Nikkinokkinoo's BMW E46 M3 - Silverstone

[nikkinokkinoo]

Well, so here we go then a little blogy thing all about the BMW E46 M3. She is my 3rd BMW having has a 325CI Sport Conv in 2005 and then a 520D M Sport Touring in 2011.I have had one eye out for an E46 for a while (along with many other things). I’d wanted a manual if truth be told with a decent mileage and good service history. I’d looked at a couple but they had a few little niggles.This one came up privately from a chap who was moving to Australia. He brought it from BMW Dealership in 2015 and had a full BMSH. The SMG Box was replaced under warranty in October 2016 – one less thing to worry about.

Spec, SMG box, Silverstone Blue with Interlargos blue leather interior. Referred to as the ‘Silverstone Edition’ 50 were made in with the same spec at the end of 2004, 20 in manual and 30 with SMG. They came fully loaded with Sat Nav, Blue Tooth, Harmon Kardon Stereo, Folding Mirrors, TV, 19” alloys, etc. Mileage was 64k which is low for year (Reg’d 2005) but maybe not as low as I would have liked. Took it for a test drive, had a look over it all looked good – so struck a deal on price and the job was done.

Initial impressions were Ok but the thing that was really detracting from the ownership experience was some tramlining on uneven roads or changes in tarmac conditions. The SMG box takes some getting used to. I must admit when I first went out on a proper drive in it I got straight back in the WR1 and had to drive a manual for 10 mins. I joined an M3 forum and this tramlining seems to be quite a common issue with them.The tyres were quite low on it so I thought I would get a cheap set to see if the tyres were the cause. Picked a set of like 19” up from ebay with matching Kumho tyres. Fitted them last weekend before the meet and what a difference it made. Tram lining completely gone, like a different car. Closer inspection on the old tyres and they look to have uneven ware on the fronts.So the route cause is probably an alignment issue which I will have addressed in due course. Its running the Kumho tyres at the moment.

Here are a couple of photos of her:












The SMG box is a totally different driving experience. It’s growing on me, it changes quicker than I could in a manual when you turn it right up with the DCT off and has a nice rev match blip on the down shift. Still more clunky than the DSG boxes but for its time not too bad. It gives you a range of options to change gear from full auto, paddles and using the stick to shift as well. It reminds me of a BTCC sequential box when you’re using the stick, probably the most rewarding of the three to use. The sport button sharpens the throttle response and is pretty instant. No more power but really snappy acceleration for pedal input.Steering feel is good, not as sharp as the EVO as I think the rack is slower but pretty good.

Build quality is very good, as were my prior BM’s. If anything it’s a bit too refined with the windows up. I quiet often just drop the driver’s window so I can figure out what the engine is doing. Interior is a nice place to be, sat nav is dated and I don’t think I’ll ever use it. Stero is great with the HK sound system. Seats are supportive but less so than a bucket on an Scooby or EVO.Crusie control is a nice touch especially on that section of the M3 which is 50mph for the world’s longest road works.If I set the cruise control to 60 and just let it chug along on its own it was getting mid 30 MPG’s, but typically its about 23-26 with a few squeezes of the throttle.Engine is a tower of power and likes to be revved to get the most from it. I love the raspy sound of the tuned straight six. Gear change on the most extreme setting is rapid, quite aggressive, you can see why so many have issues with the rear subframe with all that power going through the back end. Handling is good but not really got near any limits yet. I won’t launch it as I don’t like to launch my cars.

So on the list of things to be done:

· Inspection II due in the next month – booked in to a local BMW specialist in a couple of weeks
· Get some decent tyres which will be track focused but probably not a full on track tyre (MPS4 maybe)
· CSL Reps alloys or something similar
· Get a wheel alignment done
· Track Pads – Performance Friction
· Change brake fluid
· Jack it up and clean the underside / wheel wells
· Check sub frame (hold breath)


I was thinking of getting some Mod’s done but I think I’m going to steer away from it at the moment, just see how she runs out of the box.

I’m getting used to the RWD, in the damp its quite easy to light the rears and you have to be ready to catch it. I’ll get used to it but will take a little bit.I think it’s quite an ideal ring car for getting there and back and doing a few laps. Don’t think I will get a second set of wheels in it unless I put some roof bars on it so may just take one spare wheel.

All for naw…..laters

[Steve_PPP]

I stopped in that spot after the meet for a quick look at the view. Lovely car you have there

[BIG"E"]

Nice write up Nick just want to see it on a track now..

[Matt23]

Very nice pictures and write up Nick, the car looks fantastic

[NL03Scooby]

Lovely car and a good read, always liked the E46 looks and especially the road presence of the M3

[Rdlangy1]

Great looking machine and excellent write up

[nikkinokkinoo]

Quick update - ordered a set of CSL Replica wheels and Pilot Sport 4 tyres. They seem to get a really good rating in both dry and wet conditions. Went with the CSL tyre sizes which are slightly wider and lower profile than that of the standard M3. Hopefully get them all fitted next week.

Inspection II service (that's the big one for a BM) is booked in for next week, they service the Vanos unit (valve clearances, something like this). Just need to get a wheel alignment done and then I think that's about it for the time being.

