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

[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]

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

[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]

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]

Some more parts/supplies came in.

For suspension:
Front strut reinforcement plates
Rear Monoball RSM's with reinforcement plates.


For maintenance:
Oil (finally trying something different)
Oil filter
Vanos filter kit
New drain plug, o rings, washers

Just waiting on one last thing, free time, and warmer weather ***128526;

[KhanArt]

Last piece to phase 1 suspension overhaul. Although after doing a bunch of modifications and maintenance on all my cars this winter, I think I'm on strike until we get temperatures over freezing.

Hopefully I'll have these on along with the monoball RSM's and front strut reinforcement plates soon. Then I'll just need to do an alignment and oil change.

I'll be done with suspension then for now and can focus on overhauling another area.

[KhanArt]

Update: 1/21/18 CPV O Ring Change, Oil/Filter Change, Vanos Filter Change


I had an oil leak from my CPV for some time now. I kept pushing it off since everyone said it's a pain with headers on the car. Well after getting advice from fellow E46 M3 owner friends saying it was easy. I was able to knock it out and change the O Ring. I used the socket and O Ring from Mpower22 on M3forum. The most challenging part if any was figuring out which combination of tools to use. I used 3/8th ratchet with 6 inch extension with an adapter to fit to my 1/2 inch socket. I cleaned the area with brakleen and will inspect later to make sure the leak is gone.

DIY Link can be found here:

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=358941

Link for the tool and O Ring can be found here:

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=369406

First time changing my oil with something other than Castrol. Went with Motul 8100 X-Power 10W60. Too soon to really provide any feedback. She was running cooler than usual but it also was 39 degrees out. I think I'll be getting a fluid extractor moving forward.







DIY Oil Change Video for Reference:

HOW TO: BMW E46 M3 Oil Change (2001 to 2006 Model Years) - YouTube






Changed my vanos filter and O rings. I do it every oil change. Very quick and easy.




DIY Vanos Filter Video for Reference:

Vanos Filter Change - YouTube

[KhanArt]

Crickets.. Not much going on here. We got snow a few days ago. Waiting and hoping for better weather.


I did receive my Garagewelt skateboard deck and put it up in the garage. This setup will do until I move to a new place with a bigger garage.

[KhanArt]

Update: 7/08/18 Updated Eventuri air filter installed

I bought the updated Eventuri air filter a while back when it was on special and after the positive reviews I heard.

I had a few minutes so I slapped it on. Old filter barely had any miles on it but I can keep that as a spare.

Sorry for the crappy pics, was trying to rush and finish.

Removed





Old filter



New filter installed

[KhanArt]

Had a blast at Mpact as always. It was great seeing everyone. Few pics for now, I'll post up later once done editing.

[KhanArt]

I started putting pics up here:

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=600985

Here are some I took of mine

DSC_2127 by Khan Art, on Flickr

DSC_2106 by Khan Art, on Flickr

DSC_1964 by Khan Art, on Flickr

DSC_2128 by Khan Art, on Flickr

[KhanArt]

Update: 11/18/18 Morimoto XB LED Fog Lights installed

I had a free moment this weekend so I installed these Morimoto fog lights I bought from the group buy not too long ago.

Install was quick and easy. I adjusted both lights to the lowest setting for now. I will adjust later if needed and probably add clear film.

I love the light output, and they don't look bad when not on either. I honestly rarely used my stock fog lights so hopefully these new lights will get used.

*If someone has a link to clear film they recommend please post. I only need enough for the pair of fog lights.

Some pics:

[KhanArt]

Haven't posted here in a while, not much going on. Warmed up to 70 degrees today so pulled the car out and started her up. Took a quick spin to get everything to operating temps.

Emptied my catch can.





Bought updated OEM diff bolts, need to put those in still.



Bought some much needed lighting from Harbor Freight.







Did some maintenance and repair on my M Sport before I sold it :cry:







Replacement for the M Sport, 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio TI Sport. I like the M Sport better but it's the wife's daily so whatever..

[KhanArt]

Update: 03/17/19 New AN fittings and catch can hoses

I never was crazy about the rubber hoses that came with my Radium catch can so I installed this new hose and AN fittings I bought online.

I used this cutting tool I bought from Harbor Freight to cut the hose, it got the job done.

This was purely cosmetic, I like how it looks now better.

Before:





After:

[KhanArt]

Had a great time catching up with everyone at the 46M Meet.

Here are a few pics, rest can be found via link below.

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=607618

by Khan Art
by Khan Art