http://www.mfestforum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=131182&postcount=27

[david @ eas]

The very first mod I did to this car would be the Macht Schnell Stage 1 Intake Charge Kit.

http://www.machtschnell.com/img/products/10/1902015/1010010_001.jpg

http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/2658/icpinstall1280x8667.jpg

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/8172/icpinstall1280x86610.jpg

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/8711/icpinstall1280x86615.jpg

After putting this in, the car is a lot more throatier at higher RPMs and I can feel the slight increase in power in the top end. Definitely the best bang for buck mod out there, and quite a simple install too!

[david @ eas]

The e46 M3 has definitely brought many smiles to my face, but that didn't mean that there were some letdowns after owning it.
One of the biggest disappointments when I got into the e46 M3 is the shifter. Every time I drive, I feel like I'm rowing a boat, and I knew I had to get this fixed.

I decided to go with the Rogue Engineering Octane Short Shift Kit- CNC Edition with the Weighted Selector Rod because of the many great reviews I have read for this kit.

Stock:
http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/1356/ressk.jpg

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/4743/ressk1.jpg

RE Octane SSK vs Stock. Look at the build quality!
http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/5330/resskvsstock.jpg

http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/2918/ressk2.jpg

Finished:
http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/3656/resskinstalled.jpg

The short shift kit made a tremendous difference, my throws are much shorter and tighter than before. I cannot be any happier with this short shift kit, the shifts are not too notchy and the height of the shifter is perfect for the stock shift knob.

[///M3Lover]

E46 M3 brethern with 6MT :buttrock: !

Here are the little things, which I'd recommend

-Metal Pedals with black lines, add that little colour contrast underneath!
(I found OEM pedals have no attraction at all when wet)

-Handbrake, if you want to add a bit more detail to the interior.
(I have the AC one.)

-Projector Fogs with HIDs, if you don't like the OEM Style and want to look more sharp. ( Looks modern)

[Yukohama]

very clean car! wish my car came premodded with angel eyes/painted reflects. cant wait to see what else you do to it!

[david @ eas]

I never understood why the clutch pedal had so much dead space, and was not used to it since my previous car's clutch engagement point was right off the floor. This had to be addressed, and I decided to give Rogue Engineering's Clutch Stop a try.

This is what the stock one looks like under the clutch pedal:
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/8052/stockn.jpg

Here are some comparison pictures:
http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/9812/comparisonqt.jpg
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/6104/comparison2.jpg
Amazing how small and wimpy the stock Clutch Stop looks next to the Rogue Engineering part.

Here is the Rogue Engineering Clutch Stop installed.
http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/6339/reinstalled.jpg

With the clutch stop installed, there is about one inch off the ground before the clutch engages. Much better feel, and it makes it a lot easier to shift between the gears. I must say that this combined with the Rogue Engineering Short Shift Kit is the perfect combo, my driving experience is much better because of these parts. There is also a way to adjust the clutch stop, which I find very convenient.

[david @ eas]

I've always thought it was odd that there is an outer LED ring on the taillights that did not light up when using the brakes. My peers have pointed this out in the past, and had me thinking that I had faulty brake lights. After searching the forum, I found this: http://homepage.mac.com/ianlindvig/adaptive.htm

Seemed simple enough, and we got to work. A few minutes later, one side was finished and we tested it.
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/3752/driverside.jpg

This is how it is different from OEM:
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/2237/comparisonnz.jpg

All done!
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/8415/ledfinished.jpg
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/7853/eas1280x866.jpg

One very inexpensive mod that makes the rear end more complete!

[Faymester]

... I could just copy your steps so far :p (and I may!)

[///M3Lover]

haha, good find, I am going to do the Tailight mod this week. :P

[david @ eas]

With my goals with the car, there was not much use for the audio system that came with my car. The driver door speaker had to be replaced, so I took this time to remove the rest of the audio components and revert to the OEM HK stereo set up so that I can have my trunk space back.
http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/3649/centerconsole2.jpg

While the interior panels were being removed, I decided to change out the center console for a new one without an arm rest. Simplicity is key ;)
http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/4122/centerconsole1.jpg

[t3stman]

Nice :D. Welcome to the ///M E46 family lol

[david @ eas]

A little teaser of a small change on my car ;)
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/2324/matteblackgills.jpg

My brake pads were gone, so it was time for me to replace them with Cool Carbon Brake Pads. The box that they come in is very nice for brake pads, and the quality of the pads themselves is amazing!

http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/4148/ccboxes.jpg

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/3994/ccboxopen.jpg

Here is a comparison of my old rears and the Cool Carbons next to each other.

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/4808/cccomparison.jpg

I've gone through the first round of bedding, and my brakes have definitely improved from the previous pads. The brake squealing is now gone, and the stopping power is amazing!

[david @ eas]

One of the features that was neat about the M3 is the ability to roll down the windows with my remote key fob, but I never understood why you can't roll it back up with it. I decided to have this coded so that I can roll up my windows with the key fob as well.

When I purchased my car, it did not come with an alarm and my lights didn't blink when I locked/unlocked the car. I wanted this feature so I can be assured that my doors have been locked, and upon browsing the forums I also have read that there is a rumor of activating the alarm light (clown nose) to blink like it would if I had the OEM alarm. Some people say it can be done, while most people say that it is impossible. We decided to take on the project and see if we can make it happen.

