2002 E46 M3 // Build Thread
-
Waiting on some suspension parts yet so I started the header install. Have to say that this is MUCH harder than the downpipe install on my F30. Since there's such limited room to work I had to remove the coolant reservoir tank, turkey basting out all the coolant so I didn't make an absolute disaster. Still probably spilled 1/2 gallon on the floor that came out the other end though lol. Even with this and the heat shielding out of the way, access to the 18 nuts is still pretty grueling. Just kept swapping out swivel, wobble and regular extensions, as it seems like each nut requires a different approach. After a few hours I finally got the old set out, woohoo! Still waiting on new gaskets and nuts, but should be here in about a week or so and I can get the new headers installed.
-
Just so you know our take on the situation... We have never put adjustable end links on any of our track cars(specifically our E90 M3 track car). If your car is set to the appropriate ride height (equal on the left and right side) there is no need for adjustable end links. The only time you will put 'pre-load' on the sway bar is when the left and right ride heights are not set equal (and there is no reason they should be unequal).
If that's what they say then I'd go with that! I know when KW sent me my coilovers they came with a new set of shorter sway bar end links to avoid the pre-loading and I know others that do it as well. I'm sure it's like everything else handling related where it's heavily opinion based on independent results. If it works it works!
-
In the future I would suggest invest in an Airlift. You can suck all the coolant out of the system without spilling much. As far as getting to the manifold bolts, I feel your pain. lol
https://www.instagram.com/_jdesigner_/ http://nevertoolow.tumblr.com/
🥳SOLD BMW E24 633CSI - BMW M30B32 🧪SOLD HCH ES9 - 1.3 LDA
👽BMW E30 325IC - Toyota 1JZ-GTE ⏰ HONDA EF9 CIVIC SI - JDM B18C5
☠️BMW E36 318i - Ford 5.0 FE302 🚴♂️ GT-Labomba - 26x2.75 Freeride
🤹♀️SOLD BMW E36/7 Z3 - BMW M54B25 🧓SOLD BMW E10 2002 - BMW M10M05 -
Got the ports all cleaned, fresh gaskets, fresh hardware and the headers bolted up. Now just have to sort through the O2 sensor wiring because I’m an idiot and didn’t mark them. I'll have to fire up Ecuworx too and code out the downstream O2 sensor and secondary air pump so we don't get a CEL.
-
Since I went with catless headers, I decided to delete the whole secondary air injection system since I don't think it serves any purpose besides helping in the cat heating sequence (saves 4lbs too). Got this nifty little aluminum block off plate from Achilles Motorsports that looks pretty sweet, even though it will never be seen.
-
Since it was looking pretty tired out, I decided to replace the fan blades and fan clutch with a new Mahle one. Better preventatively than to see it grenade and take out the hood or radiator. Personally prefer this setup to an electric fan swap, because it just works. No overheating in hot weather while stopped, no blasting heat in the middle of summer or messing with fan shrouds etc. Easy enough to service so I’ll keep it.
-
Personally prefer this setup to an electric fan swap, because it just works. No overheating in hot weather while stopped, no blasting heat in the middle of summer or messing with fan shrouds etc
Why do I feel like this is a jab at me.
-
Why do I feel like this is a jab at me.
Lol! The moment I saw you in 90 degree traffic with the heat blowing and your shirt off I said, that doesn’t look fun.
-
Is there not a good efan solution for those cars? Is it a space constraint?
-
Is there not a good efan solution for those cars? Is it a space constraint?
Great question. Most run the 16" SPAL like the one in this BuildJournal thread: https://thebuildjournal.com/diy/n15-design-e46-m3-electric-fan-mount-diy/. It seems to cover as much as the clutch fan, but maybe it has to do with the fact it deletes the aux fan and the clutch fan? Not entirely sure.
-
Got the front suspension installed with the reinforcement plates, replacing the OE Bilstein kit. Definitely a lot of stuff to balance together while you line them up by yourself. Set them as close to factory height as I could for a good starting point and -2.5 camber. Totally overkill for the factory wheels right now, but plan to get something else before I actually pull it out in the spring.
Full setup is:
- Front
- TC Kline Single Adjustable coilover (uses a Koni shock)
- Ground Control Race Camber/Caster Plate
- 500lb Hyperco Springs
- OEM BMW Reinforcement Plates
- Rear
- TC Kline External Adjustable Rear Shock
- TC Kline Buna Rubber rear shock mounts
- 600lb Hyperco Springs
- Rogue Engineering Spring Perch Reinforcement Plates
- Rogue Engineering RSM Reinforcement Plates
- Front
-
Got an awesome christmas gift from @Rekpoint, a genuine BMW fire extinguisher and seat mount kit. These are pretty dang hard to get into the states because they're considered a dangerous good with the pressurized canisters.
The brackets and seat are only drilled from the factory and require a M6x1.25 thread to be tapped. Luckily the included hardware is self tapping, just requires some pretty small tools to properly install everything.
-
Saw Turner came out with a revised brake line kit that was stainless steel + zinc plated AND it was on sale over cyber Monday. Couldn't help myself. Finally got around to installing them tonight, and so glad I did because my factory line had a was pretty crusty and had a nasty gash in it that was probably pretty close to exploding! Bled the system with some fresh RBF600 after install
Oooo shiny
-
Very cool! Didn't know "newer" cars had the fire extinguisher option too. You could get them on E28's as well along with the spare mounted gas can too.
Definitely is! Seems like it's only a thing on newer cars in the EU, since I think there's certain countries that require them as part of inspection. Since the US doesn't have any requirements, they stopped offering them here and getting your hands on them is crazy hard. Although I know I could just get any generic gloria style canister, having an OEM one is cool!
-
Hopefully you never have to use it
Or it’s one of those situations where it’s the only thing you save from a car fire because of how rare it is
-
Hopefully you never have to use it
Or it’s one of those situations where it’s the only thing you save from a car fire because of how rare it is
I told my mother if her car ever lit on fire, just to let it burn. It'll be better that way.
Hello! It looks like you're interested in this conversation, but you don't have an account yet.
Getting fed up of having to scroll through the same posts each visit? When you register for an account, you'll always come back to exactly where you were before, and choose to be notified of new replies (either via email, or push notification). You'll also be able to save bookmarks and upvote posts to show your appreciation to other community members.
With your input, this post could be even better 💗
Register Login