What did you do for your M3 today?

[zzyzx85]

Got mine smogged. Also attempted to replace the broken valve cover stud but my sockets were not skinny enough to fit into the valve cover pocket.

Not really motivated enough today to start grinding down a socket so maybe I'll wait until next valve adjustment or if it starts leaking.

[big,JON]

Finally got around to replacing the detent springs. Couldn't get access to the one behind the blind plug with the box still in the car, and unfortunately the 4 I did manage to replace were all fine. I guess I'm up for a GPS now!

[BlueBimmers]

Replaced rear rotors and pads at CCA DIY event Sunday. Went very smoothly. Also did oil and tightened parking brake.

[tlow98]

My car is Jet, so a bit easier to patch up. I'll have to look into sourcing a good fender. Might be a faster way to get the car fixed too.

I also got a quote from the same shop for a minor dent fix on the hood, which I would expect to be a PDR process, but they're quoting removal, paint, the whole 9. I'd hate to end up with a bondo-filled mess of a job.

these fenders are double walled. Repairing that all-metal will be tough. Due to the dubious nature of auto body shops I’m betting you’ll get a better result buying a used fender in good shape. Paint match it if you don’t think it matches well. But if it does match you’re in a great spot. If it needs to be painted then it won’t have any bondo in it.

im guessing the shop will just want to buy a new fender anyway.

[karter16]

Got a warrant of fitness for it today. Full marks to the inspector who recognised the CSL seats and struck up conversation with me about them! (Only person aside from my dad and 1 mate who has been remotely interested in them haha)


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[nahvkolaj]

these fenders are double walled. Repairing that all-metal will be tough. Due to the dubious nature of auto body shops I'm betting you'll get a better result buying a used fender in good shape. Paint match it if you don't think it matches well. But if it does match you're in a great spot. If it needs to be painted then it won't have any bondo in it.

im guessing the shop will just want to buy a new fender anyway.

Looked at the quote again and the more expensive shop wants to get a new fender so no metalwork or filler. New is not much more than a take-off and I haven't found a decent Jet one so it'll need paint anyway. Once the shop secured a fender they'll call me in.

[Fresh6390]

Backroad cruise with the neighbor.

[oceansize]

Backroad cruise with the neighbor.

I appreciate the Porsche 996 but it looks like hot doo-doo next to the glorious e46 m3 bodylines.

[Fresh6390]

I appreciate the Porsche 996 but it looks like hot doo-doo next to the glorious e46 m3 bodylines.

I agree. Never really noticed it until next to each other. BMW was definitely onto something in the early 2000s.

[Casa de Mesa]

I appreciate the Porsche 996 but it looks like hot doo-doo next to the glorious e46 m3 bodylines.

Lol, hot doo-doo

The E46 M3 has certainly stood the test of time. It still just looks spectacular.

Fresh6390 's CSL bumper and LMs certainly don't take anything away from it either.

[Lavatoad]

Updated my bluebus software, and replaced a thoroughly dry rotted windshield cowl

[Gt4]

Finally had time to finish my custom Euro cats (modified Z4M section 1).

I installed them on my Silver E46 M3, just need CSL
or Euro headers now…

[0-60motorsports]

Finally had time to finish my custom Euro cats (modified Z4M section 1).

I installed them on my Silver E46 M3, just need CSL
or Euro headers now…

Did you do that yourself with welding the cats? Beautiful work. I really want to weld in cats to my SS exhaust as im done with the smell.

[Gt4]

Did you do that yourself with welding the cats? Beautiful work. I really want to weld in cats to my SS exhaust as im done with the smell.

Yes did the welding myself. Z4M Coupe Section 1 is 3’’ longer than E46 M3 section 1 and flanges between section 1 & 2 have different orientation so cutted the flanges and rotated and welded back on.

Back in the days when I had my Z4M Coupe, I would modify US Z4M section 1, weld 2 o2 sensors bungs and an EGT bung to make them similar to the Euro Z4M section 1. It was perfect when installing catless headers. Euro Z4M have catless headers and longer cats in section 1. US Z4M have same cats headers as E46 M3 + a section 1 with cats. So when doing catless headers on a US Z4M, no need to replace the section 1, just modify it to accept post catsO2 and EGT unless you go with aftermarket headers.

[0-60motorsports]

Yes did the welding myself. Z4M Coupe Section 1 is 3’’ longer than E46 M3 section 1 and flanges between section 1 & 2 have different orientation so cutted the flanges and rotated and welded back on.

Back in the days when I had my Z4M Coupe, I would modify US Z4M section 1, weld 2 o2 sensors bungs and an EGT bung to make them similar to the Euro Z4M section 1. It was perfect when installing catless headers. Euro Z4M have catless headers and longer cats in section 1. US Z4M have same cats headers as E46 M3 + a section 1 with cats. So when doing catless headers on a US Z4M, no need to replace the section 1, just modify it to accept post catsO2 and EGT unless you go with aftermarket headers.

Awesome! Thats some nice welding. What cats did you go with? I wish I could just buy some reasonably priced cats to weld into my SS Sec 1