Here is a video of all three things coded onto the car:

KA26IhOcFUM

The clown nose blinking activation was a success!

We offer in-house coding for these things, so contact us if you're local and interested in getting coding for your car!

[RE G]

thats pretty sweet being able to roll up the windowns

[Orange fever]

when is the sc going to be in ??? LOL

[david @ eas]

when is the sc going to be in ??? LOL

What?

:megashifty:

[Orange fever]

^______________Nice ///

[Laidback]

That is some good upgrade!


One of the features that was neat about the M3 is the ability to roll down the windows with my remote key fob, but I never understood why you can't roll it back up with it. I decided to have this coded so that I can roll up my windows with the key fob as well.

When I purchased my car, it did not come with an alarm and my lights didn't blink when I locked/unlocked the car. I wanted this feature so I can be assured that my doors have been locked, and upon browsing the forums I also have read that there is a rumor of activating the alarm light (clown nose) to blink like it would if I had the OEM alarm. Some people say it can be done, while most people say that it is impossible. We decided to take on the project and see if we can make it happen.

Here is a video of all three things coded onto the car:

KA26IhOcFUM

The clown nose blinking activation was a success!

We offer in-house coding for these things, so contact us if you're local and interested in getting coding for your car!

[david @ eas]

The CCFL Angel Eyes that came with my car blew out on the passenger side, so I knew it was a sign for me to upgrade to Aurora LED Angel Eyes. While I took off my old headlamp lenses, I saw the horrible condition of my stock ones and replaced them with new Bosch Headlight lenses.

Here is the beginning of replacing the CCFLs with Auroras:
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/5781/diy1p.jpg

http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/4948/diy2.jpg

You can see the poor quality of the CCFL Angel Eyes causing the clip to break off causing the ring to dangle:
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/4959/diy3.jpg

Auroras are clipped on!
http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/6779/diy4.jpg

http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/1617/diy5o.jpg

Comparison of the old and new Bosch Headlamp Lenses (Old one on top)
http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/8560/diy6.jpg

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/9206/diy7.jpg

Comparison of Auroras and CCFL (Auroras on the left, CCFL on the right):
http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/3723/diy8.jpg

Finished!
http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/3918/diy9.jpg

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/9691/diy10.jpg

I'm glad the CCFLs went out, because these Auroras look incredible in comparison! The new headlamp lenses gives the front end a new look, and it looks much better than it did before! :buttrock:

[endofanera7]

Saw this beautiful ride a few days ago while visiting EAS, def. one of the cleanest E46 M3 around. Nice angel eyes upgrade! Cant wait to see more..

[david @ eas]

A few shots of my car:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4642832685_dcc293186a_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4642833215_700bd04b4c_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4643446772_7717b22626_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4642833337_c17a190aa4_o.jpg

[Laidback]

:drool:

btw how hard is the install on the angel eyes...

[///NEM3SES]

:drool:

btw how hard is the install on the angel eyes...

not hard at all, Ive had to do it a few times already, the most time consuming part is running the angel ring wires through the engine bay to connect to the wiring assembly

Lookin good EAS!!!!

[david @ eas]

New update for my car: DICE MediaBridge Multimedia Hub with all of the accessories installed.

MediaBridge for BMW - Features at a glance
Connect: iPod, USB, SIRIUS, AUX, Bluetooth. The highly anticipated MediaBridge for BMW has arrived with all of its great features- ALL of them in one kit:

- Balanced Audio Output
- Digital USB Audio
- End-user Downloadable Firmware Updates
- Integrated Controls
- Text Display
- iPod-like Browsing for iPod or USB Flash Drive
- Charges iPod/iPhone
- AUX Input
- SIRIUS Satellite Radio Connectivity

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/875/diceinstall18.jpg

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/8033/diceinstall19.jpg

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/607/diceinstall21.jpg

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/2882/diceinstall23.jpg

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/9146/diceinstall24.jpg

I have been very happy with the DICE MediaBridge unit as it fulfills all of my audio needs and Bluetooth is a nice addition since I don't have the OEM Bluetooth in my car.

[david @ eas]

My steering wheel was extremely beat up when I purchased the car and made the interior look very old. When I had the chance to swap it out with this beautiful Alcantara steering wheel, I didn't hesitate for one second. I also replaced my cupholders with a euro tray to compliment my new center console.

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/6746/alcantara1.jpg
http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/6681/alcantarawheel.jpg

Now I just need Alcantara shift boots, the ZHP shift knob, and new floormats to compliment my new interior pieces :D

[david @ eas]

Since I was cleaning up my interior piece by piece, I decided to finally change out my shift knob and shift boot. Also replaced my floor mats, and now my interior is minty fresh!

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/4896/davide46interior.jpg
http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/9674/davide46zhpknobr.jpg

[quaixe]

David, what u have done so far with the car was so kool, it's like a guide-light for me to to with my car. I'm waiting to see the upgrade of your audio system.
Thanks for sharing bro, keep it coming, I'm subscribed to this

[|sland|2oots]

So far so good! :thumbsup:

Any new updates??

You've just inspired me to do the outer LED ring mod on my E46 :D

[m3-4aj]

I will have to stop by to show you my silver gray!!

[///M3Lover]

When are the wheels coming? :D

[Laidback]

Nice:DI will have to stop by to show you my silver gray!!