[Patel511]

Back to the forums, after selling my F30 335i a few years ago. I was waiting for my unicorn.

Here is the new E46

This will be the weekend warrior/ project, and the DD will be my Tesla M3P

[gotgemini2000]

Looks awesome - question for you:

1. just bought a similar car (2004 M3)
2. Thing has like 64K miles on it - weird cosmetic stuff (pinstripes and red non OEM wheels...) that can be reversed but otherwise looks to be in very good shape with only 2 owners
3. What sort of work are you having done (besides big 3) to get it rock solid?

[Patel511]

Nice! I am going to start with the standard oil changes and other fluid flushes, get it put on a lift and inspect further to see what other preventative maintenance needs to be done.

Thinking about swapping the SMG to manual

[gotgemini2000]

cool, swapped mine to stock rims. Swapping back and forth between my stick G80 M3 and this. So similar and different at the same time - E46 is like an old school 325i below 4500 RPM. Have to run it up top to keep it in red mist mode. Getting big 3 done shortly. Thes things are fun.

[EdgyE36]

Very nice. IB for the win! Enjoy making it yours.

[Rich_lol]

Originally Posted by gotgemini2000

Looks awesome - question for you:

1. just bought a similar car (2004 M3)
2. Thing has like 64K miles on it - weird cosmetic stuff (pinstripes and red non OEM wheels...) that can be reversed but otherwise looks to be in very good shape with only 2 owners
3. What sort of work are you having done (besides big 3) to get it rock solid?

At ~60k you may need to get the spark plugs done, since while you’re in there for the vanos seals etc

[NB STIG]

Originally Posted by Patel511

Nice! I am going to start with the standard oil changes and other fluid flushes, get it put on a lift and inspect further to see what other preventative maintenance needs to be done.

Thinking about swapping the SMG to manual

Congrats on the new car. It looks really nice. I have a 2005 BMW M3 CS in Interlagos Blue with Dove Gray Napa Leather interior. I think changing the fluids first is the way to go. Next, take care of any oil leaks and the worn out rubber you may have.

However, I wanted to give you a piece of advice. Just like you, when I purchased the car, I wanted to swap it to manual because I saw all over the internet that that was the way to go. However, after experiencing the SMG for a few months and installing the CSL SMG software by a "reputable shop", I decided not to swap the car. In fact, now I understand why BMW installed the SMG transmission in the CSL, because it is awesome!

If you have a clean example with a good working SMG transmission and you maintain the car properly, you won't have any issues with the transmission. I would recommend you spend some time learning the transmission. It makes the car much more special than a manual in my humble opinion.

[IcewaterPete]

OP: Any update on work done? It looks like you found any amazing gem. The color combo is awesome.

[Patel511]

Originally Posted by IcewaterPete

OP: Any update on work done? It looks like you found any amazing gem. The color combo is awesome.

Sorry been away for a while, a few things done, new Avin unit installed, new plugs and coils as well. Next is the fluids that are leaking (oil pan gasket and diff). More to come!

[Loopyspec]

Great find!

[Patel511]

Update: SMG swap complete, was starting to have a few issues with it, so I bit the bullet and got the swap done.

Sourced all the parts myself using a guide list found on another forum, then the shop I worked with sent the bellhousing off to Lang for machining, they put it all back together with coding and paddles deleted. Used the E60 shorter arm instead of the E46 arm, and the smaller heavier m sport knob.

Also had the seals replaced on the diff and fluid flushed

This thing is a blast to drive now!

[EdgyE36]

Congrats! That shifter looks like the F10 M5 I went with.

What are you thoughts on the need for rod bearings? Many say not necessary if car wasn't over-revved when cold, you can keep an eye on things with oil analysis. And late model E46s had change in RACP, which may help prevent subframe issues.

Obviously I'd like both those things to be true. Wondering if you've researched.

[M3_in_NC]

Beautiful car! What are your thoughts on the Avin unit? You happy with it? Have been considering it for mine.

[Patel511]

Originally Posted by EdgyE36

Congrats! That shifter looks like the F10 M5 I went with.

What are you thoughts on the need for rod bearings? Many say not necessary if car wasn't over-revved when cold, you can keep an eye on things with oil analysis. And late model E46s had change in RACP, which may help prevent subframe issues.

Obviously I'd like both those things to be true. Wondering if you've researched.

I need to do both the vanos and rod bearings soon, in terms of priority vanos will be first for me based on the current condition of the car. Based on what I’ve read, it’s better to be safe than sorry about the rod bearings.

[Patel511]

Originally Posted by M3_in_NC

Beautiful car! What are your thoughts on the Avin unit? You happy with it? Have been considering it for mine.

I like the Avin unit, it’s not perfect but the OEM look sold me on it. The processor you choose matters a lot.

[tokyodrift]

Originally Posted by Patel511

Sorry been away for a while, a few things done, new Avin unit installed, new plugs and coils as well. Next is the fluids that are leaking (oil pan gasket and diff). More to come!

Originally Posted by Patel511

I like the Avin unit, it’s not perfect but the OEM look sold me on it. The processor you choose matters a lot.

Can you share your Avin specs?

[Patel511]

Originally Posted by tokyodrift

Can you share your Avin specs?

Sure!

[maelong]

Congrats, the car is beautiful!
How was your driving experience from the F80 VS the e46?