My Slow Burn (E46 M3)

[Tbonem3]

I like how you turned your cheap da into the 3" maybe I'll do the same if/when I get a better machine. The last location is a cool spot let's see more!

[eforty6_m3]

Some updates, both M3 and garage/detailing-related:

Picked up a Maxshine M15 Pro Series II 15mm Dual Action Polisher to go along with my Adam's SK Micro Cordless Swirl Killer Polisher and my 6" HF Dual-Action polisher, which I've since added a 3" backing plate to in order to use as my dedicated 3" machine:








I also removed the motor from my SunJoe electric pressure washer and wall-mounted it (still need to clean up the wiring a bit):







My wife and I recently hung out with a buddy and his girlfriend. Had lunch on Federal Hill in Providence and then met up at my favorite brewery, Long Live Beerworks. Took a few photos of our cars:







Oh and spotted this rat rod cruising down Federal Hill:




About a week later, I decided to give some new leather products I had recently purchased a shot in restoring my worn armrest and shift knob. Swissvax Leather Cleaner and Swissvax Leather Milk. Pretty happy with how the armrest turned out, but I'll still probably replace it in the next year or so:








I also picked up this sweet tshirt from my buddies over at Revival Motoring (give their podcast a shot if you haven't heard of them):




Took the M3 on takeout duties and couldn't pass up the opportunity to snap a few photos:





Leaving Home Depot recently, I couldn't pass up this photo opp....clouds and sky were amazing that night:




End of September, we kept my oldest out of daycare and played hooky for his birthday, all in the M3 (which he loves to cruise in):











What else....um, took advantage of some really cool lighting at a nearby storage facility that was just recently built:





Hoping to get out once or twice more this week/weekend as the temps are expected to be back in the 60s. Then I'll be washing and storing her for the winter. And waiting until Spring to unleash her again.

[eforty6_m3]

I was using compressed air to dry my car before but we recently got that same "leaf blower" at work, it's really nice to use when drying off the car.

As was I. A leaf blower for drying cars is a game changer, but the key is ensuring the paint is protected. That way, the water blows off nice and easy. It's a little harder and takes longer on unprotected paint.

[Mike0032]

I was using compressed air to dry my car before but we recently got that same "leaf blower" at work, it's really nice to use when drying off the car.

[eforty6_m3]

Great build! Love your appreciation for washing/detailing. That daily spec is drool-worthy for sure. Those wheels are probably my favorite OEM wheel since the CSLs and portimao blue is pure sex. Also sweet garage.

Thanks, man, I really appreciate the kind words! And agreed, I love these wheels! They're up there with the CSLs, for sure, and the style 162's that I had on my E90:


I see you have a build thread that I will need to go through for sure in the next few days. Take care!

[skristedja]

Great build! Love your appreciation for washing/detailing. That daily spec is drool-worthy for sure. Those wheels are probably my favorite OEM wheel since the CSLs and portimao blue is pure sex. Also sweet garage.

[eforty6_m3]

Progress on the new daily, for anyone interested:



Order placed - 8/12* (*not sure, as my production number was changed due to a few issues, but my newest production number was provided on 8/12, so I'll use that)
Scheduled for prod - ??
Prod begins - 8/20
No updates for almost 2 weeks
Entering the assembly line - 8/31
Assembly in progress -
Quality check -
Final assembly -
Ready for transport -
Awaiting carrier assignment -
Dispatched from factory -
At the port -
In transit -
At the port -
In transit -
At the dealership -
Vehicle delivered -

This is how it's spec'd:

[eforty6_m3]

Car was looking really clean the other day when I surprised my older son by picking him up from daycare in the M3:

[eforty6_m3]

What front lip are you running?

This one. Many people on m3forum and now here on NAM3Forum have vouched for this eBay seller (happybuyitnow). The fitment is great, however, I didn't do a well enough job installing it (like an idiot, I had removed all of the backing from the 3M tape prior to installing, instead of taking off just enough of the backing to peel off the backing once it was mounted exactly as I wanted). So I'll be removing it shortly and reinstalling it the correct way.

I also bought his carbon fiber rear diffuser.

[Zero]

What front lip are you running?

[eforty6_m3]

Saturday was a much needed bath day, which also gave me an excuse to put my new pressure washer setup to good use. Pictures of that below. Process I used is as follows, if anyone is curious (if you decide you want any of these products, click my affiliate link in my signature to help me out):

• rinse off each wheel
• then spray with Adam's wheel cleaner
• use the Microfiber Madness Incredibrush to clean the barrel of the wheel
• use a lambskin wheel mitt to clean the face of the rims and front/backs of the spokes
• use a RaceGlaze brush to clean around the lug nuts, valve stem and the small gap where the tire meets the wheel face
• rinse wheel cleaner off
• spray Adam's Rubber and Tire Cleaner on the tires
• agitate/scrub with a TufShine tire cleaning brush
• rinse off tires/wheels thoroughly
• rinse off exhaust tips, then spray with Adam's wheel cleaner (yep, works great here)
• use an EZ Detail Brush to clean in and around the tips
• rinse off tips
• rinse off the entire car
• using MTM PF22.2 foam cannon along with Adam's Car Shampoo, foam entire car
• using two bucket method with Adam's Car Shampoo and Microfiber Madness Incredipad XL, wash entire car, flipping the mitt and rinsing often
• rinse off entire car
• blow dry (inside garage to keep out of the sun) with Ego 530 leaf blower
• using clean microfiber towels and P&S Beadmaker, clean door jambs, trunk jambs and engine bay to remove all remaining water
• wipe down paint with clean microfiber towels and P&S Beadmaker
• wipe down wheels with clean microfiber towels and P&S Beadmaker
• apply CarPro Perl with RaceGlaze XL brush to tires
• when you finish the last wheel/tire, you can now go back and wipe off all excess Perl with another microfiber towel to get a great, satin sheen

Now the photos from Saturday morning:

[eforty6_m3]

Good thread. You are right near me and was just in Swansea today with my lowly SMG vert :-).

Thanks, man! So where are you located?

[eforty6_m3]

Love the last shot

Thank you...it's my favorite, as well!

[Zero]

Good thread. You are right near me and was just in Swansea today with my lowly SMG vert :-).

[Tbonem3]

Love the last shot