WIBIMMERS

*For those more active members, this is the known as the loudest E46 M3 around

For sale is my 2002 BMW M3 (E46). This is a slicktop model (no sunroof). I have been unable to find reliable data about the rarity of slicktop models, but anecdotaly they appear to be quite rare. The motor has stock internals (minus the prior owner having the bearing recall done). It has 90,000 original miles on the car. The oil is changed every 1,000 miles with Redline's 10W 60 Oil. Transmission and differential both have Redline's own brand of high temp fluids. The car is definitely loud both in sound and appearance. The low stance, big tires, racing seats, and dark rims get looks and comments wherever it goes. I have roughly $30,000 into the vehicle (not including the purchase price – see below). I have built the car to almost track day specifications. A cage or harness bar would be the final piece of that build.

Engine -The car runs strong and has no engine issues. The catless header does cause O2 codes – see exhaust section below

Body - the body is in fair condition - the car is not a show car it has some minor scratches/nicks.  Kidney grill and side vents were swapped from chrome to black

Interior – the interior of the car is the part of the build I did not finish. I gutted the car for track day usage. The speakers, amplifier, radio, etc. have all been removed. I did not delete any of the wires in the harness, so someone could reconnect or remove those unused wires. My car suffered from the E46 painted trim issues. It bubbled and cracked. I got a coverup kit for it, but I would recommend buying the new trim pieces. I still have much of the interior in storage – Stock seats, OEM rims and tires, intake, etc. if someone wishes to go back to a full interior. The largest item that would need to be purchased would be the carpet.

Handling -The car drives very well. The suspension and set up makes the car handle very well. Please note that the suspension, bushings, seat, and tires mean that the ride is more track oriented. The car is very stiff!

History / Full Disclosure

The vehicle suffered a crash at Blackhawk Farms a few years ago. After this crash I had the driver side front fender touched up, the hood touched up, bought a new front bumper with new bumper shocks, had a new OEM trunk installed, had the passenger rear quarter panel and tail light pocket completely rebuilt, and bought a new rear bumper and bumper bar. When I had the front of the car apart I upgraded the radiator, the water pump, thermostat, and oil cooler. I took the vehicle to International Autos for a complete scan on their body scan system to confirm that the “safety box” of the vehicle was unchanged and square. It was confirmed that it was square and fully intact. All of the body work was performed by a professional. There is no record of the accident on the vehicle history report (carfax) as the incident was not reported to the officials (accident was on a racetrack not on a roadway)

Modifications

Engine

AFE Stage 2 CAI

VAC Underdrive Pulley Set

CPV replaced 2013

Vanos Filter replaced 2013

Polyurethane Motor Mounts

A/C Delete

Secondary Air Pump Delete

Cooling

New Water Pump 2015 (updated plastic impeller)

Lower (55 deg C) Thermostat 2015

Silicone Radiator Hoses 2015

SPAL Pull Electric Fan (Clutch Fan Deleted) 2015

Mishimoto Aluminum Radiator

Mishimoto Upgraded Oil Cooler

Exhaust

Status Gruppe Catless Header - This does cause a O2 error to trigger

Bimmer World Mid-Pipe (I have both Resonated and Straight Pipes) – I currently have the resonated pipe installed.

Section 3 is also the Bimmerworld Race Exhaust

Suspension

Height Adjustable Progressive Coilovers

Turner Motorsports Front and Rear Sway Bar & adjustable endlinks

Powerflex FCAB

Powerflex RCAB

Rear Subframe Reinforcement (Turner Kit)

-The mounting points were in perfect condition when this preventative item was done – I have photos of this process

Powerflex Poly Subframe Bushings

ECS Tuning Adjustable Lower Control Arms

Rear Strut Bar

Cusco Front Strut Bar

Front Camber Plates

Corner Balanced (Big Bear Tire)

Drivetrain

Replaced Flex Disk 2014

Polyurethane Transmission Mounts

BMW 128d Euro Model Shifter (OEM BMW short throw option for e46 M3)

ZHP weighted OEM Shift Nob

Brakes

Stoptech Stage 2 Upgrade (rotors, pads, SS lines)

Motul 600 Brake Fluid

Wheels

Apex Arc 8’s – Matte Black

Have OEM rims as well

Tires

4X – Dunlop Dirrezza Star Specs 275’s

Interior

OMP First R Seats (X2)

VAC Adapter Seat Brackets (X2)

Simpson 6pt Harness (X2)

Scan Gauge 2

Interior Strip/Gut

Appreciate it.

https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/6136350489.html

ive got some interest in buying this, figured id see if anyone knows about it.

