[badluck]

After having an M2 for a while and deciding to sell it, i decided i hadn't finished with M car ownership yet (before these cars I only had Japanese cars).



picture of my m2 on the ring.

I picked up this clean manual 2003 E46 M3 coupe in black with 48k miles on it. I bought this car to hopefully keep for a while and make it into a decent road/track/nurburgring project.







on first inspection seemed to be free from rust, no vanos issues etc. After getting it home i noticed that the driver side window wasn't dipping when opening or closing and could see that it wasn't sensing that the door was opening. Needed a new door lock actuator as the sensor had broken, that sorted the problem out.




First thing i ordered for the car was new oil, filter, sparks, differential oil (with the friction modifier) and magnetic drain plug.



unfortunately when changing the oil myself i snapped the bolt in the filter housing so ended up getting the car towed to Tegiwa to get it sorted out.



They checked the car over for me thoroughly while it was there and noticed i needed a new cv boot so that got replaced. After the issue with the filter housing was sorted and the engine oil/diff oil changed i decided get the subframe/bootfloor reinforcement done by Tegiwa. On inspection there was no damage at all but wanted to have this done and out the way to prevent damage in the future.









Powerflex Bushes added





great service from the guys at Tegiwa, happy with their work and happy to have the car back. Gloss black grills arrived.





I had gloss black grills on my black m2 and loved how that looked, much prefer these the the chrome versions.



official BMW motorsport 'golf ball' gear knob i ordered from Germany. I needed to buy a regular e46 shift gaiter as my m3 illuminated gear knob was one piece with the leather. Love the way this looks and feels.



Spent a couple days detailing the car.

[badluck]

Godspeed AP kit with Ferodo DS1.11 pads









Rear Brake discs arrived from Tegiwa + JDM juice for the German whip.



painted rear callipers and had them rebuilt. Brakes all fitted now! JWS Developments did a great job fitting them and sorting a few other issues out with the car.

[badluck]

Nice and shiny, taking it easy bedding in the brakes.

[last1left]

Nice e46 I can't wait to see what you do with her You did not like the M2?

[badluck]

Originally Posted by last1left

Nice e46 I can't wait to see what you do with her You did not like the M2?

loved it, just wanted something cheaper to use not track and I'm saving to buy a house but can't fault the m2 chassis.

[last1left]

I see, is it carbon black or jet black? by the way it seems the e46 is going up in value unlike the e92. Are you going to lock down the vanos?

[Mantii]

I basically did the same. Bought the F80 M3 and picked up an e46 m3 a year later. That was last year. Just sold the F80 as I'm turning the e46 into a track car. The car is already pretty heavily modified and picking up my new daily driver/tow rig tomorrow

[badluck]

Originally Posted by Mantii

I basically did the same. Bought the F80 M3 and picked up an e46 m3 a year later. That was last year. Just sold the F80 as I'm turning the e46 into a track car. The car is already pretty heavily modified and picking up my new daily driver/tow rig tomorrow

awesome, yeah the e46 is nice for track, I can't wait to take my to the Ring next year. suspension next for me.

[badluck]

Wheels and tyres sorted! Coilovers ordered

[bboy_bk]

Nice build and car!

[badluck]

Originally Posted by bboy_bk

Nice build and car!

Thanks, loads more mods inbound soon

[Roundown]

Originally Posted by badluck

Thanks, loads more mods inbound soon

Subscribed

[Jevi Javi]

any updates?
I just bought an e46 m3 with 36,000 miles to turn into a track toy.

thanks!

[badluck]

UPDATES



Geoff Steel Racing single exhaust fitted today, massive weight saving. amazing service from Geoff Steel.

Recaro Pole positions with Lightweight aluminium side mounts. Using VAC brackets and PS designs harness/seatbelt bracket.





PS Designs Titanium Studs + Nuts



Geoff Steel carbon wings. Te37s now on awaiting suspension to be fitted(ignore the ride height)



Friend from Japan sent me some bits including a MoonFace Superlap Tow hook. Really good quality.







Car is currently at Spires having Spires tuned Nitrons fitted and the Eibach camber arms + full setup.





New steering wheel and titanium details.

[badluck]

[badluck]

[badluck]

Purple tag rack and solid coupling. Steering feel is 100% better.

[badluck]

Some photos of the car from a Nurburgring trip. Has Safety Devices half cage, Schroth 6 points and carbon adjustable GTS wing fitted now.