Sharocks 2004 CB/Cinn 6MT Build Journal

[Sharocks]

Ok so where we last left off I was still in school in Toronto going into my senior year. Yay.

Halfway through my dad got sick so I made a deal with my dean to transfer one of my degrees over to Boston University. Now I'm moving back!

I quickly realized that the M3 does not like Boston. I needed a car to lug around stuff too. So I bought a one owner 2005 X5 4.8iS in LeMans Blue with the comfort black leather option. Was a great car for the 3 years I had it. Managed 10 MPG consistently and was my "M5" because I needed the space but wanted some power.





So somewhere along the way I had the idea that the X5 and M3 could be combined to one car to do it all. I had a local doctor looking for an E46 M3 for a track candidate and wanted to trade his B7 RS4 in Sprint Blue. I took it for a drive because I had never driven one or any Audi before and WOW. Yea no. Understeer all day long. No thanks. Great color and spec but wasn't going to cut it.



A few (terrible I might add) shots of the M3 getting it's last fill of Canadian overpriced 91!

[Sharocks]

You're going to have to excuse the iPhone 4 and my neanderthal photo taking skills but that was a WHILE ago. When I originally bought this car I never thought I'd keep it. I was going to sell it in a year or so and possibly upgrade to an E9X M3. LOL

I'm still digging around for photos.

[Sharocks]

This is copied over from Bimmerpost but you get the gist.

Bought on 04/27/13



When I first saw her:





Driving back home, stopped in CT for Redbull:



Hit 155k on the way in PA:



Thought this was funny for some reason (was delirious after 13 hours of driving):












Some background info on the car:

I bought this car from the original owner who had it dealer serviced, at the same dealership he ordered it from, for it's entire life. From 2004-2013! Stacks of maintenance records, and after a 3 hour PPI, compression, leak down, and suspension bushings/subframe checks it passed with flying colors.

Now the main part, I bought this car at 154,785 miles, all highway as it has no paint defects other than stone chips. Since it had such "high" mileage it was initially a turn off, but I figured I'd give her a go, with a PPI. Turns out this high milage E46 M3 was the best E46 M3 in overall condition/performance/maintenance history/and general honesty I had come across over my 4 years of searching for one. Then, I bought her.

I usually have a knack for finding cars way out of state and extremely far away, fortunately, my parents are in the travel business and are extremely/annoyingly spontaneous folk and will never say no to a trip even if they are pointless and I don't come back with a car. This trip was different however, I always went with my dad, but my mom wanted to go for one. So off we went to Pittsburgh to pick up the car. Landing in Pittsburgh, saw the car all pretty and got a ride in a GT3 RS with full GMG exhaust, OEM Rollbar, Tune etc. I have a video, I will upload it later.

Picked up the car, paid the money, said my thanks and drove 13 hours straight back to Boston. Best drive ever. Car did not give me any issues other than it going through gas extremely quickly for an I6.

I look forward to using it properly.

Factory Specs

2004
Carbon Black
Cinnamon (Heated/Powered/Lumbar Seats)
6 Speed
Brushed Aluminum Trim
Moonroof
Bi-Xenons
HK Sound

Exterior

Painted Reflectors
Macht Schnell 90mm stud kit
Turner Motorsports 17.5mm/Macht Schnell 10mm Spacers F/R
3M Clear Bra
Sharkfin Delete

Interior

OEM BMW Motorsport Golf Ball Shift Knob
OEM F10 M5 Illuminated ZHP Shift Knob Boot
AC Schnitzer Pedals
DIY Clutch Stop
OEM Euro Long Console
Aux Input
WeatherTech Floormats

Engine/Driveline

Dinan Intake
Dinan MAF
Dinan Throttle Bodies
Dinan 545i Modified SSK
Dinan 3.91 LSD
Dinan Stage 4 Tune
Bimmerworld Silicone Intake Boot

