DepthPatrol’s 2002 Japanrot M3 Build/Restore Journal

[DepthPatrol]

Starting a build/restore journal for the first time time on a car. This is a recent pickup for me and a return to the M3 chassis and car world in general after being away for 8 years. I truly miss having a vehicle to work on and help bring back to proper condition and this journal will hopefully help document that process. A few highlights of the car:

- 2002 M3 Individual Japanrot Red SMG
- Harmon Kardon System
- Cosmetically rough condition but mechanically pretty well sorted.
- Until 2024, this was a one owner old lady owned car in Winter Park, FL. Serviced at Fields of Winter Park its whole life. Someone tapped the front bumper and minor hood and bumper movement caused the owner to park it in her driveway for 6 years. Much of the paint and interior (fish bowl glass no UV protection) wis damaged and needs help.
- Fast forward to 2024, an old friend caught wind of an Individual color order M3 rotting in a driveway, noticed by someone else he knew while at a garage sale next door. He promptly negotiated a deal on the car and since his ownership it has been living in his workshop.
- During his ownership he had performed the big three, and addressed numerous other issues.
- I purchased the car in June 2025 and here the journey begins under my ownership. I took a one way flight to Orlando and hauled the car back to Virginia on the Amtrak auto train.
- The car will live indoors a garage with a dedicated spot out of the elements.

[DepthPatrol]

Stashing these here for the journal, which has some history of the car on a youtube series.

Original found condition of the one owner car in Winter Park, FL:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8gJ8B7uRK44&t=15s&pp=ygUOTG9ja2luZyBkaWYgbTPSBwkJvgkBhyohjO8%3D

Overhaul, Rod Bearings, Subframe Reinforcement:

https://youtu.be/tyTXSIOvLZQ?si=CB02m5tqDhiXsLBR

Additional coverage of the car, test drive after the big 3 completed:

https://youtu.be/zsPosZMHl3w?si=pJJU7gdDmcxs9f2j

[DepthPatrol]

Door Cards came out, pretty decent condition. Gave them a rejuvenation with detailer, insulated with Kilmat, installed Bavsound speakers, all new plastic grommets.


Relocated the climate control panel with a Dynavin bracket. Fit and finish is above average for the price. Removing the old business cd player due to broken power knob. Easy fix but while removing with all the effort involved, decided to upgrade to an Avin Avant 4 Carplay unit. See installed photo later in this series.


Old tweeters were completely deteriorated from the FL sun.

Took out the rear 6x9 sub panel in the trunk to evaluate and clean the connections. Speakers ate working great and were shielded from the heat and sun in the trunk. Leaving them for now as they work great.

Bavsound replacements.

Rear 6x9 “subs” in good mechanical and cosmetic shape. Replaced plastic grommets on the housing and cleaned up everything and reinstalled.

Old speaker was completely deteriorated.

Removed all rear seats and the OEM sound deadening which had deteriorated badly. Replaced with a foam insert cut to fit the area to protect the metal beneath. According to the records, the original owner had replaced the fuel pump previously at Fields BMW in Winter Park, FL. Cleaned up and reinstalled everything with new clips where possible.


Rear deck with the speaker grills removed showing the sun damage. This came out and all the pieces got a refresh in black to bring it all back. Will post a photo of that when all back together. Some plastic clips broke and require ordering and waiting…