Thank you

As of right now, I'm planning on going as well.  These are always fun.

gosharik12 said:

The images might still be uploading: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9rGpT-GS331YnlUYUgybVpuUlE

gosharik12

Thanks for taking photos!

Great to see everyone again.

i_love_cars said:

Indeed. Likelihood of crashing is low. The most dangerous times on track are during passing typically, and the highest frequency of issues comes in Intermediate run groups for obvious reasons. 

Novice is usually fine and I can't stress enough what Boris said about understanding your focus will be tested. I've taken myself off and skipped the final session of a day before because I could tell my fatigue was setting in. Smartest thing you can do is know when you're too tired. This shit really takes a lot out of you. I've had some buddies that shoulda called it quits on 85 degree days and crash in the last session because they just can't keep focus. 

Again going back to the fact that I think you should run with either BMW CCA or MVP Tracktime, or both - they run really tight ships with great instructors, and as a result it's a very safe event. Remember in Novice groups everyone is going super slow, being very conservative, relatively speaking. Everybody builds up speed by the end of the day as people start to learn the line, their cars, and carry more speed through turns and it becomes a lot of fun. 

You'll be fine. 

Agreed...  know yourself and don't push your focus.  I've pulled myself out of the game on many occasions just knowing the limits of what I can do.  I'd also recommend Laps Inc. some seasoned drivers, instructors, etc.  

Rain has also not been a friend on the track for me... lol 

I will likely be running Blackhawk and RA at least once this year if I can get my car dialed in.

I plan on making it out there.  Still have to finish putting the noise maker back together, but I should have plenty of time.

I guess I was not clear in my comment.  I was discussing the personal benefits of entry level equipment for track days (HPDE).  HANS devices are/were not mandatory.  I would definitely agree that there is not replacement for the HANS device.  It's the route to go.  But, for people starting out and buying a helmet I would recommend what has worked for me.  Sadly I've been in too many wrecked BMW's and personally after being in an accident with one and without one, I noticed a large difference in overall neck travel and post accident muscle fatigue.  After reading the thread start regarding  the seat where headroom appeared to be an issue, I was lead believe that the seats are stock and/or a cage is not present.  Ergo, I was under the impression (perhaps false) that this was not a car in which a HANS device would be utilized.

Again, it's just personal experience for me with this item - nothing more nothing less.  If they have not benefited you in any way and/or work for your bottoms better - cheers.

Congratulations on the Board seat for the Badger Bimmers!

Another item to note...  As a guy who was in one horrific crash that turned into two crashes (was driving) and one small crash on a track (wasn't driving).  Spend the 30-40 bucks and get a neck donut if you aren't going full HANS.  They help support the weight of the helmet so your neck doesn't take as much of the strain and also it helps to straighten your neck.  Again, remember that adding a helmet also adds weight to your head when moving upon impact.  Cheap insurance;)

Love the topic.  I spent an hour waxing poetic on the subject, however, there was a glitch in the forum that deleted it all...  Great job on this one.

I know I'm late to the party and this recommendation is also potentially late...  I know on my S-motor I replace the micro filter on my Vanos unit roughly once a year.  It's super cheap, super easy to do, and I know a few people who have had a lot of luck with that preventing Vanos issues.

$0.02

TeachTheApex said:

Just put the M3 up for sale lol, I have a another kid on the way so I'm ditching all the pre 2000 car stuff and going back to owning a e60 but this time it will have a v10

I'd like to have an intervention...  but your stable always has something fun in it.  E60...  I was teasing myself with a 6spd manual this summer.  Get that 10'er

I agree - It's about time!  I assume you'll have you've already sold that M3 in the time it took me to post this reply...

#carADHD

I'm going to pile on a little.  But that is a very cool and unassuming color combination.  I've always loved that gen M5.  Have fun with the winter projects!

patsbimmer1 said:

This is awesome!  I can't imagine 560whp not being enough power on the track, I can't wait to get to that point in my driving ability!  

I second that...  I've got 5 or 6 track days under my belt on a mostly stock S54 and I have to do way more driver mod to get to that point.  I'd be very interested in seeing how that LS swap works with that transmission.  Either way that car will be an absolute beast!  Looking forward to more posts.

Thank you for taking the photos as well!  They look great... although I'm probably biased due to the car placement...

Thanks for setting everything up.

I'm planning on coming.  Unless there's a noise restriction...

M3 is always a good choice.  Can't wait for the first test drive!