Exhaust

JVT-R Ceramic Coated Headers
OEM Section 1
OEM Section 2
Mevius Exhaust

Suspension/Brakes/Wheels

TCK D/A 450/550
TCK Camber Plates
TCK Monoball RSM's
H&R Adjustable Front Swaybar
PFC 01 Pads F/R
OEM ZCPs with Michelin PS2s 245/35/19 and 285/30/19

Alignment Specs

Corner-balanced
Right height set to 13.5 F/R with a driver and half a tank of gas
Running medium stiffness/medium compression

Camber: -2.75F / -1.8R
Toe: 1/8F / 1/16R
Caster: Set as far back as possible

So a quick update! I bought a foam gun off a fellow forum member, he was very easy to spot in public



Dakar Yellow!

It was in mint shape too! OEM+



Now the biggest news of the last 10 minutes!

I was picking up some stuff for my mom, and 30 seconds away from my house I see an AW M3 coupe. I think nothing of it since I've seen it around my town parked. This time I get to see the interior in some light and it looked interesting so I parked next to it for about 30 secs. It turns out to be an AW/Imola/SMG and an 04+. The best/worst part of this whole ordeal is the muffler he had on the car.



I saw Ti tips and I assumed RE El Diablo or an AP, Megan or w/e. Lesson learned: Never Assume.

I left him/her a note on his/her windshield, this person lives 30 seconds away from my house!

Ohh and I installed the F10 M5 ZHP knob, install was a breeze, I used rubber cement to glue the boot to the E46 shift boot frame. I'll take some lighted pics at night.

PS. If said forum member has an issue with the pics, please PM me, I'll remove them no problem!

Nice picture taken by a good friend of mine Busabos77!



Ok, so proper update time.

Installed 17.5mm spacers up front to push out the ZCP's.



And I met fellow forum member Mr.Wolfe while he was in my neck of the woods, nice to meet ya!



I installed JVT Ceramic Coated headers last Thursday, I felt an immediate difference at all RPM's.



While I was waiting on the install (it took about 8 hours at a shop because every single damn exhaust stud backed out!). I took some pics of their inventory

Ferrari 575 with a 6 speed manual!



I went to test drive an FRS because racecar, Toyota won't care how I park.





My buddy also showed up to tag along, he parked fine though...




Next I installed a Mevius muffler with Ti tips





A preview of what it sounds like with the headers + muffler and my other "mods", it's a short video because I don't like having unburnt fuel in my face.

http://youtu.be/gZQQ_E0py5g

While the muffler was being installed this gem rolled in, it's a numbered Canadian Euro Spec E36 M3 owned by a BMWCCA Instructor who knew all of my instructors.

It's 18/45 Diamond Schwartz Metallic with an OEM GT Wing and Stamped LTW's with PSS's and PFC brakes all around (awesome sauce).



Dat Motor! It's a built 3.0 S50B30 stroked to 3.2 with all new valves, cams etc.





Full Raven rollcage and datalogger etc. Thing was done up right.



964 PCar.





Update!

Muffler has been awesome! Here's a vid my cousin shot while riding shotgun.

http://youtu.be/tZ5-iv5siYk

I get free parking at work, but I have to park in the loading dock to do so, I parked for 3 hours and this is what I see when I get to my car.



She was a GREAT driver.



Lady, how the hell did you get out of the car?



Buddy with his Dad's Ford GT.



Dem switches.



Just going to get some groceries, ohh lets take the C63 Black Series today, why not!



The night before Bimmercruise.



All clean and purdy.



Before the new tires and camber adjustments.





I drive everyday, no garage queen here!



After our usual Friday night meet, we decided to head to Downtown Toronto as a group for some Pho (my idea) the cops did not like us at all, especially at 2 AM. Found a nice dock, so we did some burnouts in my buddy's E60 M5. What a view as well, sorry for the sh1tty pic, I was tired.



I met this guy at Bimmercruise, his car was an IND build car, Silver Ghost I believe. Makes me feel poor lol.



My crap photography ain't doing it any justice...



