What did you do for your M3 today?

[0-60motorsports]

Finally got my custom 1x1 shift trim piece from carbonized_bg to match the CSL center console. It was exactly what I was expecting from him regarding quality and craftsmanship. Perfect gloss, perfect weave alignment.

Beautiful. My CSL console is sitting in a box as i need cupholders......after all these years over a decade i had to switch to the non Armrest center console for God damn cupholders LOL.

[hogger453]

I love Endless brake pads.

Whether street or track. Track a bit pricy but absolutely do not disappoint.

[davidinnyc]

Finally got my custom 1x1 shift trim piece from carbonized_bg to match the CSL center console. It was exactly what I was expecting from him regarding quality and craftsmanship. Perfect gloss, perfect weave alignment.

[Getgonz]

Today I popped in the mid pipes from Bimmerworld after the EU headers I bought here. The rasp took away from that mesmerizing sound of the Eventuri air box and intake setup. Just waiting on HTE for the tune and I’m done with the mods. Car sounds awesome.

[oceansize]

She's back. 3.91 diff (I love this ratio), euro headers, euro section 1, 76mm tips, pre/post cat O2 sensors routed properly and insulated, and lots of little bits refreshed. I discovered a bad ball joint on passenger side lower rear just as I went to lower the car. Ordered four new ones from rock auto. No exhaust leaks, no codes, all good. I'll throw a euro tune on soon, but I'm surprised how good it runs on the USA version. Exhaust sounds great.

Phase two is the Karbonious airbox (have it already) and all the associated goodness.

[Marc E46M3]

Did you use a PnP adapter for the amps? Any subs? Please provide more details

Yep, I added a sub as well. It’s a HELIX IK ES10.1-DVC2 10” loaded enclosure, powered by a separate MATCH UP 1FX mono amp. I wanted something that added good low end without giving up much trunk space, and the low-profile Helix enclosure fits the E46 trunk really well.

As for the PBP adapter, I’m actually not sure. Audio Systems did the install and mounted the UP 8BMW in the factory amp location. I know they retained the factory wiring as much as possible, but I’ll have to ask them whether they used a PBP adapter or made their own harness.

[I M Legend]

Did a pretty substantial audio upgrade recently, but tried to keep everything as OEM+ and reversible as possible.

Swapped in an XTRONS head unit for wireless CarPlay and optical out, Morel Virtus components up front, MATCH UP 8BMW DSP + UP 1FX amp, and a HELIX IK ES10.1-DVC2 10" sub. Doors and rear deck were also treated with sound deadening. Amps are hidden in the factory amp location, the sub takes up very little trunk space, and the Morels were installed with 3D-printed adapters so nothing had to be cut.

The difference is pretty dramatic compared to the BavSound system. Much cleaner sound, better imaging and bass, plus CarPlay and a backup camera, while the interior still looks relatively factory.

For anyone considering doing audio in an E46, the DSP and sound treatment are probably the two things I'd emphasize most. Better speakers are great, but getting the install and tuning right seems to be where a lot of the improvement comes from.

Happy to share more details on the setup if anyone is considering something similar. Full disclosure, the system was professionally installed so I can't answer any install questions

Did you use a PnP adapter for the amps? Any subs? Please provide more details

[Marc E46M3]

Did a pretty substantial audio upgrade recently, but tried to keep everything as OEM+ and reversible as possible.

Swapped in an XTRONS head unit for wireless CarPlay and optical out, Morel Virtus components up front, MATCH UP 8BMW DSP + UP 1FX amp, and a HELIX IK ES10.1-DVC2 10" sub. Doors and rear deck were also treated with sound deadening. Amps are hidden in the factory amp location, the sub takes up very little trunk space, and the Morels were installed with 3D-printed adapters so nothing had to be cut.

The difference is pretty dramatic compared to the BavSound system. Much cleaner sound, better imaging and bass, plus CarPlay and a backup camera, while the interior still looks relatively factory.

For anyone considering doing audio in an E46, the DSP and sound treatment are probably the two things I'd emphasize most. Better speakers are great, but getting the install and tuning right seems to be where a lot of the improvement comes from.

Happy to share more details on the setup if anyone is considering something similar. Full disclosure, the system was professionally installed so I can't answer any install questions

[hogger453]

Valve adj. Vanos, plugs oil change all done. I rebuilt these as well. One surprisingly was a little rough.

Not a tick, not a rattle.

Simply smooth harmony from the engine

[0-60motorsports]

I would suggest reinforcement plates if using the GC plates, they seem to have less surface area compared to others.

I wish I could use TMS plates, but they don't work with my TCK's unfortunately.

Yes Sir Already have plates for many years.

[OkayestDriver]

Sub-frame reinforced along with new bushings, stainless brake lines and fluid flush with RBF660, new output shaft seals in differential, transmission and differential fluid flush. Basically, driveline fluid baseline set and the last of the big 3 complete! Up next is installing a Recaro Pole Position ABE with the Maar-Shop mounting bracket that utilizes factory manual rails.

[Cubieman]

Excellent, Once i get them they'll be paired up with TMS or GC plates if i dont want to spend money.

I would suggest reinforcement plates if using the GC plates, they seem to have less surface area compared to others.

I wish I could use TMS plates, but they don't work with my TCK's unfortunately.

[~CSL~]

https://youtu.be/BgtId0jYjSI?is=QZYIQNOS9kAwgtDo

Started doing some sound recording. Mic in engine bay and near the exhaust. Pretty happy with the results!

This is really great - keep at it.

Funny story... In either 1999 or 2000, I was at the Cleveland Auto Show and BMW was promoting the E46 M3 as the release drew near. In their booth, they had a "room" built that you walk into, it was dark - but they were playing a video of the engine bay and the audio of a motor as is raced on a track (possibly Nürburgring). All you saw what the headers changing color continually and the roar of that lunatic motor. I was hooked; over the years I have looked for that video and have never been able to find it - but my word it was glorious - your video reminded me of it.

[0-60motorsports]

The B16s are more of what I’ve been wanting. They are “softer” but I think it’s a combo of a few things. The ST-XTA has integrated camber plates. Now I’m running the OEM mounts. We also raised the front about 10mm and took out 1.5 degrees of camber.
nothing bad to say about the ST coils. But the B16s fit my usage much better. The little things like man hole covers and seams in the pavement used to transmit some harshness into the body. That’s pretty much gone now. At this point I’m very happy with the change

Excellent, Once i get them they'll be paired up with TMS or GC plates if i dont want to spend money.

[Beef Supreme]

Dropped it off for the rod bearing service. Went with the VAC Motorsport bearings. While it's in, addressing an intermittent TCS light.