What did you do for your M3 today?

[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.

[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

[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

[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 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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[hogger453]

I love Endless brake pads.

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

[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.

[~CSL~]

I love Endless brake pads.

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

Which pads specifically are you using? I have been moving all of my vehicles to G-Loc (https://www.g-locbrakes.com/products/brake-compounds/) on the GS-1 compound, but have not got to that point yet on the E46

[Keith_MN]

Dropped the van off at the tint shop and had a friend pick me up in the M.

[hogger453]

Which pads specifically are you using? I have been moving all of my vehicles to G-Loc (https://www.g-locbrakes.com/products/brake-compounds/) on the GS-1 compound, but have not got to that point yet on the E46

For the street MX-72 and does excellent for fast canyon driving. Excellent modulation with no fade.

[sd561]

well, i finally did the thing and it's all done. This was pretty seamless and that would have been impossible without the support of this forum. Special thanks (enormous understatement) to karter16 Bry5on heinzboehmer bavarian3 Slideways for their help - i reached out to each with stuff and the level of support is kinda unreal. we are a lucky lucky community.

what a glorious day it is. fitted the following:

- plain weave karb race w oe-style hardware
- Euro 02 harness, euro bracketry for 02s, genuine CSL air-rail and MAP in its factory spot (using MAP/IAT to MAF harness)
- Genuine CSL headers
- "Custom" Euro Section 1 courtesy of Gt4
- replaced Conti DWS06 with some fresh PS4S (235/265) + cursory alignment

have only put 30 or so annoying rush hour/stop n go miles but this weekend we will address this. Car feels and sounds ah-mazing just around town. not lumpy farty or anything weird, and it was slog just now in a scorching 94F at 530p

enough talk here's pics of my box. in case anyone notices i am replacing that hideous thick not-OE corrugation next to TPS; i see it, i hate it

[PSUEng]

I love Endless brake pads.

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

I'm about to put a set of MX72 on my Taco!!! But yes, great pads. I get from Blackhawk Japan.