Spent 6 hours cleaning the car, top to bottom.



Love these wheels! But they are a PITA to clean!





Getting that stud kit and fuel filter installed.



Dem tips...



Going to school in the morning, this guy drives by...



Car is used to get me from Point A to food!



Picking up some parts from the stealer, LSB wrapped E92 M3 parks next to me. Take a pic, girl in the passenger seat starts laughing at me...



Eggnog Season has returned! ERMAHGAD!



Heading to school in the morning, Vorsteiner GTS-3 Widebody M3.





Miles just keep climbing!



One clean tip, one dirty as hell!



Some sort of an update I guess, been really busy lately however I somehow find time to do little things to the car.

First up, the DIY Clutch Stop. This thing FTW. And less than 4 dolares FTMFW.



I can finally hit 5th gear without an damn issues!



Next up was to change my cabin air filter. I forgot I left a brand new one under my trunk mat



Old one wasn't THAT dirty I guess.



There's a DIY thread over on M3Forum about installing the F10 M5 Illuminated ZHP knob correctly. I did mine a year ago to this upcoming month and mine looks better than yours :lol:



Helped a great friend of mine install his Karbonious CSL Airbox :drool: I basically held a flashlight and suggested the use of zipties the whole time!



Looks like someone got a new toy (05+, ZCP wheels)



And crossed this a couple days ago! Planned a vanos and rod bearing overhaul over the summer.



Subframe will have to wait until next year, as well as new brakes (thinking AP Racing + PFC :drool.

Car is eating rear tires so I'm getting my RTAB's checked out, it's either that or my alignment specs are too harsh for street use.

Other than that, I have some goodies awaiting the car back home in Boston (OEM BMW Motorsport and Swift Spring goodies :drool and in the future I plan on getting some light 18's with stickier tires.

Undecided if I want to leave the car's exterior stock. Not sure if I want to conform to the rep CSL parts everyone and their mom throws on these cars.

Mini Update:

Got a full set of PSS in 245/275 for a great deal thanks to a local!

Also, my friend got this for me for helping him install an exhaust on his E36 M3 and giving him a spare Euro Bosch headlight.





OEM BMW Motorsport Golf Ball Shift Knob!

It took 4 months to get here, it was ordered by fluke in December with no expectations to ever receive it!

Other news, the car basically sits at my parents house since I work in Downtown Boston now, so I can be a little crazy/crazier with practicality now. Getting an oil change, trans and diff fluid flush next week along with new belts for preventative maintenance. Also doing a valve adjustment to finish off my Inspection 2 next month.

Lastly, I found a local tuner! They're called BrenTuning in Central Mass and they offer live dyno tunes. I figured I would give them a shot since they are local and I want/expect instant gratification for everything!

[Sharocks]

Hi all,

Been in the crowd for quite some time. Have had a lot of ups and downs with my current car but still enjoy it sometimes maybe.

Mostly a placeholder for now. I have to find photos to try and document it the best I can during Rona Days.

Specs:

2004
Carbon Black
Cinnamon
6MT
Premium Package
Cold Weather Package
Brushed Aluminum Trim
Sunroof
Lifetime Sirius
1 Owner (bought her from the original owner)
Dinan Stage 3 (Basically everything but the blower)

Build List (Current as of 01/25/2022):

Engine:

Motorsport CSL Intake
Dinan TBs
Schrick Cams 288/280
Schrick DLC Coated Rocker Arms
SuperTech Titanium Valve Springs
Stage 3 Ported Head
ARP 2000 Head Studs
OE Head Gasket
HTE Alpha N Dyno Tune

Exhaust:

SSV1 Headers
SS Oversized Section 1 with Vibrant 2.5" Ultra Quiet Resonators Welded In
SS Oversized Un-Resonated Section 2
MXP Mevius Titanium Prototype Race Exhaust with HPF 3.5" adjustable slash cut Titanium tips

Driveline:

Fan Clutch Delete
Bimmerworld Group N Track Motor Mounts
Rogue Engineering Transmission Mounts
AutoSolutions Custom 45% Ultimate SSK
Dinan Hi-Clamp Clutch Kit
CDV Delete
AKG 95A Differential Bushings
AKG 95A Subframe Bushings
Custom Diffsonline Dinan 3.91 Triple Clutch Differential with 30/70 Ramps

Suspension:

TCK D/A Coilovers
Hyperco 500/550 Springs
Vorshlag Camber Plates
TCK Monoball RSM
H&R Adjustable Front Swaybar (set to medium)
OE FCABs
Rogue Engineering Track RTABs
Custom Alignment (-3.5/-2.5 Camber, 0 Toe F/R)
Corner Balanced (3250 lbs with 1/4 tank without me in it)

Brakes:

Brembo GTR 4 Piston BBK
Brembo Type V Rotors
Raybestos ST43 Pads/StopTech Street Pads
Centric Blank Rear Rotors
Raybestos ST43 Pads/StopTech Street Pads

Exterior:

OE Euro Front Bumper
Custom 1x1 CF Fog Light Covers
Frozen Gray Side Mirrors
Vorsteiner Double Sided 1x1 CF CSL Trunk
Vorsteiner 1x1 CF GTS3 Diffuser
Sharkfin Delete
Dinan Badge

Interior:

Custom Tainik Thickened 12 O'Clock Cinnamon Striped Steering Wheel
OE BMW Individual Cinnamon Shift Boot
OE BMW Individual Cinnamon E-Brake Boot
OE BMW Individual Cinnamon Armrest
OE Eurotray
Dinan Plush Floormats
E83 X3 Rearview Mirror with Compass and Homelink
3M Griptaped Pedals
OE E9X M3 Illuminated Shift Knob
Grom BM53 Bluetooth adapter

Lighting:

Osram Nightbreaker 5k D2S Bulbs
Invisibulb Corner Lights
OE Side Markers
LED Trunk Plate Lights

Wheels:

OE CSL Square Rear with Michelin PS2's 265/35/19
Forgeline ZX3R Square 17x10 ET38 with Toyo R888R's 255/40/17 (Track)
Macht Schnell 90mm Wheel Stud Kit

Maintenance

Full Beisans Vanos Rebuild
Reddish Motorsport Subframe Reinforcement
WPC Coated Rod Bearings with ARP Hardware
Blackstone Oil Analysis (every oil change)
Oil Changes with Castrol Supercar 10W60
OE Coolant Flush
OE Transmission Flush
OE Differential Flush
OE Oil Temp Sensor
OE Evap Hose
OE Coolant Return Line
OE Headlight Ballasts
OE Headlight Level Sensor
Dinan Intake Filter
OE Cabin Air Filter
OE Fuel Filter
OE Rear Brake Linings
OE F/R Fender Liners

Misc:

Car made 355 whp/252 ft/lbs on a Mustang Dyno and 362 whp/265 ft/lbs on a DynoJet
Redline is 8500

After going to a CSL intake, Alpha N tune from HTE Tuning, SSV1's with the Oversized Sec 1 and 2 the car made:

350 whp/260 ft/lbs on a Mustang Dyno. Redline is also decreased to 8250. More on this later.

Some pics (I will chronologically add them later):



Cars and Coffee Larz Anderson Car Museum BMW CCA Day August of 2018



Friend from NYC is a CCC (Classic Car Club of Manhattan) Member, brought up their track spec E30 M3 for the weekend to Boston



Going to one of the only shops in Boston I trust, Eurotech Motorsports in Natick, MA. Farley tracks an E46 M3 and a 997.2 GT3. Still has the M3!



What the car mostly looks like when it's out and about. I hate cleaning cars so Carbon Black and I do not get along. Car is Opticoat Pro'd currently. It seems to work. Wheels are ceramic coated but the Brembos + Raybestos pads DO NOT CARE.

Still looking around for photos. Will link some videos. For now, my Instagram link is in my sig.