Blyton booked for Easter Weekend (sorry Ian not doing Brands)

[Rdlangy1]

Atleast when the big service is done, you know everything should be sorted for a while...

[Granby]

Did you go for the Pilot Sport 4 or Pilot Sport 4S?

[BIG"E"]

Originally Posted by nikkinokkinoo

Blyton booked for Easter Weekend (sorry Ian not doing Brands)

No probs mate, it looks very flat with plenty of run off..

[scooby doo]

very nice car and good write up

[nikkinokkinoo]

Originally Posted by Granby

Did you go for the Pilot Sport 4 or Pilot Sport 4S?

S you say - S sounds better, I like better, S I want, S I need, do you think i brought S ?




Balls

It looks like its hard to get the rear tyre in the S for the CSL fit, but I probably can get it. Rethink....

I've spent so long looking at tyres is like a second job......

[Granby]

4S replaces the Michelin Pilot Super Sport and reports say it's even a better tyre, what size do you need?

[nikkinokkinoo]

Originally Posted by Granby

4S replaces the Michelin Pilot Super Sport and reports say it's even a better tyre, what size do you need?

I know - TBH thats what I thought I brought.

235 35 19 on the front 265 30 19 on the rear.

Cant change my order on Tyreleader now though - annoyingly.

[Granby]

Maybe refuse delivery when they arrive

http://www.oponeo.co.uk/tyre-details...l-zr#136374119

http://www.oponeo.co.uk/tyre-details...l-zr#136362473

[nikkinokkinoo]

Originally Posted by Granby

Maybe refuse delivery when they arrive

http://www.oponeo.co.uk/tyre-details...l-zr#136374119

http://www.oponeo.co.uk/tyre-details...l-zr#136362473

[Ginola]

Cracking cars these I didn't get on with the smg box when I last drove a 46 M3 but I understand it can be a lot better with a gearbox ecu flash you can have the CSL software flashed in. The chassis on the e46 is a brilliant one.

Looking forward to more updates Nick she looks super tidy

[nikkinokkinoo]

So little update.

Tyres turned up from Tyre Leader and they actually sent the S's not the normal. But annoying as I brought the S version from Openeo - arrrrrrgggggg

Alloys have arrived and look good - applying some Poor Boys sealant to them.

It's in for the big service today, I have chosen a small independent BM specalist in Leatherhead - they are a couple of Ex Cooper BM mechanics. http://bmssurrey.co.uk/

Seem good, and cheaper rates than BMW Main Stealer. They have found a few things that need doing - rear coil spring is broken, small oil leek from the thermostat housing, rear exhaust mount, all in about £1100 (ouch). but the good news is that its one of the best that they have seen and no issues with the rear subframe.

Just need to get the tyres on the rims and get an alignment done and it should be sorted in every department.

Going to order some PF pads and toying with some lowering springs to drop it slightly.

Blyton is booked for Easter Saturday.

[Granby]

Sods law they sent the S version, well at least you have a spare set now and give them a good hammering , if they had been 245's on the front i would of had them off you if you didn't need them

[Bolesroor]

Yes ouch on the service cost but always nice when your car gets a positive thumbs up from the guys in the know. The car is a good one Nick , I will look forward to more updates

[Ginola]

Wheels look nice £1100 sounds steep for that work


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[nikkinokkinoo]

Originally Posted by Ginola

Wheels look nice £1100 sounds steep for that work

The inspection II service is £900 from BMW they do it for £650 + they are doing the brake fluid, so its about 400 for all the other bits - but yes, most expensive service I have ever paid for.

[NL03Scooby]

That's quite a chunk of cash, but the peace of mind you get from having everything checked, changed and refreshed on an unfamiliar car is worth it.

Wheels look tasty, new rubber wrapped around those will sort the car nicely, sounds like you have plenty of the stuff to choose from!

[nikkinokkinoo]

====> M3 Update

So over the last week we have got the tyres on the rims and had an alignment done. Two wheels were out, but I think the bigger issue was the tyres which were causing the initial tram lining.

The tyre spec's are the same as the CSL, so bit lower profile and wider, 235 front 265 rear. They do feel a but firmer due to the loss in flex of the side wall. If you were driving it daily maybe the 18" would be a better option.








Today I did a track day at Blyton Park. Car went great, Pilot 4s had loads of grip. Balance of the car on track is really sweet, you feel the 50 50 weight distribution feels well balanced. The steering is not as aggressive / direct as the EVO but it very good. Brakes are ok but after a few hot laps they did seem to fade a bit. If I was going to turn it into a fully fledged track machine I think you'd have to go big brake. I did switch the DCT off on a later run which instantly lighted the rears up so off it went again. Seems to do its job well and not as disruptive as other traction control systems I have driven. Standard suspension is a bit wallowy in comparison to the coilovers of the EVO or S3. The up side is getting to and from a track (and the ring) its a lovely refined place to be. SMG box, works well on track. I think the down shift is dimpled on the under side to let you know when spinning the wheel which paddle is which. I think thats the case, or may be prior owned got some chewing gum on it.

