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

[KhanArt]

Not much going on here. My rear window weather striping finally started to go. Yea I know this is nothing compared to how bad some cars get but now I have a reason to replace it.






I ordered some 3M weather striping I just need to find time to do this.





I also bought another poster for the garage. Framed it and put it up. Yes I need to paint my walls.

[KhanArt]

She's getting up there

[KhanArt]

Update: 9/19/17 Project Kics R26 Black Chrome Lug Nuts/Locks

I upgraded my lug nuts from the standard bolts that came with my stud kit. I opted for the R26 model over the R40 because I did not want my lug nuts sticking out past my wheels. IMO the R26 is the best size for my wheels. I love how they look, black chrome but not flashy at all. They look like standard nuts. The quality is great and these are extremely light weight. Locks are included for a little added security. I recommend them aside from being pricey.

[KhanArt]

Update: 9/11/17 Polished Vanos and Polished Dip Stick

I finally took a stab at polishing my vanos. The results aren't bad considering I didn't put in much time and did it on the car without removing anything. I ran out of pads so I'll attempt to give it another shot later but it's much better than before.

I also purchased a polished dip stick to go along with my polished oil filter cap and polished vanos. Crappy potato pics for now, still need to give it a good wipe down but I'm satisfied for now.





In process picture gives you a perspective of the difference.

[KhanArt]

Update: 9/8/17 Motion Motorsport Aluminum Underpanel


I installed my Motion Motorsport E46 M3 Aluminum Underpanel today which I received a few days ago. This is the second version they made i believe. It's stronger than the stock piece for sure and should do a good job of protecting the belts from debris and water. Not a weight savings mod and some have argued about aerodynamics.


I still need to take a quick spin to make sure everything is tight and no odd noises are introduced by this but I'm satisfied with it as of now

[KhanArt]

Photos Dan took of my car at MPACT. Thanks Dan :hattip:




Khan Art, on Flickr

Khan Art, on Flickr

Khan Art, on Flickr

Khan Art, on Flickr

Khan Art, on Flickr

Khan Art, on Flickr

Khan Art, on Flickr

[KhanArt]

Update: 8/20/17 Radium Engineering Catch Can


Installed the Radium Engineering Catch Can that I picked up some time ago. I like it but may upgrade the hoses.









I also picked up this Mothers drill attachment which I was meaning to get for some time. Hoping this will make wheels and exhaust tips a breeze now.

[KhanArt]

Update: 8/11/17 TMS Pedals, MP Exhaust Hanger Plate, misc items

Gave the M a little attention Friday before I left for Mpact. Put some miscellaneous parts on that were collecting dust. Didn't get everything done that I would like but still happy regardless to get some stuff on the car even if just minor.

Replaced the M badge on my valve cover with a new badge. The old one was fading and bubbling.







Replaced my pedal set with a nicer set from Turner Motorsports.

Before


After


Installed this Exhaust Hanger Plate from MP Racing underneath the car.





Installed a jack pad that was missing. Already see damage from the car being jacked up without the pad there. Lastly new license plate led bulbs and covers since I had a light out and broken cover.













Random shot of exhaust



All my tires were low on pressure. I added air to around 35 psi. I assume that is fine for regular street use. By the way the Pilot Super Sports are great in the rain. Got stuck in a bad rain storm on my way back from the Poconos and they handled like a champ.

[KhanArt]

Thanks Alex! Fall-Line Motorsports Monoball Rtab's.

[KhanArt]

So after not sure how many months from receiving both prints from Wes I finally finished framing both pieces and putting them in there final locations. Prints were slightly too large for the frames but I made them work.

Hopefully I can make some time soon to install some of the parts I ordered earlier this year.

[KhanArt]

Final high res jpegs just came in from Wes. I cannot stress how pleased I am with the turnout of these prints. I haven't even received my 24x36 print and am already blown away. Wes was very easy to work with and was able to meet all my requirements. The level of detail is amazing. I highly recommend him and will use him again. Please check out his work at Motive Artworks.

[KhanArt]

Received a few things in the mail and waiting on some more. Just don't have the time so these small projects will have to wait for now. Will post actual pictures once I get to it.

I bought a Milwaukee Rotary tool with Dremel accessories and metal polish. Going to attempt to polish my vanos.






I also received some 3M wrap for my steering trim and interior door handles. Figured I give this a shot before I replace the trim which would be prone to chipping again. Pretty close match to titan shadow. I'm not excited to do this myself.




Finally I just now ordered this brace to replace the oem one under the car. Very happy with my oil cap from Max (mpracing) so I'm sure this will be great too. It's on sale so I recommend hopping on it now.

[KhanArt]

Update: Spacers round 5 or 6

Ditched the 7mm spacers all around and went with 5mm front and 10mm rear H&R spacers. Haven't been able to push her extremely hard because of the weather but seems to be no rubbing.











Put my fog light covers and usb adapter in as well.





And just got some other very minor items to address. M badge for the valve cover, current one was bubbling. Jack pad since I lost one some where along the way, and license plate light covers since the last ones I got weren't correct.



Hopefully weather warms up and I'll actually do some work and use my camera for pictures. I'm looking to polish my vanos and wrap some interior trim as well.

[KhanArt]

Update: November/December 2016 Detail/Single Step Paint Correction, Spacers, Gloss Black Grills and Gills, Trunk Badge, Misc Parts/Supplies

This update is a bit overdue. Busy with work and kids and just a bit lazy. Anyways a recap of some small items over the past few months. Cell phone pics for now.

Not sure if the results show in the pictures but I spent some nights in November detailing and doing a single step paint correction. What was done:

Wheels/tires cleaned with Ammo Brute, Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner, and dressed with Car Pro Perl. Various brushes (Wheel Whoolies, Speed Masters, ect.)
Foam wash with Chemical Guys Honey Dew soap
Decon with Car Pro Iron X
Clay bar Meguiars
Nanoskin Autoscrub
Washed again with Chemical Guys Gloss Workz
Dried with Ammo Hydrate
Polished with Menzerna SF4000 using Rupes LHR75E HD and LHR21 Mark II
Prepped with Car Pro Eraser
Coated with Ammo Reflex
Sealed with Menzerna Power Lock
Waxed with P21S paste wax
Spray wax with Ammo Spit
Windows with Stoners Invisible Glass

Last order of detailing supplies for the year.










Added 12.5mm ECS Tuning spacers up front, did not like how far the wheels poked so removed them after a few days. .







Then went to 7mm spacers from VAC Motorsports. Played around with the rear spacers as well. I think I want to move up to 10mm in the rear.



Went from matte black to gloss black grills and gills. I actually am liking these. Anyone local interested in my matte grills and gills pm me.







Colors on my trunk badge were fading so I replaced it.





Also some more odds and ends that I haven't popped in yet. Fog light covers, license plate bulb covers, and LED license plate bulbs.




Hope to do some small upgrades over the winter.

[KhanArt]

Update (10/23/2016) Oil Change/Vanos Filter

Nothing exciting but changed the oil/filter this weekend and the vanos filter.





I purchased some gloss black grills and gills. I'm not sure how I feel about them until I put them on the car. Also some spacers for my wife's M Sport. I'll post pictures once I have everything on.



Lastly some more detailing tools and supplies including the Rupes 75 mini, excited to use that with my 21ES Mark II.