KhanArt's Jet Black///Cinnamon 6spd E46 M3 build journal

[KhanArt]

I haven't been able to work on the car because it's been freezing here for the past few weeks but picked up some new tools.

I love tools 😍

BMW scanner, although I was spoiled from the Autel ds808 I was borrowing, this scanner should be more than I need for the time being, plus I snatched it on sale.

New scanner



Sweet Autel I was borrowing



New 2.5 ton light weight aluminium racing jack. I already have the 1.5 ton for years and it's been great but one jack is never enough.



Cheap spring compressor, hopefully this does the job. Should only need it once.

[KhanArt]

Is anyone shocked that I took my precious M out in the snow? ***128514; First time for everything.



My car had the SES light and some codes for a little while now. The basic software I had wasn't clearing them. Luckily I have an enthusiast in the neighborhood with a real racecar and sweet garage may I add that let me borrow his scan tool.

Ian does this car look familiar?



Well I was able to clear the codes, adaptations, and run some tests. I took the car for a spin to get some fuel and to see if the light would return but it hasn't. It seems all is well now and I can sleep easy again. I'll do a scan again tomorrow to make sure but the SES light is gone and car seems to be running like normal.



I will definitely be getting a scan tool myself. Especially with me doing more advanced work on my cars I should have one.

[KhanArt]

Got my calendars today for the new year. So cool how I finally got my car on the cover and inside. Thanks again!

[KhanArt]

Update: 12/28/17 Catch Can First Inspection

So I opened up my catch can today for the first time to inspect and it didn't disappoint.

It was a quarter full with liquid and yellow clumps.

I took it apart and cleaned it well. I'll be inspecting it very frequently. I was told this is absolutely normal especially in the cold. I should have installed it sooner.


Contents


Cleaned

[KhanArt]

Update: 12/28/17 Polish Vanos Round 2

So I wasn't completely happy with how my vanos turned out the first time I polished it. I wasn't able to reach all the areas. Jono Scottington Penny recommended a polishing pad kit that was like 80 pads in different sizes and shapes.

I picked up the kit and gave it another shot. This time I was pretty much able to reach everything but I realized I suck at polishing the vanos, at least on car. It looks much better but has scratches and marring. Oh well, I'm satisfied to the point where I'm considering it done. I also gave the rail a polish, not sure if it made a big difference though.


Buffing Pad Kit


In Process


As good as it's going to get for now

[KhanArt]

Update: 12/27/17 New Rear Michelin PSS Tires Hunter Road Force Mounted and Balanced

I took my tires (off car) today to GT Peace Automotive in NOVA to get mounted and balanced. They are an authorized dealer of ours and i met the owner previously. Enthusiast owned and operated. The owner previously had an E46 M3 and has a F30 335i M sport currently, both cars I have now so I know he knows them well. The shop was clean and staff was professional and courteous. I'll be going back for an alignment. I recommend them if you are in the area.

Anyways, rear tires are mounted and road force balanced which is a plus! I'm just waiting for the biggest piece of my suspension overhaul to arrive then i can get an alignment once installed.



Artwork in the waiting area


Shop Racecar


Off to get mounted and balanced



New rubber installed

[KhanArt]

Update: 12/24/17 Turner Motorsport Monoball FCAB's installed

Let me begin by stating that I have been waiting for the Fall Line Motorsports fcab's for some time. Alex at PE and FL are probably annoyed by me inquiring about them so much. Well I didn't want to delay my suspension overhaul any longer and the TMS Monobal fcab's went on sale for a good discount so I had to jump on them. It was my top choice before I heard about FL.

Install was straight forward, easier and quicker than the rtab's I just did. The old fcab's came off without a fight but... the TMS bushings that came already pressed were known to have some reports of fitment issues. I took a gamble hoping I could save time on install but had some issues. The passenger side holes lined up without too much hassle but the drivers side didn't. I was able to get one bolt in but the other I had to force in, smh. I hope i didn't cross thread it. Turner F'd up on this one. They should have just used oem housings. I don't recommend getting the bushings already in the housings, just press them in your self.

Anyways on to the bushings. Seem to be very nice pieces. Pretty neat how they move around in the housings. I only took the car for a test drive to check for anything odd or nvh and didn't notice anything. Drove with the windows down and radio off. Will give it a harder test after I get my new rear tires mounted.

I also tried to clean my cover like Eumir Deleon lol but it was too dirty. I'll try again later if I have time or think about getting a new one.


Fcab's, grease gun, nozzle, grease



Cover and OEM fcab's removed



Cover cleaned as best as I was willing to



In, before everything torqued down





Good video on TMS Monoball bushings:

BMW Front Suspension Bushings Explained - YouTube

[KhanArt]

Update: 12/22/17 Fall-Line Motorsports Monoball RTAB's installed

Install was pretty much straight forward with some small challenges of having to do it without a lift. The passenger side was still a PITA even with the Rtab tool.