Good day, set me up for the ring. I don't think this is going to be my long term track motor, but will be spot on for the Ring.

[Ginola]

Glad you enjoyed it at Blyton they are so well balanced on circuit and as you say leagues away in terms of refinement on road to Subaru's and Evo's etc.

looking forward to seeing it in the flesh

[bigemp]

looks good and nice to hear your opinions on them as think i will change to one after the ring

[Rdlangy1]

Glad u had a good day on track matey

New wheels look spot on!

[nikkinokkinoo]

Few Photos from Blyton Park. Really could do with some coilovers but I don't think I'm going to mess to much with the standard nature of the car.

Ready for the ring - at least it will be a comfy cruise over there

[Rdlangy1]

Looking nice

[Ginola]

That looks lovely Nick


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[Bolesroor]

looking good Nick .

[BIG"E"]

Originally Posted by nikkinokkinoo

Ready for the ring - at least it will be a comfy cruise over there

We you be joining us this year on the trip down??

[nikkinokkinoo]

Originally Posted by BIG"E"

We you be joining us this year on the trip down??

Corse I will BIG E alarm set an every thing.

Cheers guys!

[nikkinokkinoo]

Worlds most boring update - slight vibration on the front end. I think its pad residue build up. Any one had this. Loads left on the pads. I've ordered new disc's any way. I think the M3 will be going soon to make way for something a but more new age.

[BIG"E"]

Originally Posted by nikkinokkinoo

Worlds most boring update - slight vibration on the front end. I think its pad residue build up. Any one had this. Loads left on the pads. I've ordered new disc's any way. I think the M3 will be going soon to make way for something a but more new age.

I thought the M3 had gone already??

The vibration is probably rust build up

Still got the Civic??

[Steve_PPP]

E46 M3 is still one of the best looking beemers ever made imo, has stood the test of time well

[nikkinokkinoo]

Originally Posted by BIG"E"

I thought the M3 had gone already??
The vibration is probably rust build up
Still got the Civic??

Could be it's not been used much - still have the Civic.

[nikkinokkinoo]

I’m doing MECHANIC things in real life!!

Last time I changed brakes was on my XR2 in the middle of winter in about 1998.

Can’t get the callipers off but will keep trying - YouTube says I just need to force back the pistons - why I have to go near the engine is beyond me but let’s give it a whirl 😃👋




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[Steve_PPP]

lol, caliper bolts stiff? Most of the time I end up needing a 2ft breaker bar to crack them off on cars i've done discs/pads on. Make sure you're using 6 sided sockets rather than 12 sided to minimise risk of rounding anything off.

G clamp makes it easy to push the pistons back in, take the cap off the top of the brake fluid reservoir first though

[nikkinokkinoo]

Originally Posted by Steve_PPP

lol, caliper bolts stiff? Most of the time I end up needing a 2ft breaker bar to crack them off on cars i've done discs/pads on. Make sure you're using 6 sided sockets rather than 12 sided to minimise risk of rounding anything off.

G clamp makes it easy to push the pistons back in, take the cap off the top of the brake fluid reservoir first though

Were you watching me Steve? I used a G clamp to compress the caliper and had to use a length of steel pipe as a breaker bar of sorts on a spanner to get a couple of the bolts off. One side is done - I'll see if I can get the other done tomorrow and hopefully fix the issue.

Need to get me a breaker bar with all my new found garage skills, innit.

[Red Baron]

A big breaker bar is invaluable along with a set of 6 sided impact sockets to fit it, I'd recommend going for 1/2" drive over 3/8", I've just gone a step further and bought myself an 18V impact gun, great for wheel changes.

[Steve_PPP]

Originally Posted by nikkinokkinoo

Were you watching me Steve? I used a G clamp to compress the caliper and had to use a length of steel pipe as a breaker bar of sorts on a spanner to get a couple of the bolts off. One side is done - I'll see if I can get the other done tomorrow and hopefully fix the issue.

Need to get me a breaker bar with all my new found garage skills, innit.

That's how I started.... then last year I bought one of these to store tools in as the collection grew! (before that, i had a tool 'bucket'!)


That's full already!

[Red Baron]

I've got that base unit plus my Dads old mid box and top box and still don't have enough room.

[NL03Scooby]

Be grateful you are not having to ‘crack’ the bolts off a set of Sti Brembo’s, normally it’s a case of freeing off the threads rather then tight bolts, often a case of playing ‘Brembo bolt roulette’...

Repair job and a bill then follows, or you end up giving up on Brembo’s all together and opting for something else.

[nikkinokkinoo]

Bit wet last night so my Friday night was spent doing the other side. Did it pretty quickly. Went out for a drive and all good. I don’t know if there is a touch more travel in the pedal but I can’t fully remember what it was like before and I’ve been nursing the brakes for a couple of months. Not that I really drive it much. The vibrations gone so must have been the discs.

I’ve never given it the beans in fully auto mode but tried it tonight. Bloody fast, and really holds it in gear. I’d forgotten what a mighty engine it has. Need to drive it more.




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[scooby doo]

Cracking car.
Plenty of them at the ring and going very very well.