2002 LSB build/maintenance journal

[jdauria]

Nicely done, this LSB is in better hands!

[Mpower04]

Awesome update. Why didn’t you go for the cmp subframe bushings to use with the plates

Thanks! I got a good deal on the plates from a local shop and already had the TMS bushings pressed in.

[0-60motorsports]

Awesome update. Why didn’t you go for the cmp subframe bushings to use with the plates

[Mpower04]

Finally finished getting the car back together enough to put some miles on it. I wasn't very good about taking pics but the summary of what I replaced is;

-subframe reinforcement plates(CMP plates iirc)
-Vince bar w/ front gussets
-TMS solid subframe bushings
-TMS street camber arms
-TMS monoball upper inner control arm bushings
-stock upper/lower outer ball joints
-stock front diff bushing
-E36 M3 stock rear diff bushings
-stock differential fluid
-Syncro Design RTABs
-Stoptech stainless rear brake lines
-ATE Typ 200 brake fluid
-stock rear brake pads/rotors/sensors
-BW rear shock mount reinforcements

-Nissens radiator
-Rein upper/lower radiator hoses
-upper/lower temperature sensors
-Geba water pump
-BMW water pump gasket
-BMW water pump pulley/bolts
-BMW expansion tank w/ cap
-ECS overflow line
-Borg Warner thermostat
-block drain
-BMW coolant/distilled water

-BMW LED tail lights (previously eagle eye reps)
-BMW kidney grilles
-BMW side grilles
-L/R side turn indicators

-Gruppe M replica muffler. I typically do not use any replica parts but this was local and weighs 13 pounds so I'm giving it a shot. At some point it will probably be replaced but it beats the stock muffler.

I am currently running with no mechanical fan but I will be putting in an electric setup.

I used weld through primer, POR-15, BMW seam sealer and EZ coat in a stockish color over all my welds on the bottom/top side of the car. It looks pretty messy because I just used my finger to spread the seam sealer. I still have to paint the top side in the car.

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr

Just decided to scrape all this off.

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr

This all needs to be finished up but is good enough for now. Similar to the bottom I used weld through primer, POR 15, seam sealer and cavity wax where applicable.

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr

Some nasty brake fluid and radiator.

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr

Back under it's own weight.

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr

[Mpower04]

The first bit of maintenance I did was;
-belts/pulleys/tensioners
-fan clutch/fan (sounded like a bus)
-engine air filter
-fuel pump

There was some tinted film on the headlights/taillights I also removed.

After this the coolant temp would creep with the AC on so I ordered another fan clutch from FCP as I likely received a faulty one. It was perfect before.

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr

Swapped the brand new fuel pump I put in the silver one to the LSB

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr

Shortly after that I did rod bearings;
-ACL bearings
-OEM bolts
-motor mounts
-spark plugs
-oil pan gasket
-Liqui Moly 10W60
-new oil pump bolts
-steering coupler
-oil level sensor

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr

Old stuff

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr


That brings it up to where I currently am. I'm in the middle of doing the RACP reinforcement along with the Vince bar so I will update once that is done. Overall everything was in very good shape with only a few minor spots needing to be addressed.

[Mpower04]

Here we go... again. I unexpectedly purchased this car earlier this year in April. As some of you may have been following I bought a silver E46 M3 before this in need of "some" TLC and was planning to make that the way I wanted. Fast forward a bit and I get a text from the then owner of the LSB asking if I was still interested. He had this car listed on M3F (rip) when I initially inquired several months prior but he decided to keep it. Like any maniac, I had to have it so I told him it's mine. I have wanted an LSB since 2013 after seeing one here and there around town when I lived in College Station and thought it was the coolest thing. I've had several E46 M3s prior to this but I think I finally found "the one". Just days after we agreed on a deal a friend and I were on the road from Austin, TX to St. Louis, MO.

The car is an incredible spec;
-LSB with black manual non heated seats
-Slick top
-No nav
-Halogen lights
-SMG (I like it)
-148,xxx miles

I'm the third owner. The car came with almost all the delivery documents to include a VHS tape that's still shrink wrapped and all of the keys. The only modifications were RAC wheels and Eibach lowering springs so this was a plus for me as I like to start with a blank canvas and prefer untouched cars. My plan for this is to keep it OEM+. I eventually ended up selling my silver one back to the individuals I got it from and we worked out a deal for me to keep pretty much all the parts I hard literally just installed.

The first time I saw it in person.

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr



Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr

Finally home.

Untitled by jake ellegard, on Flickr