With some persistence and a lot of swearing the job was done. I'm impressed with how the Rtab bracket articulates with the Monoball style compared to standard rtab's.

Took the car for a quick spin to make sure nothing was off and no nvh. Everything checked out okay. Can't wait until I can really test these.

Next on the list of winter projects is Turner Motorsport Monoball FCAB's, hope to install this weekend.













Good Rtab DIY video for reference:

eplacing Rear Trailing Arm Bushings on BMW 3 series 92 thru 05, Z4 thru 08, X3 thru 10 - YouTube

[KhanArt]

New PSS rear tires arrived. Need to install my Fall Line rtab's, get these tires mounted, and then alignment.

Although I'm thinking of trying to correct the rear toe myself and holding off on an alignment until I get more suspension components in. I rather only do an alignment once. Plus I probably won't be driving much over the winter.

[KhanArt]

Kinda sad to see these go knowing I probably won't find another set this clean. They've been sitting in my garage for years and I got my asking price so good riddance.

Time for new rear tires on my current set.

Edit: Already regret letting them go, loved the clean OEM look ***128546;

[KhanArt]

Update: 11/29/17 OEM Oil Cap

All in the details. I have to thank "Kaiv" for bringing this to my attention. I usually prefer updated parts but I like this older oil cap better with the M logo. Best part it's OEM!

Before left, after right. Much better now.

[KhanArt]

Update: 11/24/17 Rear Fenders Rolled (Again)


Long story, I will try to make it short as possible but no promises. Ever since I switched to my current setup of 10.5 et27 rear wheels, 275 PSS tires, and 10mm spacers I have experienced slight rubbing. On hard acceleration and dips, nothing to lose sleep over. I was planning on addressing it with suspension upgrades when I did my suspension over haul. About a month ago however I gave a fellow enthusiast a spin in my car and did a 1st to 2nd red line pull in which I spun the tires bad going into 2nd. Well ever since the passenger rear has been rubbing badly. To the point where the top part of the sidewall was getting shaved off. Obviously something was wrong, I figured RTAB's went to crap, bad alignment, ect. I couldn't live with this so I wanted to roll the inner lip on the fenders in to begin with. I had the fenders rolled previously when I first purchased the car, although it solved my issue at that time whoever did it barely folded the inner lip.


So I borrowed a Eastwood fender roller from Stuart. If you guys know who he is you know about his sweet home garage and amazing stable of BMW's. It was a pleasure to meet him and drool over his garage and cars. I have attached a few pics below (he no longer has the X5M but has a E30 M3).







Back on topic, I removed my passenger rear tire shocked to see the inner edge of the tire was done. Although I had the tires for about 2.5 years I barely put a few thousand miles on them. Not just that I installed spacers earlier this year and the tires were fine then. My rtab must of died because I had terrible toe wear. Luckily I purchased Fall Line Rtab's not too long ago. I just ordered the Rtab tool and will be doing the install next. Unfortunately I will have to buy a new set of rear tires. Once the Rtab's and tires are installed I will be getting an alignment.








I went ahead and rolled both rear fender inner lips completely flat. Took it for an initial test drive and did not experience any rubbing so that is a good sign. I have a spare set of wheels but plan to take it easy until the issue is resolved.

Lesson learned, change your rtab's every 60k miles or earlier.

[KhanArt]

Update: 11/10/17 Eventuri Intake

Yes over a month ago I purchased the Eventuri intake. I just installed it last weekend. Don't worry a CSL Airbox is still the ultimate plan but in the mean time I wanted to give this a shot.

There is a bunch of reviews on it so I'll try to keep this short. Install was easy and straight forward. I like how it looks, I decided to rotate the orientation of the plaque and remove all stickers for a clean look. Haven't driven it much but the car seems to have a little more mid range kick. I was a little disappointed in the sound however, everything I read was saying intoxicating sound but I don't think it was a huge difference. I would like to think my exhaust system isn't on the louder side and droning it out. Overall I like it I just wish it had a louder induction grunt.

As for tune and dyno I'll eventually see if Frank can squeeze anything out of my tune with my current setup. As long as I'm not loosing power I'll be happy.













I also got a PSDesigns carbon fibre ram intake scoop to help with airflow.

[KhanArt]

Update: 11/19/17 PSDesigns Carbon Fibre Ram Intake Scoop and OEM Beauty Cover


I sourced a PSDesigns carbon fibre ram intake scoop. If it may possibly help airflow I'm all for it.










I was able to source a beauty cover from Frank Millo. This will be garage art until I can find someone to professionally hack it up to my liking or I try to diy myself.

[KhanArt]

After some effort, I finally got Hot Wheels to make my car!